They watch Autumn’s breath paint the maple trees. In fiery hues of crimson and gold, the sun dipping low, the air turning crisp. Gloves slipped over number fingers, cheeks rosy. Hair strewn with tempesteous winds, a lover’s kiss. Wrapped in patchwork scarfs, traipsing down their bodies. They hoot with laughter, sitting on an unconspicious park bench. The leaves swirling around their ankles, in a rhythmic trance. For they were in Canada, the world painted around them so bright. Purple-orange creeping into flaming sunsets, the moon biding its time. Watching late afternoon gulp into evening, lost in the moment. Swapping the unique autumn staycation in the UK for something further afield. It didn’t matter that they were at home in London, pining with wanderlust. Pale faces, dark charcoal smudges under their eyes. Bedraggled, swathed in blankets. And yet, they would dream, and imagine. Planning autumn date ideas in Canada that were cozy and warm. They closed their eyes, and let the magic of Canada wash over them.
Romance in nature quietly unfolded. Like a friend you’ve not seen in years. Slowly, shly, with growing confidence. Icy patches glazed over slippery sidewalks like frosting. Winter’s song sparring with autumn, the half-way land. The rustle of the trees spoke secrets to them; a path to date paradise unfolding. A train ride, choo-choo, pointing fingers at the window. Arriving at The Canadian Rockies, eyes wide open. Golden larches and red maples framing verdant mountains. Crowds thinning, quiet moments by the ethereal turquiose lake. Elks roaming through majestic forests of fir, spruce and pine. Longhorn sheep, grazing gently. As night falls, wild wolves yip, moan and hoal. Yellow eyes like torches in the twilight zone. They imagine being mere steps away. Taken under the rookies autumn spell, virtually. Scrolling through pages of story-book esque landscapes. Peaks that pierce the endless sky, carved by time, by nature’s hand. Gushing streams, and rugged trails, eagles soaring through bitter winds.
A train gone awry, turned into a yellow canoe. Algonquin’s tranquil lake beckoning them into its silky folds. Paddles dipping in perfect rhyme, the world around them never-ending. Backcountry Canoeing, the idyllic kind. Overnight camping, building their dream trip from home. A flock of geese taking to the skies with a honking call. Reflections rippling on the water, a soft amber glow. Letting the world fall away, as they carved through the blue. The scent of pine mingling with earth, a hedonistic blend. Brown and blue eyes peeled shut, olive and fair. Curly, and messy. With a blink, transported once more.The fresh aroma of apples pregnant with fall. Carl Laidlaw’s Farm, walking hand in hand. With baskets full of ripe apples. Golden leaves crunching underneath their feet. Mid October, a treasure trove that started in spring. Seasons passing over the torch. Russet and Ambrosia, Granny Smith’s in Late October. Even a pear, waiting to be bitten into. Harovin Sundown, ombred red and green. Autumn date ideas in Canada best spent in nature. The sweetness of the orchard filling their souls with happiness.
Take A Historic Train Trip To The Canadian Rookies
They would take the rocky montaineer train, through the Canadian Rocky Mountains. Phones dumped in bags, unplugging from their lives. The century old route traversing scenery that seemed almost too good to be true. All Aboard the GoldLeaf Service, in a glass domed carriage. Cinderella, upgraded, oversized windows like picturebooks. Glacier-fed lakes caught between seasons. Old growth forests and abundant wildlife. Three iconic routes, but what would they choose for the future? First Passage to the West, a historic rail route via Kamloops through the Canadian Rookies. Connecting Vancouver with Lake Louise and Banff. Retracing the steps of 19th century explorers, a slice of history. Hells Gate, a highlight. A narrow and dramatic gorge in the Fraser Canyon of British Columbia Canada. Wild and free, known as ‘the place where no one can pass’. Unspoilt paradise, Castel Mountain could relate. Rugged cliffs juxtaposed with the lush greenery of the valleys. Imagining the deer scuttling through red-tinged forests. Sure, it wasn’t a hop on hop off service. But the views would be unparelleled.
Look no further than a luxury train trip to the Rockies for cozy autumn date ideas in Canada.
The Journey through the Clouds route majestic. A glass of prosecco, bubbles gently foaming. The reflection of the sun-kissed Kamloops swirling in the flute. Following the banks of the North Thompson River, through the spectacular Pyramid Falls. Imagining the water flowing over rocky outcrops, cascading into a small pool below. Rock formations like never seen before. Vegetation in shades of autumn. But she couldn’t think of anything more romantic, than Jasper Park. The second largest National Park In Canada, with sweeping mountain ranges, and deep valleys. Rivers, and expansive meadows. An area with cultural and historical importance for Indigenous peoples. The Stoney Nakoda, Cree and Metis. Their stories preserved. A park known for skiing and snowboarding in winter, but just as beautific in autumn too. The couple holding hands, like the very first time they met. Giggling, almost shy, noses bumping. Rainforest to Gold Rush, option 3. Sea to Sky, between Vancouver and Whistler. Diving into gold rush history, its chequered past unveiled. On the last stretch, witnessing the majestic Mount Robson. 12, 972 feet tall, the tallest mountain in the Canadian Rockies. Dramatic and imposing, steep cliffs and rugged terrain. They cheered as the trip ended, wondering where would their imagination take them next.
Go Canoeing In Algonquin Park
D chortled with laughter, as A recounted the tale of the one and only time that she went canoeing. Spinning in circles, going in the wrong direction. Canoe overturning, plunged into the river canal. Hair matted, stuck to her face, looking like a wet dog. But in their dreams, they imagined the impossible. The both of them, afloat, canoeing in Algonquin Park. Gliding across silvery-orange lakes, where dawn was awaking. The sky misty, the quiet hush of morning. Slowing down, hearing the loons call out. Their paddles breaking the glassy stream. In Ontario Canada, it was like stepping back in time. A moose stepping lightly through the brush. Canada Jay’s, whistling gently, puffing out their soft gray plumage. River Otters with sleek brown coats, splashing and tumbling through reeds and rapids. Red foxes darting through old Hemlock forests. The 30 something couple turning to each other and smiling. Watching hikers go on a trail, as they floated on by. When it came to cozy autumn date ideas, canoeing in rural Canada was top of the list.
As the sunset bathed the sky in fire, they would retreat into the darkness. With over 2,000 kilometers of canoe routes, they needed some shut-eye. Zipped into sleeping bags, the air turning cold. Frosted snores, red cheeks and noses. Morning broke, like an egg yolk into a pan. Rubbing their eyes blearily, ready for another adventure. Taking a water taxi across Opeongo, to the portage that would take them to Proulx. Feeding into Little Crow, past the dead pine needles. Damp dirt, propped up on a makeshift bench. But it was Big Crow where the magic would happen. A virgin white pine forest, one of the few in Ontario. A shallow secret beach, water waist-length. The wind crawling into their limbs, shivering. More layers put on, as they explored what the rest of Algoquin had to offer. Clover Lake, the ultimate send off. A 180 degree view of the lake from the fire pit and swimming area. Gingerly dipping a toe, splashing cold water on weary faces. A contrast of earthy hues; muddy green, and ruddish browns.
Go Apple Picking At Carl Laidlaw Orchards
It was something like out of a fairytale. Carl Laidlaw Orchards, a sea of red and green. The crisp wind gently starting to blow, the start of autumn’s golden glow. They wandered through orchard rows, reaching out for apples with glee. The reddest of reds, like Snow White’s lips. Branches bending, apples and pears, begging to be chosen. Like precious rubies glinting in the autumn sun. Swollen with juice, large and ripe. Open for two months only, a family owned orchard in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. Run by the third generation, dedicated to sustainable and family friendly farming practices. Couples on dates, sharing apples. Young kids with sticky fingers smearing mud on welly boots. Friends catching up, bags of McIntosh and Gala. Harvest at its peak. The lemon-yellow sun deepening into saffron, the skies tinged with dreamy teal. Reaching into their baskets, hair like silk ribbons dancing in the breeze. They bit into the apple, immediately transported. Her, trying her first ever apple pie as a teenager. Criss-crossed, laced with cherry and vanilla. Fluffy crust, melt in your mouth. Him growing up in rural Devon, endless green patchwork fields, an apple or two.
Rustic and charming, they fell in love at first glance. Bags with 10 pounds worth of apples and pears, imagining what they’d make. Savoury and sweet, the unexpected. A Sri Lankan Spicy Green Curry, peppery notes. Green and brown, tart yet spicy. Brazillian Caramelized Apple Cake tinged with cinnamon. Sweet, moist and fluffy, shoved into hungry mouths. Bananas dancing salsa with acidic orange, banana waiting on the sidelines. The grass crunched underneath their feet, the last of the apples and pears flung into their bags. Past the large hay bales, and the quaint signage. Paying for their wares, a ruddy smile on their faces. One last look at the orchard, their photographer snapping candids. A swirl of wind, a couple getting engaged in their favourite place. Wondering if that would be them one day. A girl could only wish.
Visit A Pumpkin Patch At Southlands Heritage Farm
Like apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch would be a first. Exploring a magical farming oasis in shades of orange and green. Southlands Heritage Farm, not just a day out for families. Couples choosing pumpkins at Old Apple Orchard. Round, knobbly, grainy, small or large. Remembering that pumpkin season was their favourite. Pumpkin spiced lattes with frothy tops, a splash of oat. Pumpkin curry with cardoman rice. Pumpkins stuffed with pungent blue cheese, and vegan chicken. Their stomachs grumbled furiously, imagining the delicacies that would impregnate their senses. Pumpkin and sage risotto flushed with white wine and parmesan. A vegan pumpkin chilli, with a hint of dark chocolate. They shook their heads back into the present. Twirling with pumpkins green and orange. The skies threatening to spill, a stormy gray. A black Cocker Spaniel dove into their pumpkin patch with boundless energy. Searching for its own cozy autumn date ideas in Canada, its girlfriend in tow. Grey with patches of black, silky ears, stealing pumpkins with a smile.
Going to a pumpkin patch is one of the most adorable autumn date ideas in Canada.
They sat by the campfire, pumpkins by their Chelsea boots. Toes curled up in cozy socks, hands tucked into pockets. Breathe in, breathe out. A mindful date, that was wholesome and affordable. $15 on weekends and holidays. $13 on weekdays. Though some of their pumpkins were grown on site, most came from their friend’s farm in Delta ( Westham Island Herb Farm), spread around the orchard for easy choosing. Though they came for the pumpkin patches, they stayed for the farm animals. Goats braying, nibbling leaves and munching grass. Sheep baa-ing, with wooly clouds like fluffy clouds. Chickens clucking, orange and white specks. Horses neighing, their mouths open with impish laughter. There was autumn magic at every corner, pumpkins, hay bales, animals and wildflowers. They watched the sun go down, amber slipping into dusky purples. Clouds melting into half-darkness. Greyish-black shadows illuminating the floors. The silvery moon half-night whispering debauchery into their ears.
See Polar Bears On The Tundra Of Hudson Bay
It was late October, Manitoba’s Hudson Bay freezing over. Stark white sheets of thick sea ice. Mosses, sedges and dotted around the tundras. Feeling snow on the horizon, hands cracked with cold. But for now, the colours were autumnal. Red and green, but wait what was this? The great polar bear gathering, a sea of fluffy creamy-white. Thousands waiting for the ice to thicken. Enough for them to begin their long-awaited hunting season. Where the Ringed Seals evaded capture, listening to Polar Bears roaming the tundra. Majestic giants, paws leaving prints in frozen land. Wild beauty and strength, their breath leaving icy stains. Dark beady eyes turned towards the couple, assessing them at large. Clambering across ice, batting at Ringed Seals breathing holes. Waiting for the right moment to strike. Breaking through the ice to catch the seals. They look away at nature’s bloodthirsty ravaging. The circle of life, predator vs prey. But there was something hauntingly ethereal about the scene. The bears gliding into water with grace. The flap of the seals trying to escape. Red-ringed lips, matted furs.
Can you think of anything more magical than polar bear spotting for autumn date ideas in Canada?
An estimated 1,200 or more of these creatures would move through the area each autumn. A brief look into Polar Bears up close, a short migration period. But it wasn’t just polar bears that would steal their heart. Churchill, the meeting of three major biomes, marine, boreal forest and tundra. Flora and fauna like they had never seen before. Beluga Whales gliding like ghosts. Their songs echping, a haunting tune. With playful leaps and graceful swirls. In pods they travel, from shallow bays to vast oceans. Wolves, roaming the land where silence drapes the snow. Coats of white tinged with greyish-black. Bright yellow eyes dancing across frozen plains and rugged terrain. Howls that taunt the shadowing skies. For a more relaxed approach to bear spotting, they would stay at Seal River Heritage Lodge. On a seaplane they would go, a remote lodge waiting for them to explore. Inquisitive polar bears saying hello, not the only resident there. Arctic Hares nibbling on willows. With fur so white, like a blanket of snow. Gathering in herds, with powerful legs they bound and dart. The Snow Fox, a contrast to the red ones back in the UK. A thick, albino coat to blend into their surroundings. Hiding from the polar bears, feeding on the carcasses left behind. Lemmings and eggs, nature’s bounty.
Enjoy A Cozy Cafe Date At Le Cafe Big Trouble
Their cozy autumn date ideas in Canada were coming to an end. Dreams of apple picking and polar bears swirling around their brains. Hearts glowing, animated eyes. Cheeks that hurt from smiling so much. But there was one more activity to tick off their Canadian bucket list. A romantic cafe date at Le Cafe Big Trouble in the Latin Quarter. A place where everyone can hang out; a cafe, a diner, a study meet up. Bring the family, see your friends. Go on that meet-cute date you’ve always been dreaming of. A daytime cafe and snack bar, showcasing Canadian delicacies finest. Poutine, shoestring chips drenched in thick gravy. Cheese curds melting into a thick brown puddle. Pan-fried Perogies, her first time trying them. Stuffed with cheese curds and tangy potato. Sour cream, with pickled onions and chives. But her personal favourite? Pouding chômeur rich and decadent. Sweet, laced with syrup, washed down with a decaf oat latte. They sat in a comfortable silence, not needing to say much. Holding hands, staring into each other’s eyes. Slowing down, as the world moved on around them.
It wasn’t just the food that drew them in. A character-led cafe, combining art with food. Framed art on the walls, the playful and vibrant cowboy themed work of Angie Miljanovic in greens and reds. Forest green tables, and matching chairs. Faux foliage trailing down the walls. Cartoonish drawings on every corner. A dopamine rush, on the date of dreams. But their commitment to supporting local didn’t stop and start with art. A menu highlighting local roasters, and local ingredients, complementing the home-style cooking. Seasonal produce, with fresh and authentic treats. They would induldge in their childhood comfort classics. Sugary maple cookies dipped into coffee. Apple fritters dusted in cinnamon sugar. A decaf oat milk cold brew, a swirl of white-ish brown. Open daily from 8am-4pm, serving brunch until 2pm. Drinks and pastries until four, every bite made with love. Their virtual trip in Canada had come to an end. Drenched in rain back in the UK. The earth drinking deeply, as children splashed in puddles. Cars drenched, umbrellas scattered outside Tesco’s. But still, the memory of what could have been stayed with them. Dancing in Fraser Canyon, buried in reddish-burnt leaves. Singing in Hudson Bay, tracing hearts in the sheets of ice. Laughing in Algonquin Park, at the River Otters paddling curiously on their backs. They shook the rain out of their hair, slipping into cozies.
One day that dream would become a reality.
What Are Your Favourite Autumn Date Ideas In Canada?
*Disclaimer
Please note this is a collaborative post but it is not affected by monetary compensation. All thoughts are my own.
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