As Canada’s capital, Ottawa stands out for its role in preserving a vast array of the nation’s cultural treasures. Key institutions include the Canadian War Museum on Lebreton Flats, which explores military history; the Canadian Museum of Nature, now in a revitalized historic building; and the Canada Science and Technology Museum, which underwent a major reconstruction in recent years. Beyond these, visitors can explore the Diefenbunker, an intact relic from the Cold War era, and the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, offering insights into aerospace developments.
For those familiar with the steep housing expenses in cities such as Vancouver or Toronto, the Ottawa real estate landscape often presents more budget-friendly alternatives. However, individuals relocating from smaller towns or rural settings might not notice as significant a difference. Despite rising costs nearer to the urban core, buyers and renters can typically secure larger properties here for less than what’s common in other major Canadian urban centers, with data from recent reports indicating Ottawa’s average home prices are about 25% lower than Toronto’s.
Ottawa ranks among Canada’s premier spots for witnessing the spectacular transformation of fall colors, drawing leaf-peepers from across the country. The city’s seasonal attractions make it an ideal destination during autumn, with unique sites that celebrate the changing seasons. Here are five engaging activities to experience in Ottawa this fall, each offering a blend of fun, education, and natural beauty.
1. Beer Tour
One enjoyable way to spend time in Ottawa is by joining a guided beer tour that highlights the local craft brewing scene, which has flourished with over 20 microbreweries in the region. These outings provide an entertaining and informative experience, allowing participants to taste a variety of brews as they visit different establishments. To enhance comfort, tours often supply reusable water bottles and snacks like pretzels, promoting sustainability while keeping everyone refreshed during the hops-filled adventure.
2. Pumpkins
Experience the magic of Pumpkinferno at the family-oriented Upper Canada Village, where more than 7,000 intricately carved and illuminated pumpkins create mesmerizing displays of wildlife, mythical creatures, and storybook characters after dark. This event unfolds along a scenic one-kilometer path at a historic 1860s site, located about an hour south of Ottawa’s downtown area. For inclusivity, special evenings cater to those with mobility challenges, permitting vehicle access to ensure everyone can enjoy the glowing artistry.
3. Halloween Hangout
Throughout the Ottawa region, various pumpkin patches host a range of Halloween-themed events, from mildly spooky to fully immersive thrills. For instance, Saunders Farm offers daytime family activities such as bouncing on trampoline pads, navigating corn mazes, and wagon rides that can be tailored to different levels of excitement. Meanwhile, Cannamore Orchards focuses on weekend family outings with lighter haunted features, and Proulx Farms hosts its annual PumpkinFest, featuring interactive mazes, playground slides, animal interactions, and hands-on building projects, solidifying its status as a must-visit for October festivities in the area.
4. Pick Apples
Plan a memorable family outing this season by heading to the countryside for apple picking, an activity that often includes additional perks at many orchards. Beyond harvesting fresh fruit, you might join guided tours of the grounds, browse a local farmer’s market, or take a relaxing horse-drawn wagon ride through the trees. To extend the enjoyment, consider bringing home some homemade delights like apple pies, preserves, or fresh cider, drawing from orchards that produce thousands of bushels annually to support local agriculture.
5. Hike
As the weather cools and foliage bursts into vibrant hues, Ottawa’s trails and forests turn into picturesque autumn escapes. Gather the family for exploratory walks on nearby paths, encouraging kids to observe the subtle and grand wonders of the season. To add an element of fun, incorporate a themed scavenger hunt or a playful game of hide-and-seek among the fallen leaves, with options like the popular Gatineau Park trails providing over 165 kilometers of routes for all skill levels.
