One of our favorite things about Ottawa: the vast expanses of inner city green space — or at this time of year: gold space! It leads to stunning scenes like this occurring on the regular. Pair that up with one of the most diverse and interesting food scenes in the country, and you’ve got yourself a seriously cool weekend.
For those of you looking to get the full fall experience (breakfast, noon and night!), there’s no better place than our nation’s capital. Here’s what we’d see, do and eat while there this season.
THE BEST FALL VIEWS
Definitely take a stroll by the canal and watch the rippling water reflect the colours above.
Take a stroll around the parliament buildings and stop at one of many viewpoints overlooking the river. Fall colours in panoramic!
Hike the waterfall loops in Gatineau Park, or take in the view over a hot cuppa tea at the Mackenzie King Estate.
Did you know the Dominion Arboretum is home to over 2,400 varieties of trees and shrubs? Now that’s what we call a rainbow!
THE BEST ON-FARM ACTIVITIES
Miller’s Farm and Market in Manotick is a fan-favorite for pick-your-own pumpkins, but for those just in for the weekend, they’ve also got loads of snacks (hello, fudge factory!) and treats to enjoy while taking in the scenery.
Saunders Farm is a great place to keep the kids busy with everything from wagon rides to ‘jumping pillows’ to corn mazes available during the day.
Did you know that Ottawa is the only capital city in the world with a working farm at its heart? The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is a GREAT place to get some one-on-one time with goats.
FALL FEASTS NOT TO BE FORGOTTEN
We’d be remiss if we didn’t mention the Ottawa Wine & Food Festival, November 3-5 this year. Charcuterie, cheese, chocolate, wine, beer and more are on offer in the ‘Tasting Alley’.
There’s something about scones that screams autumn, don’t you think? Get your fill of these seasonally appropriate treats (and Moss Berry Jams from Stratford) at The Scone Witch on Elgin Street. We love the Currant Ginger with a side of devonshire cream, but there’s a full scone-themed shmear available at the shop.
Let the smoked bison bavette with carrots, courgettes and preserve peach gelee at Fauna warm you bones after a walk down Bank Street.
Looking for an out of the box dinner experience? Let the kitchen at Allium surprise you by ordering blind. They cook, you eat. No decisions necessary.
The beer scene in Ottawa is not to be ignored. A visit to any of the neighbourhood breweries let’s you see why. Check out any (or all!) of the following: Kichesippi Beer Co., Lowertown Brewery, Broadhead Brewing Company, Clocktower Brew Pub, Big Rig Kitchen and Brewery, The 3 Brewers, Beyond the Pale Brewing Company, Tooth and Nail Brewing Company, Waller St. Brewing.
Side note: Who’s got the best beer list? We like Brothers Beer Bistro.
Pick your pleasure: Ontario apple confit cheesecake, classic pumpkin pie or spooky sugar cookies. All of these treats can be found at our Feast On Certified friends Thyme & Again Creative Catering.
For more great things to see and do, year round, in Ottawa — follow Ottawa Tourism!