Where to find fall views, activities in Ottawa-Gatineau this month

From scenic trails lined with fall leaves to pumpkin patching and Halloween parties, the Ottawa-Gatineau region is filled with a variety of places and activities throughout the month of October.

Below is a list of places and things to do highlighting the most beloved fall activities and attractions in the National Capital Region.

Enjoy fall colors, a pumpkin patch, mazes, playgrounds and a wagon ride PumpkinFestevery weekend between 10:00 and 17:00, until October 31. For those looking for thrills, check it out Fightfest weekends until Halloween, 6 to 11 p.m

Fall fun at the farm includes pumpkins, a corn maze, hayrides, wagon rides and a petting zoo. Fall on the Farm runs Thursday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. through October 27. The outdoor experience continues with a Halloween costume party from October 24-27.

Tickets must be purchased in advance. Located at 670 Cedarview Rd

Known as “Ottawa’s Halloween Tradition,” the outdoor event features a path of lighted pumpkins, Halloween sculptures and displays, complete with sounds and special effects. The family-friendly event features classic Halloween characters, dinosaurs and dragons, and icons from film and pop culture. October 10-31 at Wesley Clover Parks.

ByWard Harvest Market

On Saturday, October 13, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the ByWard Market will feature an artisan market, corn roast, magic shows (11 a.m.-noon), horse-drawn carriage rides (2-4 p.m. ) and live music (1-4 p.m.). 3 in the afternoon). Details can be found on Instagram @bywardmarket.

Dance the night away, as the DJs drop the beat on the many dance floors throughout the castle. The theme—Rebirth—where partygoers can mix and mingle with the undead in a night of supernatural wonder Nov. 1 at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

There will be four exhibition floors of the museum open to attendees. Tickets must be purchased in advance.

November 1-3, visit the ByWard Market to celebrate Mexican culture through art, food, music and dance. Each year, the Day of the Dead Festival honors the Mexican tradition of Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead).

The event features art displays, music, dance, Mexican cuisine and family activities. Located at 55 ByWard Market Square.

The best trails to enjoy fall leaves in Gatineau

Pink Lake Route: One of the best fall hikes in the region, visitors can enjoy views of vibrant fall leaves by walking a trail that overlooks Pink Lake. The trail, classified as medium, is a 2.3 kilometer loop around turquoise waters and a walk of approximately two hours.

Luskville Falls Trail: Located at the western end of Gatineau Park in the city of Pontiac, the 4.2 kilometer trail features two viewpoints with stunning views of the Ottawa Valley. Classified as difficult, the trail leads to a 1940s fire tower, and the falls are especially picturesque surrounded by fall colors.

King Mountain Trail: Gatineau Park’s King Mountain Trail is a 1.9 kilometer loop that leads to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, 240 meters above the Ottawa Valley. The escarpment extends for more than 30 kilometers, dividing the Canadian Shield and the lowlands of St. Lawrence. Visitors can enjoy views of the valley and the colors of autumn on this path that has ten viewpoints.

Updates and trail closures in Gatineau Park

The National Capital Commission (NCC) has outlined trail closures this fall, due to the August 9 rain that damaged trails and roads in Gatineau Park.

The closures are related to the work being done to repair the affected areas.

Gatineau Park trail closures, according to the NCC:

• Trail closures include trails no. 1 (from the penguin picnic area to #30), no. 3, no. 4, no. 36 (from Meech Lake Road to Fortune Lake Parkway), no. 51 (west of Philippe Lake Parkway), no. 57 to #50), #55 and Dunlop Trail. The Dunlop car park is also closed.
• The Penguin Picnic Area parking lot will be closed from October 15 to November 15, 2024 to repair damage to Runway 1. The picnic area will remain open. (Notice of closure).
• Trail 62 (Wolf Trail) and Trail 38 will be partially closed from October 11 to 21, 2024, as part of Gatineau Park’s responsible trail management project. During the partial closure, you will not be able to complete the Trail 62 (Wolf Trail) loop.
• On October 21^Stthere will be a full closure of Trail 62 (Wolf Trail) and Trail 38, until the start of the winter season in Gatineau Park.
• Parking lot 13a will also be closed from October 21^Stuntil mid-November. The public can use parking lot 13b.

Return to Gatineau Park in October

NCC offers a free shuttle service to Gatineau Park six days a week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday) until October 27.

Shuttle service transports spectators to popular destinations near the highways.

Shuttle service departs from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau and from the Chelsea Visitor Center on weekends.

On weekdays, transportation is only available from the Visitor Center to Pink Lake, entering and leaving city roads three times a day through the Visitor Center.

In addition, the NCC has partnered transcolines to offer free rides on weekends and holiday Mondays to Meech Creek Valley and Philippe Lake, through October 27th.

“It’s a great way to explore lesser-known, quieter areas of Gatineau Park,” the NCC wrote.