As Canada’s capital, Ottawa stands out for housing an extensive array of the nation’s cultural artifacts. Situated on Lebreton Flats, the Canadian War Museum offers deep insights into military history, while the Canadian Museum of Nature resides in the meticulously restored Victoria Memorial Museum building. Not far away, the Canada Science and Technology Museum has undergone a significant reconstruction, enhancing its appeal to visitors. Beyond these, Ottawa preserves Cold War relics like the Diefenbunker in its authentic state and hosts the Canadian Aviation and Space Museum, which showcases groundbreaking achievements in flight and exploration.
If you’re accustomed to the steep real estate prices in cities such as Vancouver or Toronto, relocating to Ottawa could mean more affordable options for buying a home. This contrast might not hold if you’re coming from a smaller town or rural setting, however. Although costs for rent and property tend to rise closer to the downtown core, buyers often find that they can secure larger or more desirable residences here for considerably less than in other major Canadian urban centers, making it an attractive choice for many.
Ottawa ranks among Canada’s premier spots for witnessing the vibrant colors of autumn leaves, drawing leaf-peepers from across the country. The city’s seasonal attractions highlight its unique charm during this time, with numerous outdoor experiences that celebrate the fall transition. Here are five engaging activities to consider when visiting Ottawa in the autumn months, each offering a blend of fun, education, and natural beauty.
1. Beer Tour
One enjoyable way to explore Ottawa is by joining a guided beer tour that highlights the area’s thriving craft brewery scene. With a growing number of local microbreweries, the city has become a hub for beer enthusiasts. These tours provide an entertaining and informative experience, allowing participants to sample various brews as they visit different establishments. Organizers often supply sustainable water bottles and snacks like pretzels to ensure everyone stays refreshed and comfortable throughout the outing, emphasizing both enjoyment and environmental responsibility.
2. Pumpkins
The annual Pumpkinferno event at Upper Canada Village transforms the historic site into a mesmerizing display after dark, featuring over 7,000 intricately carved and illuminated pumpkins. These stunning arrangements depict everything from wildlife and mythical creatures to iconic storybook characters, creating a magical atmosphere. Set in a preserved 1860s community about an hour south of Ottawa’s center, the one-kilometer trail winds through these artistic installations, offering a family-friendly stroll that’s accessible via strollers. For those with mobility challenges, special evenings permit driving through the exhibits, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors.
3. Halloween Hangout
The Ottawa region boasts several pumpkin patches that host a variety of Halloween-themed events, ranging from mildly spooky to fully immersive thrills. Families can spend the day at places like Saunders Farm, where activities include bouncing on oversized pillows, navigating corn mazes, and enjoying wagon rides that can be tailored to different levels of fright. Meanwhile, Cannamore Orchards offers haunted attractions with a focus on weekend family fun, featuring less intense scares. Another highlight is Proulx Farms’ PumpkinFest, which includes interactive mazes, slides, animal interactions, and construction-themed play areas, solidifying its status as a must-visit for October adventures in the area.
4. Pick Apples
Autumn in Ottawa presents the perfect opportunity for a family outing to local orchards for apple picking, an activity that combines fresh air with seasonal traditions. Many orchards go beyond just harvesting, providing options like guided tours of the grounds, visits to on-site farmers’ markets, or scenic horse-drawn wagon rides through the trees. With the harvest in full swing, you can take home a selection of apple-based delights, such as freshly baked pies, homemade jams, jellies, and crisp cider, extending the enjoyment long after your visit and supporting local agriculture.
5. Hike
As cooler weather sets in, Ottawa’s landscapes burst into a kaleidoscope of reds, oranges, and yellows, turning nearby trails and forests into idyllic settings for outdoor exploration. This is an ideal time to venture out with family on local hiking paths, where the crisp air and colorful foliage create a sensory feast. Encourage children to engage fully by organizing a themed scavenger hunt or a lively game of tag among the leaves, fostering a deeper appreciation for the subtle wonders of the season and promoting physical activity in a natural environment.