Top Fall and Thanksgiving Activities in Guelph & Erin, ON: Hiking Trails, Family Fairs, and Local Festivities

Fall has officially begun, and with it comes a vibrant array of colours and exciting opportunities to enjoy the season. This season is packed with opportunities for adventure, offering everything from scenic nature walks and charming pumpkin farms to fun fall fairs that the whole family can enjoy. Whether you’re searching for the ideal trail to hike or looking for farmers' markets to enhance your Thanksgiving feast, we’ve got you covered with some of the best local spots to fully embrace all that this season has to offer

Guelph is home to a range of trails and parks, making it a perfect place to explore and appreciate the beauty of fall. Here are some must-visit spots:

Each of these spots invites visitors to explore and fully experience the natural beauty of Guelph, especially with the arrival of fall and its vibrant colours. Click here to learn more about the various trails and hiking locations throughout Guelph!

If you’re seeking an outdoor venue filled with fun activities and delicious fall treats, Strom's Farm & Bakery is the perfect destination! With a wide range of activities suitable for all ages, Strom's Farm has something for everyone, including...

  • Straw Maze
  • Pedal Carts
  • Corn Maze & Trail
  • Low Ropes Course
  • Wagon Rides
  • Pumpkin Chuckin'

Fall not only showcases a beautiful palette of warm, vibrant colors but is also famous for its delicious flavors and sweet treats. Strom's Market & Bakery offers an array of baked goods and pumpkin varieties, including...

  • 9 different types of pumpkins (varying in colour and size)
  • Tarts  (6 different flavours)
  • Cookies (4 different flavours)
  • Pre-made Pie Crusts
  • Ice Cream Sandwiches

Strom's Farm and Bakery is open from September 18th to October 31st, providing an excellent spot to enjoy fall activities throughout the season! Additionally, they’re open on Thanksgiving Monday, making it the perfect spot to gather and celebrate with family and friends!

Click here to learn more about Strom's Farm & Bakery

Looking for a fun way to celebrate Thanksgiving? Check out the Erin Fall Fair from October 11th - 14th! Gather your family and friends, and enjoy a weekend filled with fun activities, events, and delicious fair foods. 

Here are a few of the activities and events that you can look forward to…

  • Amusement Rides
  • Petting Farm 
  • Tractor Pull
  • Children’s Magic Shows
  • Drone Light Show
  • Musical Performances 

Click here to learn more about the Erin Fair!

Guelph’s annual Thanksgiving Day race is back on October 14th! Beginning in 1984, this is Guelph’s oldest family race, and it supports the Guelph General Hospital with donations going to essential patient care equipment! 

Six races run consecutively around Exhibition Park, with opportunities for individuals of all ages to participate and join in on the fun! Prices vary depending on the race, but kids race for free in the 100m dash.


Don’t wait! Sign up now to secure your spot for race day! Registration, prices, and race times can all be found on the official website.

Fall Home Maintenance Checklist You’ll Thank Yourself For in Winter

August 29, 2025
As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, fall is more than pumpkin spice and cozy sweaters—it’s also the ideal time to prep your home for the colder months ahead. A little effort now can save you money, stress, and even unexpected repair bills once winter rolls in. Here’s your go-to fall checklist to make sure your home is ready for whatever the season brings. 1. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts Falling leaves and debris can quickly clog gutters, leading to ice dams and water damage once temperatures drop. Clear them out, run some water through the downspouts, and make sure everything drains away from your foundation. 2. Check Your Roof Before the snow piles up, take a look (from the ground or with binoculars) for missing shingles, loose flashing, or signs of wear. Catching small issues now can prevent costly leaks later. 3. Seal Windows and Doors Drafts are sneaky energy thieves. Walk through your home with your hand near the frames of windows and doors—if you feel cold air, it’s time for caulking, weatherstripping, or even replacing old seals. 4. Service Your Furnace (and Change the Filter!) Book a fall furnace tune-up to keep it running efficiently all winter long. While you’re at it, swap out the air filter to keep your system (and indoor air) clean. 5. Winterize Outdoor Water Lines Drain and shut off outdoor taps, hoses, and sprinkler systems to avoid frozen pipes. If you’ve got a pool, now’s the time for proper closing too. 6. Inspect Your Fireplace & Chimney If you’re lucky enough to enjoy a cozy fire, have your chimney inspected and cleaned. It prevents fire hazards and keeps your home smelling like cedarwood instead of smoke. 7. Protect Outdoor Furniture & BBQs Cover or store patio sets and BBQs to extend their lifespan. Bonus: less snow shoveling around clutter in the yard. 8. Stock Up on Winter Essentials Don’t wait until the first storm to find out your snow shovel is broken or your ice melt is sold out. A little prep now goes a long way. 📝 Final Tip Think of fall maintenance as your home’s annual check-up. It’s not glamorous, but it’s the best way to ensure your home stays warm, safe, and efficient all winter long—leaving you more time to enjoy the cozy parts of the season.

10 Ways to Squeeze the Most Out of the Last Days of Summer

August 18, 2025
As the warm days get shorter and the nights start to cool, it’s easy to feel like summer is slipping away. But there’s still time to make the most of the season before we trade patio drinks for pumpkin spice. Here are 10 fun and simple ways to soak up every last bit of sunshine and summer spirit. 1. Catch a Sunset Picnic Grab a blanket, pack some snacks, and head to your favourite local park or lookout spot. End-of-summer sunsets tend to be some of the most vibrant. 2. Visit a Farmer’s Market Many markets are overflowing with fresh produce right now—think peaches, tomatoes, and sweet corn. Stock up while you can and enjoy the flavours of summer at home. 3. Host a Backyard BBQ (One More Time) Fire up the grill and invite a few friends over. Keep it casual with burgers and cold drinks, or try something new like grilled veggies and skewers. 4. Go for an Evening Walk or Bike Ride The cooler evenings are perfect for enjoying your neighbourhood trails or bike paths. It’s also a great way to reset after a busy day. 5. Plan a Day Trip Explore a nearby town, beach, or hiking spot you’ve been meaning to check out. Sometimes the best adventures are just a short drive away. 6. Have a Patio Night Out Support local restaurants by hitting a patio before the season ends. Bonus points if you find live music. 7. Try an Outdoor Workout Take your yoga mat to the park, join an outdoor fitness class, or simply do a bodyweight routine on your deck. Moving outdoors makes it feel less like a chore. 8. Catch an Outdoor Movie or Concert Many communities host late-summer outdoor events. Bring lawn chairs, snacks, and enjoy entertainment under the stars. (or hit up the mustang drive-in!!) 9. Make a Summer Memory Book Scroll through the photos you’ve snapped this season and print your favourites. A little DIY photo album is a great way to capture the highlights. 10. Slow Down and Soak It In Sometimes the best way to end summer is to simply be present. Grab your favourite iced drink, find a sunny spot, and enjoy doing absolutely nothing for a while. Summer may be winding down, but there are still plenty of opportunities to create lasting memories. Whether it’s a simple evening walk or a weekend road trip, these little moments are what make the season so special. So before fall rolls in—get outside, gather your people, and enjoy every last drop of sunshine.

Your Guide to Buying a Home with an Income Suite

August 5, 2025
Buying a home with an income suite is one of the smartest ways to break into real estate—or level up your investment game. Whether you're a first-time buyer looking to offset your mortgage, or a seasoned investor seeking steady cash flow, these types of properties offer real potential. But like any real estate move, it’s important to go in informed. Here's what you need to know before buying a home with an income suite in Guelph or the surrounding area. What Is an Income Suite, Exactly? An income suite (also called a secondary suite or in-law suite) is a self-contained unit within a home that can legally be rented out. Think basement apartments with their own entrance, kitchen, bathroom, and living space. Why Buy One? Offset your mortgage: Rental income can significantly reduce your monthly costs. Build equity faster: That extra income can help you pay down your loan sooner. Future flexibility: Use it later for multigenerational living, downsizing, or guest space. Attract future buyers: Many homebuyers see income potential as a major bonus. What to Look for in a Property When searching for a home with a suite (or one that can be converted) look for: Separate entrance Proper ceiling height and windows (especially in basements) Second kitchen and full bathroom Dedicated parking Soundproofing and privacy Zoning compliance Already legal is ideal—but don’t worry, we can help you assess the potential for legalization if needed. Legal Considerations Not every secondary unit is legal, and the rules vary by municipality. It’s essential to verify permits, inspections, and approvals before you buy—or plan to renovate accordingly. How to Analyze the Numbers Not sure if the numbers make sense? Here’s what to factor in: Current market rents (we can provide comparables!) Cost of potential renovations or upgrades Additional utility costs or separate meters Landlord insurance Property taxes and maintenance How We Can Help At the Hudson Smith Group, we’ve helped dozens of clients successfully buy and sell properties with income suites. From analyzing the investment potential to connecting you with local contractors and city resources, we’re here every step of the way. Ready to Start Your Search? Buying a home with an income suite isn't just about real estate—it's about setting yourself up for financial flexibility, stability, and long-term growth. If you’re curious about what’s on the market or want to learn more, reach out to us anytime. Let’s find you a home that works for you.
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