Fall chairlift rides at Kelso run October 3 to November 1, 2026. See dates, ticket prices, hours, trail options, and tips for planning your visit.
Fall in Burlington and the surrounding area has a way of making everyone want to be outside. If you’re looking for a way to see the colours from above, the fall chairlift rides at Kelso are one of the best autumn outings around.
Conservation Halton has brought the rides back for 2026. Here’s what you need to know before you go.
When Are the Fall Chairlift Rides at Kelso?
The rides run from October 3 to November 1, 2026, weather permitting, on weekends and holidays. That includes Friday, October 9 and Thanksgiving Monday, October 12.
Chairlift Hours
First chair up: 10:30 a.m.
Last chair up: 4:30 p.m.
Last chair down: 5:00 p.m.
If you’re arriving late in the day, plan accordingly. The last ride up is loaded at 4:30 p.m. sharp.
Remaining Dates This Season
Thanksgiving weekend: Saturday, October 10 to Monday, October 12
Weekends from October 17 to November 1
How the Ride Works
You ride up on the Updraft Chairlift and come down on the Limestone Chairlift. Along the way you get views of the Niagara Escarpment and the fall colours.
What’s Included in Your Ticket
Each chairlift ticket is valid for two trips, in any combination of up or down. You can ride up and down, or ride up and hike down (or the other way around).
Chairlift Ride Prices for 2026
Pricing depends on the date. A chairlift ticket is separate from your Kelso park admission, which is free for Conservation Halton members.
Dates | Chairlift Fee |
|---|---|
Opening weekend (Oct 3 & 4) | $16.00 |
Thanksgiving weekend (Oct 10 to 12) | $20.00 |
All other dates (Oct 9; weekends Oct 17 to Nov 1) | $20.00 |
Park Admission (Non-Members)
Visitor | Regular Dates | Thanksgiving Weekend |
|---|---|---|
Adult | $10.50 | $14.50 |
Senior | $8.25 | $12.25 |
Child (5 to 14) | $7.25 | $11.25 |
Child (4 & under) | Free | $4.00 |
Prices don’t include HST. The chairlift fee is the same for everyone, members included.
Explore the Fall Trails at the Top
The ride is only half the fun. Once you’re up there, there are three marked trail loops.
Choose Your Trail
Easy loop (green): 0.4 km, a short stroll for little legs or a quick photo stop
Moderate loop (orange): 3.1 km, a good middle option
Hard loop (burgundy): 8.4 km, for hikers who want a real workout
Conservation Halton has a full trail map on the chairlift page, so check it before you pick your route.
What to Know Before You Ride
A few rules are worth knowing ahead of time.
Rider Requirements
Each rider must be able to sit on their own. Holding infants or children on your lap isn’t allowed.
Riders must be at least 42 inches (107 cm) tall.
Adults under the height requirement can still ride if they can put down the safety bar.
Children 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
What Not to Bring
No pets on the chairlifts
No bikes on the chairlifts
Tickets and Food
Chairlift tickets are picked up at the Arrival Centre or the Trailhead Sports retail store. Food, drinks, sweets, and snacks are available to buy on site.
Tips for Planning Your Visit
Book Online
Booking online is recommended, and you can add a chairlift ride to your Kelso reservation during park hours on operating days. A reservation also saves you from being turned away on a busy weekend.
Go Early or Late
Thanksgiving weekend and sunny October Saturdays will be busy. Arriving close to the 10:30 a.m. opening, or later in the afternoon, is usually calmer. Just don’t cut it too close to the 4:30 p.m. last ride up.
Check the Weather
The rides are weather-permitting, so check Conservation Halton before you leave. Dress in layers, since it’s cooler at the top.
Make It a Full Fall Day in Burlington
Pair the chairlift with a coffee stop, a local lunch, or a stroll through one of Burlington’s fall events. For more ideas on what to do this season, follow Burlington 365 on Instagram and join our newsletter for a weekly look at what’s happening around town.
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Disclaimer
Please note that the information in this blog is for general guidance only and may not always be up to date or accurate. We recommend double-checking details directly with local cities, businesses, or official sources before making any plans or acting on the information. We are not a news outlet, and while we do our best to make sure information is accurate, sometimes we make mistakes. It is always best to verify with official sources. The inclusion of any business, individual, event, or service on the Burlington 365 platform does not constitute an endorsement, recommendation, or guarantee of its quality, performance, or reliability. Users are solely responsible for conducting their own research and due diligence before engaging with any third-party businesses or services listed on the platform.
