The weather is getting cooler and the rich colours of fall are starting to appear. I’ve rounded up some of my favourite fall activities so that you can make the most of the beautiful weekends ahead. There’s so much to see and do around the Ottawa area. All you have to do is get outside and enjoy!
Hiking in Gatineau Park and exploring Old Chelsea
Just across the river you’ll find Gatineau Park, the largest green space in the region with over 180km of trails. Absolutely stunning this time of year, the park has so many different walking and hiking trails that there’s really something for everyone. All visitors to the park must comply with the latest public health guidelines and planning to visit on a weekday is recommended. You’ll want to be sure to make a trip before October 24th to avoid missing out on the gorgeous colours.
After a refreshing walk I recommend visiting the nearby (and charming!) town of Old Chelsea. Les Saison Coffee House and Cafe Palmier are both great spots to grab a bite to eat or warm up with a hot latte.
A spooky visit to Saunders Farm
With Halloween around the corner, Saunders Farm is a great destination if you like to celebrate the spooky season. Their FrightFest nights are sure to scare and you’ll want to check out their haunted hayride which is reopening this Fall with a terrifying new twist. Not a fan of being scared? They have pumpkin season visits and campfire nights too! Tickets must be purchased in advance due to limited capacity. Health and safety protocols are also in place to keep guests and staff safe.
Image courtesy of Upper Canada Village
Unbelievable pumpkins at Pumpkinferno
Upper Canada Village is bringing back it’s award-winning Pumpkinferno exhibit. Open in the evenings from September 24th to October 31st, this incredible outdoor art installation involves over 7,000 handcrafted pumpkins. Fun for all ages, children ages four and under can visit for free. Tickets must be purchased online in advance and be sure to familiarize yourself with their health and safety protocols before visiting.
Fall finds at the Parkdale Market
Open seven days a week, this lovely neighbourhood market on the corner of Wellington West and Parkdale has been providing Ottawa locals with fresh produce and flowers since its establishment in 1924. The Parkdale Market, which remains open until October, also carries pumpkins of all shapes and sizes, fall gourds and mums. The market is the perfect spot to find fall decor for your front porch or seasonal ingredients for a festive meal. Market visitors are asked to bring a reusable bag, apply hand sanitizer and wear a mask.
Apple picking at Mountain Orchard
About a 40 minute drive south of downtown Ottawa you’ll find the small town of Mountain. At Mountain Orchard, a family-run business, you have the option to pick your own apples, purchase pre-picked varieties or enjoy one of the many apple treats from their bakery. Who could say no to a bag of their famous donuts? Open seven days a week during apple season, this orchard is definitely worth the trip! Be sure to read their health and safety protocols and new group limits before visiting.
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