Fall Activities in Ottawa
Fall is a magical time in Canada’s capital. So much so that gaping at the crimson, gold, and mint-green leaves is basically a sport and even has its own word: leafing.
The season offers a lovely backdrop for romantic photos. In Ottawa, autumn has some of the year’s best weather—not too steamy or too chilly. It’s also accompanied by the harvest, with a bounty of apples and pumpkins ripe for the picking at farms around the city.
Here’s what to do in Ottawa in the fall and where to wind down after a day well-spent crunching through colorful leaves.
Leafing in Ottawa’s Downtown Core
Get started at the heart of Canadian democracy: the 19th-Century neo-Gothic Parliament Hill buildings, which provide the quintessential subject for leafing photos, especially from nearby Major’s Hill Park. Exploring the sights around the capital buildings—discovering unique angles to photograph them—can easily fill an entire day. Worthy stops include the 70-foot-tall National War Memorial, honoring veterans from multiple conflicts; the historic Fairmont Château Laurier; and the Ottawa Locks, linking Canada’s pre-Confederation capital of Kingston through the 126-mile Rideau Canal.
If you’re drawn to the water, numerous pathways meander along the Ottawa River. Pick up the Ottawa River Pathway at the bottom of Parliament Hill. This is a part of the larger Trans-Canada Trail, a 15,000-mile network stretching across the whole country—the largest such network in the world.
No trip to downtown Ottawa is complete without visiting the ByWard Market, an indoor/outdoor market filled with fun shops and must-try bites, including the city’s most renowned dish, BeaverTails. These vegetarian-friendly fried dough treats come with toppings like Nutella or cinnamon sugar and a spritz of lemon.
Ottawa’s Fall Outdoor Activities
Ottawa prides itself on being one of the most active cities in North America, particularly when it comes to hiking and cycling, thanks to its impressive network of bike paths.
Another fabulous place to walk is in the Dominion Arboretum, covering 86 acres and featuring a tropical greenhouse. Outside the downtown area, the Greenbelt encircles the city and offers plenty of pathways.
For adrenaline seekers, Ottawa hosts the new 1,400-foot zipline across the Ottawa River to Gatineau, Quebec, known as Interzip Rogers. At 25 mph, the zipline provides a thrilling experience. If you’re looking to ride, be sure to plan ahead—it closes for the season on October 31st.
Fun Fall Events
As the leaves change in Ottawa, the Halloween season comes alive with numerous ways to get your spook on. In October, the Haunted Walk offers tours revealing the city’s ghoulish side. Under an hour’s drive from downtown is another popular haunt, Saunders Farm, with corn mazes and a spooky hay-wagon ride. These events wrap up on October 31st. Historical-reenactment site Upper Canada Village also hosts a Halloween fest called Pumpkinferno, which showcases 7,000 handcrafted pumpkins and an illuminated night tour.
For something less spooky, visit farms around Ottawa for apple or pumpkin picking at places like Proulx Farm and Mountain Orchard. Call or check their websites for details about apple and pumpkin seasons.
If visiting in November, consider attending the three-day Crave Food and Wine Festival from November 19-21 or honor Remembrance Day on November 11th at Beechwood Cemetery. Beechwood Cemetery also offers historical tours each month, which are particularly special in autumn.
Winding Down in Ottawa
After all the leaf crunching, there’s no better place to relax than Le Nordik Spa-Nature, North America’s largest Scandinavian spa. It features ten outdoor baths, nine different saunas, and an infinity pool overlooking the Gatineau Hills. The vibrant autumn scenery enhances the experience. Nearby, Les Fougères provides one of the area’s best culinary experiences set amongst the beautiful wooded surroundings of Chelsea, Quebec.
Back in the city, the National Arts Centre’s onsite restaurant, 1 Elgin, serves modern cuisine utilizing seasonal and local ingredients. It’s a fantastic spot to savor autumn flavors while enjoying views of the Rideau Canal from their covered patio. For seafood lovers, Whalesbone is highly recommended. For a more relaxed option, enjoy the city’s renowned Lebanese wraps at Shawarma Palace or visit the trendy taco spot El Camino.
Warm up with a delicious latte or hot chocolate from The Art House Café in Ottawa’s Chinatown or Little Victories Coffee Roasters, conveniently located downtown on Bank and Elgin streets.
To conclude your fall visit to Ottawa, explore some of the city’s many breweries, contributing to Canada’s craft beer renaissance. Visit Tooth and Nail in the Hintonburg neighborhood or Stray Dog Brewing Company, a dog-friendly microbrewery in the Orléans neighborhood.
