25 Fun Things to Do During Fall in the Ottawa Region



Credit: Saunders Farm

The Ottawa Region is known for its spectacular nature and outdoor charm, as well as the magic of Canada’s capital. The museums, artistic events, restaurants, nightlife, and classic fall staples make the arrival of Fall more exciting as Ottawa locals and visitors look for ways to experience the beauty of the season. Here are 25 fun things to do this fall season in the Ottawa region.

1. Go on self-guided Octoberfest Tour

There are no official Octoberfest celebrations this year. So go on a self-guided ride from Village Square in Stittsville to downtown Ottawa along The Great Trail, makes excellent use of traffic-free (and slightly downhill) rail trail and pathways through pretty forest and along the scenic Ottawa River.

2. Go apple picking at the Mountain Orchards

Credit: Mountain Orchards

Go apple picking at the stunning Mountain Orchards, and choose from several varieties such as the Cortland Apple, McIntosh, Ambrosia, Golden Delicious and more, and complement your visit with a wagon ride, a walk through the corn maze, or a stroll on a forest trail.

3. Attend the Ottawa International Animation Festival

View some of the world’s most unique, cutting-edge, and quirky animation pieces at the Ottawa International Animation Festival, a place where big name and independent animation companies like Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network come together.

4. Enjoy a Drive-in Movie or a Concert

Credit: Moose Vision/The Drive-In Experience Ottawa

The Performing Arts world as we know it changed so dramatically in the last few months due to COVID-19. The drive-in movies and concerts are becoming the norm. Visit Wesley Clover Parks drive-in theatre to enjoy movies and concerts.

5. Omega By Night

Visit Parc Omega to enjoy an enchanting walk through the park. Experience an immersive experience of light and sound and discover the beauty of nature at night.

6. Enjoy the Cranberry at Upper Canada Cranberries

Pick some juicy, nutritious cranberries at the only commercial cranberry grower in Eastern Ontario – Upper Canada Cranberries. This vitamin C-loaded fruit is used to make amazing frozen sliced cranberries, jams, and sauces, available on the farm. The farm is open most days during harvest time from mid-September to mid-November.

7. Hike to a Scenic Lookout

Pink Lake Lookout; National Capital Commission

What better time to hike to a lookout than visit a scenic lookout from where you can enjoy fabulous fall colours. Visit some of the lookouts in and around the Ottawa and Gatineau area where you can enjoy panoramic views and both hidden gems and well-known spots in the outdoors.

8. Pumpkin Fest

Bring a picnic and come join for a ghostly gathering in a country setting at Proulx Maple & Berry Farm, just a few minutes from Orleans and 30 minutes east of downtown Ottawa.

9. Festival Franco-Ontarien

Join for the biggest francophone celebration in Ottawa, with concerts, street art and entertainment celebrating Franco Ontarian culture. The Festival Franco-Ontarien Teksavvy will present three evenings of unique custom-made shows.

10. Kick off the Halloween season with Pumpkinferno

Credit: Upper Canada Village

Discover mesmerizing carved-pumpkin displays on a tour through an outdoor art exhibit of 7000 handcrafted pumpkins along a 19th century backdrop.

11. Shop for produce at the ByWard Market

Take a visit to one of Canada’s oldest and largest public markets, a small square with quaint museums, specialty food stores, boutiques, cafes, restaurants, and galleries for a one-of-a-kind experience.

12. Zipline through Camp Fortune

Credit: Camp Fortune

Head to Camp Fortune and challenge your strength and endurance on the aerial courses and zip lines.

13. The Sawmill at Lansdowne

Saunders Farm and the Ottawa Sports & Entertainment Group (OSEG) is partnering to produce a new Halloween Festival at Lansdowne. “The Sawmill at Lansdowne”, the name of the attraction, will feature the largest, longest, most terrifying walking experience produced by Saunders Farm to date. Guests will be exposed to the latest in scare technology, over a dozen live actors, and street theatre performances before and after their visit all taking place on The Great Lawn, located on the south side of the historic (and spooky) Aberdeen Pavilion.

14. Fall Rhapsody

View the stunning change of fall colours through Gatineau Park. Pack for a picnic, take a walk through the woods, or enjoy a breezy bike ride along the beautiful landscape.

15. Celebrate Halloween season at Saunders’ Farm

A family tradition for a million guests, join the regulars at Saunders’ Farm and enjoy food, fun, and amazing memories whilst celebrating haunting season in the day and fright fest at night.

16. Go on an Ottawa Haunted Walk

Celebrating 20 years of haunted storytelling adventures in Ottawa, as well as Toronto and Kingston, the Haunted Walk tours guests around some of the most haunted spots around the city. Details

17. Relax at the Nordik Spa-Nature

Take some time for self-care at the Nordik Spa-Nature – a place “where everything can wait”, and relaxation is your primary purpose. Details

18. Flyover Gatineau Park with Ottawa Biplane Adventures

Take a seat in an open cockpit Biplane and fly across Ottawa to see fall colours from up above.

19. Celebrate the bounty of fall with Feast of Fields

The Feast of Fields features outstanding organic foods, wine, and beer, and an opportunity to meet some of the region’s most talented chefs.

20. Listen to live music at the Merrickville Jazz Fest

With emerging, mid-career, and senior Jazz musicians performing at this weekend long event, you’re bound to enjoy some of the greatest live music performances at this charming Merrickville event. (Held virtually this year)

21. Go on a Haunted Hay Ride

sKreamers is a fundraising project of the Kiwanis Club of Orleans. This year sKreamers feature Haunted Hayride, Trail and a Corn Maze. Enjoy haunted hay ride through a terrifying corn maze.

Details

22. Rideau Canal Cruise

See fall colours from the water. Sail for 90 minutes on the iconic Rideau Canal and have a novel view of downtown Ottawa! The National Arts Centre, Lansdowne Park, Dow’s Lake, and many more scenic views await you!

23. Go Pumpkin Picking.

Enjoy fall at Cannamore Orchards. Family Activity Weekends begin on the labour day weekend and continue until Thanksgiving weekend in early October. Activities include apple/pumpkin picking, family activities, and the famous Acres of Terror Halloween Haunts!

24. Have a Fun Night during Ottawa Salsa Convention

Participate in the annual Ottawa Salsa Convention (virtually). The event will feature nationally and internationally renowned Latin-dance stars who will perform the latest and most exciting salsa, bachata, kizomba, cha cha cha, rumba, paso doble, jive, hip hop and flamenco moves.

25. Visit Some Waterfalls

Ottawa is surrounded by some of Ontario’s most stunning waterfalls. Falls like Rideau Falls and the beautiful Chutes Coulonge look absolutely spectacular in Fall, making it a worthwhile journey into nature.