It’s always a magical time to be in the capital during fall rhapsody. Everywhere you go you’re able to catch brilliant displays of colour as the leaves change. Fall Rhapsody is taking place from now until October 25th and you’ll be able to get some spectacular displays of colour around the city. Here are the best Ottawa fall views for Fall Rhapsody and as well as some important info before your adventure.
You may also be interested in these Ontario Parks near Ottawa that are perfect for finding incredible fall views.
Ottawa Fall Colours
When is the best time to see Ottawa Fall Colours?
October is the best time to see Ottawa Fall Colours. In a normal year, the trees usually start having sprinkles of colour in the last week of September/the first week of October. Around Thanksgiving to mid-October is usually when Ottawa experiences peak colours. You can stay updated on colours with the NCC’s colour report.
Ottawa Fall Views Downtown
You don’t have to travel far for stunning colours. Enjoy Ottawa fall views right in the downtown core. Here are some of my favourite views followed by a map so you can map out your own adventure 🙂
Majors Hill Park
This is one of my favourite spots for Ottawa fall views. So many of the trees at Majors Hill Park turn a vibrant red during Fall Rhapsody. You’re able to view them with Parliament, National Art Gallery and Ottawa River as your backdrop.
Ottawa River Pathway
This is one of my favourite views in the capital. Head here during Fall Rhapsody to see the Ottawa River Parkway surrounded by colourful trees. This is a great spot for a bike ride or a walk. While you’re there, take a moment to catch sunrise or sunset at the Ottawa Locks and see vibrant colours dance across the water.
Secret Lookout Behind Parliament Hill
Did you know about this secret lookout behind Parliament Hill? You’ll get a panoramic view of the Ottawa River. From here, walk down the stairs behind Parliament and you’ll reach the Ottawa River Parkway that can bring you to the Ottawa locks (pictured above). You could also do this experience in reverse.
Hogs Back Park
Beautiful colours surround the Hogs Back Falls making it. a great spot for Ottawa fall views. There are plenty of picnic tables and benches on the trails around the falls. Enjoy the fall colours and sound of the falls while you’re there.
Rideau Falls
See bright colours surrounding the Rideau Falls during Fall Rhapsody. The trees on the trails around the falls are already vibrant orange so it’s not long before the trees at the falls turn even brighter colours. Afterward, enjoy a bite at Tavern on the Falls.
Rockcliffe Park
Make your way to Rockcliffe for some wonderful Ottawa fall views. Enjoy some time in the park and then head to the Rockcliffe lookout. You’ll get a view over the Ottawa River and you’ll be able to spot fall colours across the water,
Confederation Park
Walk through Confederation Park for some beautiful Ottawa fall views. You’ll see lots of orange trees here. You can also head to the NCC Bistro to grab a bite while you admire the colours surrounding the Confederation Park fountain.
Ottawa Fall Views Downtown Map
Use the map below to guide your own adventure to Ottawa fall views, the downtown version.
Ottawa Fall Views: Greenbelt
Find networks of trails throughout the capital in the Greenbelt. There are so many to choose from but the ones below have the best Ottawa fall views in my opinion. You can access a full list of Greenbelt trails here.
Pinhey Sand Dunes (West)
The Pinhey Sand Dunes are truly a hidden gem in Ottawa. Walk among some towering pine trees and beyond them, you’ll find these sand dunes. The photo below is from summer but it’s somewhere that should be on your radar for Ottawa fall views. Imagine yellow and red colours beyond the sand. It’s definitely somewhere I’ll be returning to.
- Pinhey Forest Trail in the Greenbelt close to Merivale Road.
- Free parking at lots p14 and p15 and then take trail 32 and cross the road and you’ll reach the sand dunes
- Dogs are allowed by the sand can get quite hot during the day and may hurt their paws
Mer Bleu Bog (East)
This trail is a favourite of the east end, especially for Ottawa fall views. The Mer Bleu Bog is the largest bog in the capital and gives the unique opportunity to see a northern boreal landscape. A popular thing to do here is visit the boardwalk but you can enjoy over 20km’s of trails.
- Open 8am-9pm
- Free, year-round parking is available at the P20, P21, P22* and P23 parking lots
Stony Swamp (West)
Stony swamp is a network of trails that are sure to give your some wonderful Ottawa fall views. My favourite trail is Jack Pine Trail. You’ll see some vibrant yellow and orange colours in the fall. What I love about this trail is more beauty unfolds as you walk through. Keep walking and you’ll find a boardwalk through the bog and you’ll see vibrant trees in the background. We also had some little birds stop at a nearby branch.
You can access it from P9. There are no dogs allowed on this trail but you can find a full list of Stony Swamp trails here including dog-friendly ones.
Ottawa Fall Views: Gatineau Park
Gatineau Park is the most popular fall destination in the Capital Region. You’ll get some of the regions best views but keep in mind that it often reaches capacity early. Make sure to read the tips below before going. You can access the full list of Gatineau Park trails here. Below are my recommendations for the best Ottawa fall views.
Gatineau Park Access 2021 – Driving, Active Users & Shuttle
Here’s some important information to know before going:
Gatineau Park will be open to active users and their free shuttle in the morning until noon and open to vehicles from noon to 30 mins past sunset.
The shuttle is free to use. You can get its route and times here.
Best Time To Visit Gatineau Park During Fall Rhapsody
Parking lots fill up very quickly on weekends and the roads get extremely congested, sometimes even causing temporary closures during Fall Rhapsody weekends. Gatineau Park quickly reaches capacity in the fall. Your best bet is to visit on a weekday during an off time. The NCC recommends heading to areas like Meech Creek Valley, Philippe Lake or Luskville Falls with parkways that are less busy however demand can always change.
Gatineau Park Shuttle
Currently, the shuttle is not running due to public health restrictions. You can get up to date information here.
Pink Lake
Pink Lake for Ottawa fall views. This trail in Gatineau Park loops around Pink Lake. It’s an easy trail and with stunning views the whole way through. The lake is a beautiful turquoise colour and was named after the Pink family that settled the land in 1826.
- 2.3km loop
- No Dogs
- Parking directions here
King Mountain
This trail is classified as difficult but it’s a great spot to see some Ottawa Fall Views. This 1.8km hike will bring you to 10 lookouts. You can find parking directions here. Dogs aren’t allowed on this trail.
Meech Lake
Meech Lake is a beautiful spot to sit and take in a beautiful Ottawa fall view. If you have kayaks or paddleboards you can also take it out on the water.
Wolf Trail
Near Meech Lake you can take Wolf Trail. It’s a steep 8.3km hike but it will take you to one of the highest points in Gatineau Park. Dogs aren’t permitted at Meech Lake but you can bring them on leash on Wolf Trail. Start at the Blanchet Beach P13.
Luskville Falls Trail
Luskville Falls is a difficult 4.2km loop that will bring you up the rocky slope of the Eardley Escarpment leading to a fire tower; stunning view of the Ottawa Valley. For conservation reasons, dogs are not allowed. You can get parking directions here.
Skyline Trail
This is another difficult hike but you’ll get amazing views at the multiple lookouts along the way. It’s a 5.3km loop and dogs are allowed. The starting point for this trail is P7.
Champlain Lookout
There is construction here for 2020 so it wouldn’t be my first recommendation but you can still see a beautiful view 🙂 At Champlain Lookout, you’ll have a stunning Ottawa fall view that goes on for miles. You’ll find it at the top of the Eardley Escarpment on the Champlain Parkway. While you’re there you can do the Champlain Lookout trail that’s 11.3km long. If you have a dog they can go on this trail if they’re on a leash.
Full details for Fall Rhapsody can be found here.
Fall Colours Worth The Drive From Ottawa
Mill of Kintail
Enjoy a day trip to Almonte and make a stop at the Mill of Kintail for some gorgeous colours. This is a very popular spot for engagement and family photos. I have a full guide to Almonte here.
Morris Island Conservation Area
This is one of my favourite hikes in Ottawa. It’s on the outskirts of Ottawa but definitely worth the drive. These trails will lead you to a network of islands. In the fall you can expect lots of stunning orange hues here. I have a full guide to Morris Island here. Use my guide to Carp to add more to this adventure.
Ontario Parks Near Ottawa
There are some incredible Ontario Parks near Ottawa that will be an incredible place to spot the fall colours. Use my guide to choose the best one for you from easy trails, unique finds and distance.
Eagles Nest Lookout
Enjoy a stunning lookout in Ontario Highlands that’s sure to have a spectacular display of colours. I have a full guide to Eagles Nest Lookout here.
Chutes de Plaisance
Enjoy a stunning waterfall from multiple lookout points. Fall is a great time to visit waterfalls because the rush of water is more powerful. Get all the details for Chutes de Plaisance here.
Princess Louise Falls
Enjoy a waterfall right in the middle of Orleans. The waterfall will be surrounded by a brilliant display of colour in fall. Get my full guide to Princess Louise Falls here.
1000 Islands
1000 Islands has some incredible trails from lookouts to more hidden views. I have a full guide to 1000 islands here from must-do activities, best trails and even some unique finds like a cidery or alpaca farm you can add to your day.
Looking for more fall activities? Check out my guides to apple picking and pumpkin picking and things to do for fall in Ottawa.
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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