Autumn is my absolute favourite season. There really isn’t a bad time of year to visit Canada’s capital, but for me you can’t beat Ottawa in autumn. Right now, the air is crisp and the leaves are changing colour making the city’s landscape simply stunning. This season brings people together as activities like apple picking, visiting a pumpkin patch, eating yummy baked treats and drinking hot apple cider provide fun for everyone. What could be better? There are so many reasons to love the fall season and this time of year really makes me thankful for the beauty of Ottawa and all the city has to offer. I truly fall in love with the city at this time of year and experience it best through its natural beauty and vibrant neighbourhoods.
These neighbourhoods of Ottawa offer the best fall experiences based on their cozy homes, tree-lined streets and epic trails.
1. Glebe-Dows Lake
This neighbourhood is known for its heritage houses and modern infill properties. There are around 10 public parks and many spaces for residents to relax in such as the Rideau Canal pathway, Dominion Arboretum and Dows Lake Pavilion. Although it is close to highway 417 and lively Bank St, the streets are generally quite peaceful and quiet making this neighbourhood my number one for having the best autumn feels in Ottawa.
2. Alta Vista
The Ottawa East neighbourhood of Alta Vista is home to many green spaces of Ottawa. It’s a residential area that is community oriented, but also has many shopping centres, restaurants, and wooded paths close by. Grasshopper Hill is a must see park with many trails that allow for amazing autumn views.
3.Old Ottawa South
Autumn adds another dimension to an already beautiful neighbourhood that is home to many local restaurants, cafes, stores and shops. Old Ottawa South offers a huge variety of events and things to do including making use of the many parks and recreational paths along the Rideau Canal.
4.Rockcliffe Park
East of Downtown on the banks of the Ottawa River, this charming neighbourhood is home to many historic buildings, heritage homes, trees, gorgeous gardens and rich green landscape that is maintained by the National Capital Commission. The community is a primarily residential neighbourhood with a rich history. The Sir George-Etienne Cartier Parkway that winds along the Ottawa River allows for amazing views of Gatineau, Quebec that is sure to impress. Stop by one of the lookouts and see for yourself.
5.Beacon Hill
Beacon Hill derived its name from a lighthouse that was once there along the Ottawa River. Although the lighthouse is no longer there, the name remains. Beacon Hill is home to an abundance of green space including the Ottawa greenbelt and Green’s Creek ravine. Duck Island can be seen from the many bike paths along the river.
6.Hearts Desire, Barrhaven
This neighbourhood is dominated by oak trees and gets is charm from the Jock River. The forested area is hidden by surrounding suburbs and provides a pleasant walking area for local residents. There are also many fun fall activities to take part in around this neighbourhood including visiting nearby Abby Hill Farms’ Pumpkin Patch!
7. Morgan’s Grant, Kanata
A modern suburb neighbourhood close to trails, playgrounds, schools and shopping plazas. Morgan’s Grant is the perfect all around neighbourhood for families who love the outdoors. It is located beside South March Highlands conservation forest and is a beautiful destination in the fall. This Kanata neighbourhood is close to Pinewood Orchard which provides apple picking and cider sipping fun for kids and adults alike.