If your family loves getting outside to enjoy the fall colours, we have a new perspective for you: take a chairlift ride over the treetops at Kelso Conservation Area! And you don’t have to be a serious hiker to enjoy it!
Every fall, Kelso transforms into one of the area’s most unique places to take in the changing leaves. Instead of simply walking through the forest, you can climb aboard a chairlift and slowly make your way up the Niagara Escarpment, with colourful trees, rolling hills and the surrounding landscape stretching out below you.
It’s peaceful, a little adventurous, and definitely one of those fall experiences that kids will remember.
When Are the Kelso Chairlift Rides?
The scenic chairlift rides return to Kelso for fall 2026 from October 3 to November 1, 2026. They operate on Saturdays and Sundays, Thanksgiving Weekend as long as the weather is good.
The first chair goes up at 10 a.m., with the last chair going up at 4:30 p.m. The last chair coming down is at 5 p.m.
If you’re hoping to see the best fall colours, keep in mind that the timing of peak colour can vary from year to year. That’s part of the fun of a fall outing in Ontario — you never quite know what the trees will look like until you get there!
What Is the Kelso Chairlift Ride Like?
The chairlift takes you up the hill at Kelso, giving you a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding forest and Niagara Escarpment. Bring your camera, the views are spectacular!
Once you’re at the top, you can get off and explore the trails and viewpoints before deciding how you want to continue your adventure.
Your ticket is valid for two chairlift trips, and the trips can be used in any combination of going up or coming down. That means you could:
- Ride the chairlift up and ride it back down.
- Ride up, explore the trails, and hike back down.
- Hike up and ride the chairlift down.
- Ride up and use your second trip for another ride down later.
The flexibility makes it easy to turn the chairlift into either a quick fall outing or part of a longer day at Kelso.
How Old Should Kids Be?
There isn’t a specific minimum age listed by Conservation Halton, but there is a minimum height requirement of 42 inches (107 cm).
There are a few other important rules parents should know:
- Riders must be able to sit independently.
- Children cannot sit on a parent’s lap.
- Children 10 and under who meet the height requirement must ride with an adult.
- No pets are permitted on the chairlifts.
- Bikes are not permitted on the chairlifts.
- Adults who don’t meet the height requirement may ride as long as they can put down the safety bar.
How Much Does It Cost?
The chairlift is an additional fee on top of Kelso’s park admission.
For 2026, chairlift tickets are:
Opening Weekend – October 3 & 4
- Chairlift: $16 per person
Thanksgiving Weekend – October 10–12
- Chairlift: $20 per person
All other operating dates
- Chairlift: $20 per person
Park admission is separate and varies by age and date. For non-members, regular admission is currently $10.50 for adults, $8.25 for seniors and $7.25 for children ages 5–14 on regular dates. Children 4 and under are free on regular dates. Thanksgiving Weekend has higher admission rates.
Prices do not include HST. Conservation Halton recommends booking online in advance, to avoid disappointment.
Where Is Kelso Conservation Area?
Kelso Conservation Area
5234 Kelso Road,
Milton, Ontario
Kelso is located just outside Milton along the Niagara Escarpment. If you’re using GPS, make sure you’re heading to the main Kelso entrance at 5234 Kelso Road rather than the Kelso Summit address.
What Else Can You Do at Kelso?
This is where we think the chairlift really shines as a family outing. Rather than making a special trip just for a 10-minute ride, plan to spend a few hours enjoying the park.
Once you’re at the top, explore some of Kelso’s trails and lookouts. You can also enjoy the scenery around Kelso Lake and make time for a picnic or walk.
During the Fall Into Nature weekends, there are additional fall activities at Kelso, including kids’ crafts and colouring and lawn games. Thanksgiving Weekend also includes activities such as pumpkin painting, wood cookie branding and live entertainment. Some activities have an additional charge.
Don’t Forget Your Camera!
The chairlift gives you a completely different view of the fall landscape.
You’ll be looking across the treetops rather than simply walking beside them, so it’s a fun opportunity to take some family photos — especially on a sunny fall day when the leaves are showing off their reds, oranges and yellows.
Tip: Keep your phone or camera secure while you’re riding. You don’t want your favourite fall photo becoming an unexpected forest donation!
Is the Kelso Chairlift Worth Trying?
We think this is one of those experiences that’s worth putting on your Ontario fall bucket list at least once.
There are plenty of ways to enjoy fall with kids; apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and fall festivals are classics for a reason. But the Kelso chairlift gives you something a little different.
For kids, there’s the excitement of riding a chairlift. For parents, there’s the beautiful scenery. And once you’re at the top, you can turn it into a hike, explore the trails, take photos or simply enjoy being outside together. It’s an easy way to make an ordinary fall weekend feel like a little adventure.
Before you go: Check Conservation Halton’s website for the latest operating information and weather-related updates before heading out. Prices and schedules can change, so we’ve included the information available from Conservation Halton at the time of publication.
More Fall Fun With Kids
If you’re planning a full season of fall adventures, Active Parents has plenty more ideas:
Things To Do in the Fall With Kids – our big collection of fall activities, including apple picking, pumpkin patches, corn mazes and seasonal family fun.
The Best Places to See the Leaves Change – find more beautiful spots around Halton, Hamilton and Niagara for enjoying Ontario’s fall colours.
Fall Festivals Near Halton, Hamilton & Niagara – because sometimes you need a little more than a walk in the woods!
And don’t forget to check our events calendar for more family-friendly things happening throughout October.
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