October in Canada: Red Leaves, Warm Meals, and a Steady Housing Market
Published by Ron Alfred De Guzman | MaxWell Realty Blogs | October 01, 2025
Picture this: You're walking on crunchy red and gold leaves, feeling the cool air, with a pumpkin spice latte nearby. That's October in Canada – the best of fall, when nature shows off and things slow down a bit. If you're a local enjoying Thanksgiving or a visitor snapping leaf photos, this month is special. From fun events to housing trends, here's what makes October 2025 great. Grab your sweater – let's get into it.
Weather: Mild Days, Bright Colors, Maybe Early Snow
October weather is easygoing but full of variety. Temps are warmer than usual, ranging from 9°C to 15°C (48°F to 59°F) in most spots. Vancouver stays mild for walks by the water, while Toronto has crisp mornings great for hot drinks. Less rain than normal, more sun, but the Rockies might see early snow.
The highlight? Fall colors. Maples in Ontario and larches in Alberta turn bright red, orange, and yellow. Check out Algonquin Park for lake views or Niagara-on-the-Lake for colorful vineyards. Colors peak mid-month in the east, so plan your visit.
Holidays and Key Events
October has holidays for thanks and fun. It starts with Yom Kippur (October 1-2) for quiet reflection, then Thanksgiving on Monday, October 13 – our early harvest celebration. Enjoy turkey, cranberries, and pie, with nods to Indigenous traditions. Fun fact: Astronaut Chris Hadfield celebrated it in space once!
Halloween on October 31 brings haunted spots in Toronto and pumpkin events in Montreal. Other days include World Mental Health Day (October 10) and National Coming Out Day (October 11).
Top events to catch:
- Jasper Dark Sky Festival (October 17-26): Stargazing in Alberta with talks and hikes under clear skies.
- Pumpkinferno at Upper Canada Village (October 3-November 1): Thousands of carved pumpkins lighting up historic Ontario paths.
- Niagara Grape & Wine Festival: Taste local wines among the fall leaves (main events late September, but harvest vibes carry into October).
- Fort Langley Cranberry Festival (October 11): Bog tours, pies, and music for a fun harvest day.
These are great ways to connect and celebrate.
Fall Activities: Get Outside and Enjoy
No need to stay in when October calls you out. Pick apples in Okanagan orchards or visit pumpkin patches like Chudleigh's Farm in Ontario for hayrides and mazes.
Hike Quebec's Laurentian trails or Vancouver's Stanley Park for misty views. For excitement, try haunted tours in Ottawa or surfing in Tofino. Spot Northern Lights in Yukon with better chances from clear skies.
In Toronto, the waterfront festival has art, food, and music. PEI's shellfish fest offers fresh oysters by the sea. Fall here is all about the senses.
Quick Fun Facts
Share these at your next gathering:
- Leaf Colors: Shorter days reveal the hidden reds and yellows as green chlorophyll fades – not just from cold.
- Thanksgiving Roots: From a 1578 explorer's meal, mixed with Indigenous harvest foods like wild rice.
- Maple Trees: Ontario has over 8 million, making it a real-life postcard. Inspired our flag?
- Bats: October is their month – watch them at dusk in BC forests; they're great for bug control.
- Time Change: Daylight Saving ends November 2, but October's shorter days are perfect for fires.
These add flavor to the season.
Housing Market: Cooling but Stable
Thinking of buying a home? October 2025 shows a steady market. Average prices fell to $664,078 in August, down 1.3% from July but up 1.8% from last year. Sales rose 1.1% month-over-month, with buyers gaining confidence from lower rates.
Expect a small 1.5% price drop this year, thanks to Bank of Canada cuts boosting demand. Fall means less competition for deals on cottages or city condos. REMAX sees it as a fresh start with more homes available. Act now before holidays pick up.
Wrap Up: Make the Most of October
October in Canada is about change – from summer's end to winter's start. Roast marshmallows under the moon or plan that home upgrade. Get out there, plan trips, and follow the leaves. What's your favorite October activity? Share below – let's enjoy it together.
Want more? Stick around for winter tips. Cheers!