Best Places to See Fall Colours in Ottawa

Ottawa is one of the best cities in Canada for fall colours. The mix of sugar maples, red maples, birch, and oak across the region creates a vivid display from late September through mid-October — and much of it is free to see.

The NCC's annual Fall Rhapsody program (typically late September to late October) celebrates the season with scenic drives, guided walks, and shuttle services into Gatineau Park.

Gatineau Park

Gatineau Park is the undisputed star of fall in Ottawa. The 361-square-kilometre park across the river in Quebec has rolling hills covered in mixed forest that turns brilliant shades of red, orange, gold, and yellow.

Champlain Lookout

The most iconic viewpoint for fall colours in the region. From 335 metres above sea level atop the Eardley Escarpment, you look out over the Ottawa River Valley with the city in the distance and a sea of colour below. Drive up via the Champlain Parkway or hike from P12 (7.8 km round trip).

King Mountain

A 1.8 km loop with ten lookout points, 300 metres above the Ottawa Valley. The escarpment views framed by autumn maple forest are spectacular. One of the most rewarding short hikes in the park.

Pink Lake

The 2.3 km loop around Pink Lake is striking in fall — the green meromictic water contrasted against the surrounding forest in full colour. Less strenuous than King Mountain.

Philippe Lake

The lake reflects the surrounding autumn forest beautifully. A quieter alternative to the more popular south-end trails.

Scenic Driving

During Fall Rhapsody, the Gatineau Park parkways are open to vehicles daily from noon to dusk (Wednesdays from 8 AM). The Champlain Parkway is the main scenic route. On other days, parkways are car-free — perfect for cycling through the colours.

Tips for Gatineau Park in fall:

Weekdays are far less crowded than weekends. Weekends can mean long waits for parking at popular lookouts
A free NCC shuttle runs during Fall Rhapsody on weekends, stopping at Pink Lake, King Mountain, Champlain Lookout, and other key sites
Wednesday is the best driving day (parkways open from 8 AM)

In the City

Mer Bleue Bog

Mer Bleue Bog turns deep red in autumn as the sphagnum moss and bog vegetation change colour. Tamarack trees turn brilliant yellow, and maples along the ridges add red and gold. The 1.2 km boardwalk trail offers a unique fall landscape — very different from the typical forest views. About 20 minutes east of downtown. Free.

Dominion Arboretum

The Dominion Arboretum has over 1,700 species of trees and shrubs, creating an unusually diverse display of autumn colours all in one compact area. Reds, oranges, golds, purples, and browns from different tree species make it feel like a curated fall gallery. Free, dawn to dusk.

The Friends of the Central Experimental Farm typically offer guided Autumn Tree Colour walks through the arboretum in October.

Confederation Park

Confederation Park in downtown Ottawa is canopied with mature trees that turn vivid orange and yellow in October. Combined with the historic Colonel By Fountain and the adjacent Rideau Canal, it's one of the most photogenic autumn spots in the city.

Rideau Canal Pathway

The Rideau Canal pathway is lined with trees that put on a strong fall colour show. A walk or bike ride from downtown to Dow's Lake in October — with foliage reflecting in the canal — is one of the best free autumn experiences in Ottawa.

Pumpkin Patches and Farms

Several farms near Ottawa open for fall activities from late September through October:

Saunders Farm

The biggest fall farm operation near Ottawa. PumpkinFest (late September to early November, weekends) features 28 pumpkin varieties, hayrides, corn mazes, and hedge mazes. Also runs FrightFest — a separate haunted attraction on weekend evenings.

Address: 7893 Bleeks Road, Munster (~30 min west of Ottawa)

Proulx Maple & Berry Farm

Pumpkinfest (late September to late October, weekends) with U-pick pumpkins, petting zoo, corn maze, wagon rides, and playgrounds. The same farm that runs maple season in spring.

Address: 1865 O'Toole Road, Cumberland (~30 min east of Ottawa)

Fallowfield Tree Farm

Free admission to the pumpkin patch on fall weekends. Wagon rides, pony rides, and bouncy castles available for a small fee.

Address: 6100 Fallowfield Road, Stittsville (~30 min southwest)

Apple Picking

Apple season in the Ottawa area runs late August through October.

Orleans Fruit Farm (1399 St-Joseph Blvd, Orleans) — Third-generation farm with 1,000+ apple trees and Ottawa River views. Weekends in September
Mountain Orchards (10175 Clark Road, Kemptville, ~40 min south) — Multiple apple varieties, corn maze, wagon rides
Pine Hill Orchards (1818 St. Felix, Bourget, ~45 min east) — 20 apple varieties, fresh apple cider. Open daily late August to mid-October

Fall Events

Fall Rhapsody (late September to late October) — The NCC's annual celebration of fall colours. Scenic drives, shuttles, and guided walks in Gatineau Park. Free
Haunted Walk of Ottawa — Storytellers in black cloaks lead lantern-lit tours through Ottawa's most haunted sites. Runs September through November
Ghosts of Mackenzie King Estate — A Haunted Walk special event in Gatineau Park. Moonlit tours exploring the former PM's fascination with the spirit world

Fall Weather

Month	Average High	Average Low	What to Expect
September	20°C	10°C	Warm days, cool evenings. Ideal hiking weather
October	13°C	3°C	Peak colours. First frost arrives. Layers essential
November	6°C	-2°C	Cold, early snow possible. Late-season walks only

Tips

Peak colours: Early to mid-October, usually around Thanksgiving weekend (second Monday of October)
Best free day: Dominion Arboretum + Rideau Canal pathway + Confederation Park. All free, all walkable
Leaf status updates: Check the NCC Fall Rhapsody page for weekly colour reports
Photography: Early morning or late afternoon light is best. Champlain Lookout faces west — sunset views are dramatic
Combine activities: Morning at a pumpkin patch or orchard, afternoon drive through Gatineau Park for colours