Come fall, Ottawa quietly becomes the best-dressed city in the country. The maples start turning, the air gets that first honest chill, and half the region starts quietly planning a weekend around it. This is your guide to fall in the city.

Enjoy The Fall Scenery

Gatineau Park does so well come the fall that people drive in  from Toronto just to enjoy Champlain Lookout for 20 minutes. The view stretches out across the Ottawa Valley in beautiful colours that make for an amazing picture. Fall Rhapsody runs through the park every fall turning the whole thing into an event with numerous fall attractions. Pink Lake Loop is a gentle option to experience falls scenery if lookout photography isn't your jam. This is also a popular time for local farmers markets and fall festivals in the Ottawa region providing a great way to enjoy the season while supporting local small businesses.

Pumpkins, Corn Mazes, and a Little Bit of Fear

Saunders Farm's Haunting Season shows up every fall with hedge mazes, a giant corn maze, live shows, and jack-o-lanterns aplenty. This is frequently cited by many as a highlight of the weekend and is a great way to experience the spooky season.

Head east to Cumberland Heritage Village Museum and you'll find Pumpkinferno, where thousands of pumpkins carved by hand turn the old village into something out of a storybook. Witness dragons made of squash, a carousel lit entirely by jack-o-lanterns, and more sure to make the kids lose their minds. If music's more your speed, CityFolk takes over Lansdowne Park every September with a lineup that pulls artists in from across the country. The fall fairs everyone grew up going to haven't gone anywhere either. Richmond Fair and Metcalfe Fair still run it the traditional way complete with livestock judging, demolition derbies and a midway. Not into pumpkins or fairgrounds? The Haunted Walk still runs its ghost tours through the ByWard Market after dark, and Ottawa's old stone buildings do most of the storytelling work for them. For more laid back fall energy, local cafe's have their own seasonal treats all throughout the fall offering a taste of the season in the city whether its with pumpkin spice or without. 

Home Base: Why Brookstreet Fits the Fall Mood

Brookstreet is located in Kanata close enough to Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt that you aren't wasting a large portion of your day on the drive while far enough removed from the business of downtown Ottawa that you have a chance to actually appreciate the fall colours around you. Perspectives Restaurant has a seasonal menu with fall treats, ciders, and more to give you a taste of the season right at the hotel. The Marshes is also on site giving you an opportunity to get a final round in before the golf season ends while enjoying the scenery. Finally The Au Naturel Spa offers guests a chance to unwind and relax after a nice fall walk or round of golf with a massage or spa treatment.

Enjoy the Perfect Fall Weekend

The perfect fall weekend in Ottawa doesn't need a jam packed itinerary. The cities parks and trails become a different vibe once the leaves turn colour which is worth experiencing at least ones itself. With numerous events, fall festivals, farmer's markets, and more, the city truly gets into the fall spirit every chance we get. If you haven't gotten a chance to experience the region when the leaves start to change then this is your sign. Make the Brookstreet your home base to enjoy the city, explore a corn maze, book a tee time, relax at the spa, and get some unforgettable pictures while you're at it.