The Best Parts of Fall and 5 Fun Fall Activities

Posted on September 30th, 2020 in News, Surveys

In your opinion, what are the best parts of the fall season?

Do you love to stay outside, even as the temperatures drop, or are you a bigger fan of cuddling up on the couch in your comfiest clothes with a good book or movie?

Do you prefer delicious seasonal hot beverages or classic fall comfort food dishes?

We asked Canadians and Americans to tell us about their favourite parts of fall.

In this article, we’ll share their top 5 responses with you and share The LEO Team’s suggestions for five fun fall activities.

Woman holding a coffee and maple leaves

THE TOP 5 BEST PARTS OF FALL, ACCORDING TO CANADIANS AND AMERICANS

In September, we conducted an online survey. We asked Canadians and Americans to tell us what their favourite parts of fall are. They could select up to three different options.

The winner? Among both Canadians and Americans, it’s the leaves changing colour/the weather/the temperature.

Specifically, Canadians’ top 5 favourite parts of fall are:

1. The leaves changing colour/the weather/temperature (60%)

2. Thanksgiving (28%)

3. Eating fall food (27%)

4. The return of their favourite TV shows (26%)

5. Fall fashion/wearing comfortable/cozy clothes (22%)

And Americans’ are:

1. The leaves changing colour/the weather/temperature (45%)

2. Thanksgiving (42%)

3. Eating fall food (26%)

4. Halloween (24%)

5. The return of their favourite TV shows (19%) and watching sports (19%)

Infographic: Top Favourite Parts of Fall

BASED ON WHAT WE HEARD FROM OUR MEMBERS, HERE ARE OUR SUGGESTIONS FOR 5 FUN ACTIVITIES TO DO DURING FALL

1. Get outside and enjoy the beautiful colours/weather/temperature

It’s just our opinion, but the leaves changing from green to red, yellow, and orange, and the crisp air and cool temperatures are some of the best parts of fall. It’s the perfect time of year for a hike (if you live near the mountains), a long walk at sunset, a picnic in a nearby park, or a leisurely bike ride. In many areas, it’s also the ideal time to go apple picking!  Whatever activity you enjoy, take this opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature at the same time (while following the COVID-19 safety measures applicable in your area)!

Trees whose leaves are changing colour

2. Share a social distancing beverage with a friend or family member

Another great thing about fall is the return of seasonal hot beverages. In our latest survey, one-quarter (25%) of Canadian coffee drinkers said they are excited that Pumpkin Spice Lattes have started to return to coffee shops across Canada.

Even if you’re not a PSL fan, there are tons of other great fall beverages available, including apple cider, hot chocolate, etc. Why not redeem your LEO points for a Tim Hortons or Starbucks gift card, and treat yourself and a friend or family member? After picking up your drinks, you could spend some quality time outdoors together (at an appropriate distance, of course).

Woman with a hat and mittens enjoying coffee outside

3. Reinvent Halloween: celebrate at home!

If Halloween is one of your favourite things about fall (like 18% of Canadians and 24% of Americans), don’t let the pandemic put a damper on your plans. There are plenty of fun Halloween activities you can enjoy safely from the comfort of your home, including scary movie marathons; making your own candy, chocolate, or cookies; dressing up in costume, and more. Click here to read our article about 7 budget-friendly ways to celebrate Halloween at home.

Family carving pumpkins together

4. Prepare your favourite comfort food or seasonal recipe

For many of us, the pandemic has reinforced the importance of comfort. It’s a great time to make one of your favourite comfort food recipes (whether that’s macaroni and cheese, stew, a casserole, or any other dish that soothes your soul). If you prefer lighter options, many different fruits and vegetables are in season, including apples, grapefruit, broccoli, leeks, and more. Stick with an old family recipe, or try a new one if you’re feeling adventurous!

If you live alone, you could get together with friends via video chat to “share” what you made.

Woman holding a freshly baked pie

5. Reorganize your closet to prepare for the cold temperatures

It’s that time of year again: the time when we pack up our shorts and t-shirts and begin pulling out our cozy sweaters and other fall and winter gear. Many of us are used to spending more time at home than we did before the COVID-19 pandemic, and being comfortable is a must. Put on your favourite playlist and begin your seasonal reorg! After getting everything in order, we recommend sitting down with your feet up and your favourite warm beverage or comfort food.

Man reorganizing his closet

ARE YOUR PLANS FOR FALL SIMILAR OR DIFFERENT THAN OUR SUGGESTIONS?

TELL US IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

Survey Methodology

This web survey was conducted from September 11-13, 2020, with 1,539 Canadians and 1,001 Americans, 18 years of age or older, randomly recruited from LEO’s online panel.

Using 2016 Census reference variables, the Canadian data was then analyzed and weighted by our statisticians according to gender, age, mother tongue, region, education level and the presence of children in households in order to render a representative sample of the general population.​ Using 2010 U.S. Census reference variables, the American data was then analyzed and weighted by our statisticians according to gender, age, region, race/ethnicity and household size in order to render a representative sample of the general population.

This post is also available in: Français

Go back to the publications