October in Alberta is one of the most beautiful months of the year. The air is crisp, the leaves are bursting with colour, and there are plenty of local events and activities to enjoy before winter really sets in. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly outings, fall festivals, or cozy autumn adventures, here are some ideas to make the most of the season.

🍂 1. Take in the Fall Colours

• Elk Island National Park – Only a short drive from Edmonton, it’s the perfect spot for a hike or picnic among the turning leaves.

• Jubilee Park, Spruce Grove – A great local option for families looking to enjoy a walk, bike ride, or just crunching through the leaves.

• Edmonton River Valley Trails – Always stunning, but especially in October with golden poplars and crisp mornings.

🎃 2. Pumpkin Patches & Fall Festivals

• Prairie Gardens & Adventure Farm (Bon Accord) – A local favourite with pumpkin picking, corn mazes, and harvest-themed fun.

• Edmonton Corn Maze – Open until mid-October, this is a classic fall activity.

• Spruce Grove Farmers’ Market – Check out local produce, crafts, and seasonal goodies.

👻 3. Halloween Events

• Deadmonton Haunted House – One of Alberta’s most popular haunted attractions.

• Fort Edmonton Park’s DARK – Immersive Halloween experiences blending history with spooky fun.

• Local Community Events – Many neighbourhoods and churches host safe trick-or-treat or trunk-or-treat nights.

🏒 4. Sports & Entertainment

• Edmonton Oilers – NHL season is underway, and catching a game is a classic fall tradition.

• Spruce Grove Saints – Local AJHL hockey with plenty of family-friendly energy in the stands.

❄️ 5. Get Ready for Winter

It might not be glamorous, but October is the ideal month to prep your home before snow hits:

• Service your furnace

• Clean your eavestroughs

• Winterize your yard

(Pro tip: getting these done early makes winter a whole lot easier.)

Final Thoughts

October in Alberta is about making the most of the in-between season—before the snow arrives, but after the summer rush is behind us. From colourful hikes to pumpkin patches, hockey games to haunted houses, there’s something for everyone this month.

👉 Have a favourite fall activity or hidden gem I should share in the next edition? Let me know—I’d love to hear your ideas.

As the days get shorter and the temperatures start to drop, now is the perfect time to prepare your home for winter. A little preventative maintenance in the fall can save you from costly repairs, improve energy efficiency, and keep your home safe and comfortable all season long.

Here’s a practical checklist every homeowner should tackle before the snow flies:

1. Inspect and Clean Gutters & Downspouts

Fallen leaves and debris can clog gutters, leading to ice dams and water damage. Clean them out and make sure downspouts are directing water at least a few feet away from your foundation.

2. Seal Drafts Around Windows and Doors

Check for gaps where heat can escape. A quick bead of caulking or fresh weatherstripping keeps your home cozy and reduces heating costs.

3. Service Your Furnace

Schedule a professional inspection and replace the furnace filter. Regular servicing extends the life of your system and ensures it runs efficiently when you need it most.

4. Check Your Roof and Attic

Look for missing shingles, loose flashing, or signs of leaks. In your attic, make sure insulation is intact and there’s no evidence of moisture.

5. Shut Off and Drain Outdoor Faucets

Frozen pipes can burst and cause expensive damage. Shut off exterior water lines, drain hoses, and store them for the winter.

6. Prepare Your Yard

Rake leaves, trim back overhanging branches, and cover or store patio furniture. A final lawn cut and fertilizer application help your grass bounce back in spring.

7. Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With furnaces and fireplaces running, fall is a prime time to double-check batteries and test all detectors. Safety first.

8. Clean Your Chimney and Fireplace

If you use a wood-burning fireplace, have the chimney cleaned to prevent buildup and reduce fire hazards.

9. Inspect Walkways and Driveways

Fill cracks or uneven spots before freeze-thaw cycles make them worse. This helps avoid tripping hazards when surfaces get icy.

10. Stock Up on Winter Essentials

Make sure you’ve got shovels, ice melt, and warm gear ready before the first big snowfall.

Final Thoughts

Staying on top of seasonal home maintenance protects your biggest investment and keeps life running smoothly through the cold months.

👉 If you’re thinking of selling in the near future, a well-maintained home can also mean a higher selling price and fewer surprises during buyer inspections.

Need personalized advice on preparing your home for the market? Get your free Home Valuation Report or sign up for a free seller consultation.

You can also download this as a handy PDF checklist right here:

Home Maintenance Checklist Download