As fall sweeps into the capital, Ottawa bursts into life with vibrant colours and fresh activities to celebrate the season. Looking for fun ways to enjoy autumn in 2024? We’ve got you covered with exciting ideas that will have you soaking up the season’s magic and making the most of everything Ottawa has to offer!
Scenic Ottawa Fall Ideas:
Check Out These Hikes and Lookouts for Stunning Fall Views
See spectacular displays of colour around in Ottawa in fall during Fall Rhapsody. It runs until late October, and it’s when the leaves are at their most vibrant. Use this Ottawa fall views guide to plan your adventure and take you to the best views throughout the capital.
Relax at Nordik Spa
Fall might just be the perfect season to visit Nordik Spa. The warm pools will feel that much better in the fall air but you’ll also get some incredible views of the Gatineau Hills while you relax. Treat yourself to the outdoor baths, sauna, massages and more. You’ll feel so relaxed after leaving Nordik. Head to their beer garden where you can enjoy one of the pools, a brew, and a great view of nature.
Sunset Hike and Beer Tour
Join Aventure Outaouais for a sunset hike of King Mountain. At the top, you’ll get a panoramic view of Ottawa and Gatineau. Enjoy this sunset hike with an experienced guide, and then end the adventure with beer tastings at Chelsea & Co. Brewery in Chelsea. Aventure Outaouais will pick up and drop off options in downtown Ottawa/Gatineau. Book in advance here.
Immerse Yourself Into Canadian Wildlife at Parc Omega
Drive through the park as Canadian wildlife approaches your car. This is a great time to visit the park because you’ll see plenty of vibrant fall colours as you drive around to see all the animals. You can get my full guide to Parc Omega here. Guaranteed a day full of smiles.
Adventurous Ottawa Fall Ideas:
See Ottawa Fall Colours From Above
This has been on my Ottawa bucket list for a while. You can take a helicopter tour in Ottawa where you can get stunning views of the Gatineau Hills and Ottawa River from above. I imagine fall would be an incredible time to do this with all the colourful leaves. Tours are offered through Heli-Tremblant and start at 10 minute sessions.
Zip Through the Trees At Camp Fortune Aerial Experience
Go zip-lining through the trees surrounded by colourful leaves with Camp Fortune’s Aerial Experience. Take in the beauty of the Gatineau Hills through their aerial courses and zip lines. Their explorer trail is 2.5-3 hours and is their longest aerial park with the most zip lines. They also have a mountain coaster you can go on until October 7th. Glide through the forest up to 40km/hr on their trail. Truthfully, I was a bit nervous beforehand but felt totally calm as I glided down the course. Book in advance here.
Festive Ottawa Fall Ideas:
Celebrate Ontario Craft Cider Week
There’s something about crisp fall air and local craft cider that make the perfect pairing! Ontario Craft Cider Week is October 7-13. What better excuse to celebrate and enjoy some local craft ciders at home or visit a local craft cidery. Check out my post below for an idea of a local cidery near Ottawa to visit where you can have a craft cider flight and picnic.
You can also pick up some Ontario craft ciders at the store and make a flight at home. Look for the Drink ON Apples logo, which means the cider was made with 100% Ontario apples. Take it up a notch and create a food pairing.
For Ontario Craft Cider Week you also have the chance to win a Craft Cider Advent Calendar here.
Get Festive at Pumpkin Inferno
Walk through the grounds of Upper Canada Village, and you’ll see over 7000 hand-carved and illuminated pumpkins at Pumpkin Inferno. The pumpkins are carved with so much detail, and you’ll be blown away by the creations they’ve made, like dinosaurs, ocean creatures, and more. This is a great activity for all ages. It’s only an hour’s drive away from Ottawa, and definitely worth it when you see all the pumpkins in person!
Use my guide to Cornwall to add to this adventure. It’s the perfect place to stop for dinner beforehand. You can also add on experiences like visiting the SDG Jail and more.
Visit a Pumpkin Village
If you’re looking for the perfect fall photo, this is the place to go. Citrouiville is a village full of pumpkin installations and Instagram-worthy photo ops. You’ll find it 1.5 hours from Ottawa on your way to Montreal (a good adventure to add to this). Enjoy the different pumpkin photo installations from houses, retro cars, telephone booths, and more. They also have a corn maze on site.
Go Apple Picking at Nearby Orchard
I’ve rounded up the best spots pick apples near Ottawa in fall. September is the best time for this. Many of the orchards offer additional activities like wagon rides. There’s one that has animals you can visit with, one that has pears and one that you can bring pups. Check it out here including details on my favourite orchard pictured below.
Find the Best Pumpkin at These Ottawa Pumpkin Patches
Similar to the apples, I’ve rounded up the best pumpkin patches near Ottawa in fall. Grab a pumpkin for your favourite recipe or to make a jack-o-lantern. Many of them have additional activities from Halloween fun, kid-friendly activities, fall treats and more. There’s even one you can bring your pup. Find the full list here.
Experience an International Market at Home
If you’ve ever been to a market abroad or hope to, you’ll want to check out One World Bazaar in Manotick. Their family travels to destinations all over the world and buys handicrafts directly from the producers. You’ll find products from Thailand, Bali, Kenya, Mexico, Peru, and many more. Each visit to One World Bazaar reminds me of markets abroad, and it’s a great way to travel right here at home. You’ll find so many unique items from around the world, including home decor, fashion, jewellery, and more. Check dates for One World Bazaar here.
Enjoy a Fall Day in the Byward Market
After admiring the fall colours in Majors Hill Park, pop over to the Byward Market to explore:
- Pop over to La Bottega and see if they have pumpkin spice cannoli available
- Grab a seasonal drink at a local cafe like Planet Coffee and wander the streets
- Visit the market and keep an eye out for these cute hand-painted pumpkins
Haunted and Scary Ottawa Ideas:
Visit a Horror Themed Cafe
Make your way to Carleton Place for a horror-themed cafe where every corner of this eerie cafe is filled with spine-chilling decor and sinister nods to your favorite horror icons. Have you ever sipped a latte in the company of a witch or shared a table with a creepy clown? Here, you can! Open year-round, this gem brings Halloween to life no matter the season-because every day is fright night. But don’t be scared by the ghoulish decor, the “booristas” are frighteningly friendly and will concoct your perfect fall drink.
Get Scared at Saunders Farm
This is the best place in Ottawa to experience Halloween fun! It’s perfect for family, friends or a date!
Head there during the day for Haunting Season, full of Halloween-themed family fun. There are over 35 attractions, live shows, a parade, 9 hedge mazes, pedal carts, food booths, a giant corn maze and more!
My favourite part is Fright Fest, their nighttime haunted attractions. This is where you walk through their haunted buildings and creatures will pop out and scare you! You need to do their haunted hayride, that will take you through a special course with lots of surprises 😉 Fright fest includes 5 fright sites, live original shows, street theatre, arcade games, food booth, and a tavern. This isn’t recommended for kids under 10, so make sure to bring them to Haunting Season 🙂
Acres of Terror
Head to Cannamore Orchard for Acres of Terror, spooky fun sure to entertain and scare. Start your visit with a spooky wagon ride led by a witch or warlock. Visit their house of terror, a fun house meets haunted house full of terrifying characters and props. Feel like you’re in a Halloween movie at their Spooky Village, a themed village with different houses and characters. Before you leave, can you make it out of the fog maze?
Skreamers
Skreamers at Proulx Farm is sure to scare as they invite you to take a ride on the wild wagon through the border forest and then stroll through the Side Laboratory and Front Barn.
Haunted Night Tour of Pontiac
Learn about the haunted history of Pontiac with Aventure Outaouais. This tour will pick you up in downtown Ottawa/Gatineau and then bring you a night full of chilling stories and haunts. You’ll be accompanied by local storyteller Greg Graham and visit four historical locations in the small town of Bristol, Quebec. Learn about the poltergeist of Bristol (Canada’s first registered poltergeist), the lost lumberman’s bride and more. The tour also includes some delicious cider and apple pie from Coronation Hall Cider Mill. Book this tour in advance here.
Stay Overnight in a Haunted Jail
Did you know you can stay overnight in a jail cell here in Ottawa? Saint Lo is a converted Jail hostel in downtown Ottawa. I had the chance to stay here many years ago and suprisingly had a very comfortable sleep. I did hear a scream in the middle of the night and I am happy we did the tour with all the stories the next day! Book your stay here if you’re brave 😉
Cozy Ottawa Fall Ideas:
Candlelight Concert
Enjoy a mesmerizing night of music illuminated by the gentle glow of candelight. Candleight Concerts brings a live, multi-sensory musical experience to unique venues. Listen to a string quartet bring classic songs to like from The Beatles to Taylor Swift. Book your tickets here. Don’t wait because they sell out quickly. I recommend sitting at the front for the best view.
Upcoming dates include:
This event is at Knox Presbyterian Church on Elgin Street. Visit Giulia Pizza before/after to add on a romantic night in Italy.
Enjoy a Picnic in an Orchard
Head to Farmgate Cider near Arnprior for a scenic picnic in their orchard while enjoying some of their ciders. This cidery is family-run, and their adorable pup, River, will welcome you. The grounds are absolutely stunning. Enjoy the trails reaching the Mississippi River, and keep an eye out for the tree swing.
Enjoy Brunch In Ottawa
Fuel up for your fall adventures with a delicious brunch in Ottawa. Use this guide of brunch by neighbourhood to find the next spot. Some of my favourites are Chesterfields, EVOO Greek Kitchen, Gezellig, and more.
Enjoy These S’more Hacks At Your Next Bonfire
Fall is my favourite time of year for bonfires and smores. At my last bonfire I decided to switch up the classic s’more with some creative takes. Check out the full list here to make some next level s’mores this fall.
Ottawa Fall Day Trip Ideas:
Go On A Fall Day Trip
There are so many amazing spots nearby that will provide some wonderful fall views. Here are my favourites:
- Daytrips in Ontario and Daytrips in Quebec
- Guide to Almonte: this charming town is full of cute shops and a beautiful river walk that you can do. Head to this nearby hike at Blueberry Mountain and then grab a bite in Almonte after.
- Guide to Perth: this town is full of picturesque heritage buildings and popular attraction, Stewart Park. Enjoy exploring the town with vibrant colours surrounding it.
- Guide to Carp: this is where I grew up and there are so many great local businesses from one of Ottawa’s best restaurants, a local vineyard, custom ice cream and more.
- Guide to Wakefield: this town is only 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa and there is so much to do. Explore the shops and then take in the view of fall colours surrounding the water.
Ottawa Fall Roadtrip Ideas:
Go on a Roadtrip
Fall is one of my favourite times for a roadtrip because you get some pretty incredible views on your drive. Roadtrips through Quebec would be an amazing way to see the fall colours. Here are some of my favourite fall trips:
- Glamping, Waterfalls and City Life (and amazing spot to see fall colours)
- 7-Day Roadtrip Through Quebec
- Up for a longer fall road trip? This Canadian island is a fall dream.
- Click here for a full list of roadtrips from Ottawa that are 7 hours away or less.
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Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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