Often unfairly coined as the city that fun forgot, Ottawa is actually full of cool and beautiful places to discover. From breathtaking lookout points to proud local coffee shops, haunted tours, epic waterfalls, dog parades, and so much more, there are plenty of Ottawa fall things to do that will remind you just how fun the country's capital can be! So grab your BFF and start checking off these bucket-list must-dos ASAP! Apple Picking @ Pinewood Orchards Price: Prices vary When: Every Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Address: 101 Herzberg Rd., Kanata Why You Need To Go: Fall is the perfect time to visit this lush orchard located in the heart of Ottawa's greenbelt. From apples to pumpkins, you can come home with a pick-your-own basket full of delicious fruits. As an added bonus, those apple-picking Instagram shots are totally cute! View this post on Instagram We take apple picking very seriously. A post shared by Erika Frank (@e.fran7) on Oct 8, 2018 at 7:19am PDT Website Visit The Byward Market Price: Prices vary When: Open seven days a week Address: Downtown Ottawa Why You Need To Go: From delicious food and drink options to adorable local shops, stunning artwork, and epic outdoor vendors, there's so much to do at Byward Market that you could easily spend an entire day adventuring the area. Don't forget to pose in front of the Ottawa sign either! View this post on Instagram Good evening Ottawa. 🇨🇦🍻 A post shared by Mike Pasztor (@pasztormike) on Aug 22, 2019 at 8:41pm PDT Website Watch The Sunset @ Chapman Mills Conservation Area Price: Free When: Year-round, dawn until dusk Address: 253 Winding Way, Nepean Why You Need To Go: Not only can you walk along the adorable boardwalk and take in incredible views of the fall foliage, Chapman Mills is also the perfect place to watch the sunset. The way the colour reflects off the water is truly magical. View this post on Instagram Good morning A post shared by HX (@xu.hongbin158) on Apr 17, 2019 at 3:50am PDT Website Fall Rhapsody Price: Free When: Weekends from Oct. 3 to Oct. 25 Address: Gatineau Park Why You Need To Go: Okay, we know this one is technically in Gatineau, but with the spectacular views and close proximity, we simply had to include it. You can tour the infamous Gatineau Park in its most colourful season. No way to get there? No problem! Free shuttles run between downtown Ottawa and the park every weekend. View this post on Instagram Everyone has problems, especially those who think they don’t . . #ottawa #myottawa #igersottawa #canada #explorecanada #landscape #ontario #cool #follow #photooftheday #follow4follow #autumn #instafollow #beautiful #photography #colors #colorful #instapic #instacool #nature #naturelovers #photo #instagood #instagram #fall #instaphoto #instadaily #tree #followtrain #yellow A post shared by Steve (@visualsbysteve) on Nov 4, 2018 at 4:07am PST Website Amphibus Tour Price: Starting at $32.75 When: September 3 to October 13 Address: 59 Sparks St. at Elgin Why You Need To Go: You can see all of Ottawa's beauty from land and water! That's right, this is not your ordinary city bus tour - this one drives in the water too. While city tours might seem a little cheesy to some, this one is sure to be a unique experience in the capital. View this post on Instagram Lady Dive , bus amphibie/ visite de Gatineau/Ottawa#ladydive#bus#autobusamphibie#amphibustour #amphibus #marinadehull #gatineau #outaouaisfun #tourismoutaouais #explore #explorecanada🍁 #tour #tourdeville A post shared by Ferlen (@fernlabelle) on Jul 25, 2018 at 10:41am PDT Website Fall Drinks @ Bridgehead Price: Prices vary When: Monday to Friday, 6:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Address: Various Ottawa locations Why You Need To Go: With a commitment to small farmers, and some of the tastiest ground coffee in the city, Bridgehead serves as a point of pride for many Ottawa residents. So, forget about the Starbucks PSL in Ottawa and head over to Bridgehead for a delicious apple cider or maple-themed beverage only available in the fall. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @sammzyyyoung on Nov 28, 2017 at 1:20pm PST Website Shawarma Price: Prices vary When: Hours vary based on location Address: Various locations Why You Need To Go: Ottawa is often referred to as the shawarma capital of Canada, so it almost goes without saying that you have to try some while you're here! There is a shwarma shop on almost every corner in the city. Locals will argue about which shawarma place is best all day, but no matter which location you choose, cozy up this fall with shawarma in the capital. View this post on Instagram Have the best of both worlds with our mixed shawarma plate! Our chicken and beef shawarma served with all your favourites to make one heavenly plate 😍 . . . . Great shot taken by @top_foodie 📸 . . . . #shawarmapalaceottawa #shawarmapalace #ottawafoodies #ottawa #shawarma #shawarmalovers #ottawatourism #ottawafoodies #myottawa #ottawalife #ottawalifemag #narcityottawa A post shared by Shawarma Palace (@shawarmapalaceottawa) on Aug 8, 2019 at 7:36am PDT Website Algonquin Horticultural Garden Price: Free When: 8:30 a.m. until 4:45 p.m. Address: 1385 Woodroofe Ave. Why You Need To Go: Located just across from the C building at Algonquin College, this hidden garden is a must-see in the city. Open all year round, you can relax by the man-made waterfall surrounded by the stunning colours of fall. With plenty of seating, this garden makes the most adorable autumnal picnic area in Ottawa. View this post on Instagram The crazy part about class is that I have to take pictures of stuff. 🌲 A post shared by Justin (@justinross71) on Oct 6, 2015 at 2:41pm PDT Website Pre-Season Sens Game Price: Prices vary When: Sept. 17 to Sept. 28 Address: 1000 Palladium Dr. Why You Need To Go: If you're lucky enough, you may be in town during an Ottawa Senators pre-season game. For a fraction of the cost of regular-season tickets, you can watch and cheer for (or maybe against) the hometown boys. View this post on Instagram Battle of Ontario 🍁🏒 . . . #ottawasenators #sensfan #gosensgo #ottawalife #ottawaevents #leafsgame #sensgame #hockeynightincanada #hockeyseason #tridelta #trideltasisters #sororitysisters A post shared by Linda Dam (@linda.dam) on Mar 31, 2019 at 5:16pm PDT Website Dinner & Drinks @ Pub Italia Price: Prices vary When: 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. Address: 434 1/2 Preston St. Why You Need To Go: From the unique decor down to the deep-fried ravioli, Pub Italia is one spot you'll absolutely want to hit up in the fall. Be sure to take a look through their epic beer bible to find the perfect fall bevvy. Once you're done here, take a walk through Little Italy or catch a cheap comedy show just down the road at Absolute Comedy. View this post on Instagram Se vuoi vivere lungo, Devi mangiare, bere e dormire A post shared by @ jadeecarolinaa on Apr 3, 2019 at 6:32am PDT Website Tanger Outlets Price: Prices vary When: 9:30 a.m. until 9 p.m. Address: 8555 Campeau Dr. Why You Need To Go: Whether you need some back-to-school clothes or you're looking to revamp your entire fall wardrobe, Tanger Outlets is the place to do it. With discounts on all of your favourite brands, you're sure to find more for less here. Website Feline Cafe Price: Prices vary When: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Address: 1076 Wellington St. Why You Need To Go: Cats and coffee? Sign us up! You can enjoy a cozy warm beverage while cuddling with the cutest cats. What's more, all the cats at the cafe are up for adoption, so you may even end up meeting your new BFF. View this post on Instagram mes petits minous❤️🍂🐈 A post shared by Viv (@vivianxiaa) on Oct 7, 2018 at 7:23am PDT Website Tavern On The Falls Price: Prices vary When: 11 a.m. until 1 a.m. Address: 1 John St. Why You Need To Go: If the weather is nice, this beautiful spot stays open until the end of October. Offering comfy couches to lounge on, tasty treats, drinks, and stunning waterfall views, there is no reason not to visit Tavern on the Falls! View this post on Instagram Tonight's orange rain, thunderstorm and sunset at Tavern on the Falls. #ottawalife A post shared by Steven (@steventrolley) on Jun 27, 2019 at 8:27pm PDT Website National Art Gallery of Canada Price: $16 When: 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. Address: 380 Sussex Dr. Why You Need To Go: Did you even come to Ottawa if you didn't visit the giant spider? Located outside of the National Art Gallery of Canada, this spooky eight-legged statue makes the perfect backdrop for your Halloween-themed Instagram posts! If you choose to go inside, admission is only $16 for adults. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Кузякин Владимир (@wofka94) on Jan 7, 2016 at 12:13pm PST Website Kayak on Dows Lake Price: Starting at $16 When: Hours vary with the seasons Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Driveway Why You Need To Go: Whether you like kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, or want to try your hand at standing paddleboards, Dows Lake has you covered. You can rent kayaks and other boats on the water until Thanksgiving weekend. View this post on Instagram Walk, bike, drive or boat on over to the tulip festival! Come see us by Dow’s Lake Pavilion before Sunday, don’t be TU-late🌷 #thatsHOT A post shared by The New Hot 89.9 (@newhot899) on May 16, 2019 at 12:47pm PDT Website Carleton University Butterfly Show Price: Free, donations accepted When: Oct. 5 to Oct. 13 Address: Nesbit Biology Building, Carleton University Why You Need To Go: You can walk through an enchanting greenhouse jungle of exotic and beautiful-looking butterflies. You can enjoy the butterflies' beauty and learn more about them. Who knows, one might even land on your nose! Website Dominion Arboretum Price: Free When: Dawn to dusk Address: 960 Carling Ave. Why You Need To Go: Located within Ottawa's experimental farm, there is something truly magical about the arboretum, no matter what season it is. But in fall, it's something else entirely! With excellent views of the Rideau canal and a variety of trees and shrubs, this makes for the perfect spot to practice your photography skills. Visitors are free to explore from sunrise until sunset. View this post on Instagram I'm so glad spring has finally arrived :) . . . #igersottawa #myottawa #ottawa #yow #discoverON #ontario #ontarioforyou #facesottawa #ottawatourism #ottawalife #ottawaphoto #exploringCanada #oh_canada_ #canada #pocket_canada #imagesofcanada #springhassprung #springishere #springtime #landscapephotography #gardensofinstagram #nature_perfection #natureinthecity #naturelovers #naturegram A post shared by Tanya Kirnishni (@tanyakirnishni) on May 18, 2019 at 8:19am PDT Website Enjoy a Beavertail Price: Prices vary When: 10 a.m. until 12 a.m. Address: 69 George St. Why You Need To Go: While these delicious pastries are available all over now, they are still an integral part of Ottawa's identity. Available all year round in the Byward Market, you simply have to try these sweet Canadian treats! View this post on Instagram I finally made my again to @beavertails_official in downtown Ottawa! We got ourselves the Banana Rama and Nutella Pretzel. Being a nutella Addict, this was by far the best one I have had so far. If you are in Canada, you need to try out beavertails at least once in your life 😍 . . . . Tag a Beavertails lover below 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 . . . . #getfatwithlabz #bywardmarket #beavertails #nutella #eatlocalmovement #ottawanibbles #ottawacoffee #ottawadesserts #ottawatourism #ottawadrinks #ottawa #yow #narcityottawa #ottawaphoto #ottawafoodie #ottawafoodies #ottawaeats #ottawau #uottawa #carletonu #supportlocal #613eats #narcitycanada #myottawa #downtownottawa #613coffee #ottawafood #blogto #mtlblog A post shared by Getfatwithlabz🍽Ottawa Foodie🇨🇦 (@getfatwithlabz) on Jun 21, 2019 at 6:41pm PDT Website Hog's Back Falls Price: Free When: May to December, weather permitting Address: 600 Hog's Back Rd. Why You Need To Go: These waterfalls might be artificial, but the views are totally real. Relax here while you listen to the rushing waters and admire the fall foliage that surrounds Hog's Back Park. You can visit the park from early May until December 1. View this post on Instagram So, Tuesday’s sunset sky was magical. Strolled over from Greek Fest to Hog’s Back Falls in time to enjoy it. #photooftheday #nofilter #myottawa #discoveron #explorecanada A post shared by James Peltzer (@james.peltzer) on Aug 23, 2019 at 11:16am PDT Website Nepean Point Price: Free When: 24 hours Address: 380 Sussex Dr. Why You Need To Go: You'll feel on top of the world at this scenic Ottawa lookout spot. With views of Parliament, the Ottawa River, and Gatineau, Nepean Point will give you the birds-eye view of the city you didn't even know you needed! The lookout point is located just behind the National Art Gallery. View this post on Instagram Thanks for crawling 1130km to chill with me 🦑 A post shared by JULES (@mooonyooon) on May 30, 2017 at 6:36pm PDT Website Graffiti Wall @ Brewer Park Price: Free When: 24 hours Address: 100 Brewer Way Why You Need To Go: The legal graffiti wall in Brewer Park is a beautiful and constantly changing mural that shows off some of Ottawa's most talented artists. Whether you're just stopping by to grab an aesthetic shot for the 'gram or want to add to the wall yourself, the mural is a super fun spot to visit. View this post on Instagram Using the right side of your brain A post shared by Sean Seeley (@sean_seeley) on Nov 24, 2016 at 10:13am PST Website Annual Wiener Dog Parade Price: Free When: Sept. 29 Address: 100 Sparks St. Why You Need To Go: Wiener dogs are adorable enough on their own, but watching a group of pups in costumes parade down the street? Now that's a sight you'd be crazy to miss out on! Ottawa's wiener dog parade helps kick off the annual sausage fest each year, usually in mid-September. The 2019 festival is set to take place on September 29. View this post on Instagram A snapshot of the cuties at the #wienerdogparade #ottawaswurstfestival #bywardmarket #wienerdog #dachshund @canadiandachshundrescue @ottawasausagefest @dachshund_fan_club A post shared by Ottawa Sausage Festival (@ottawasausagefest) on Oct 17, 2017 at 12:52pm PDT Website Dominion City Brew Co. Tour Price: $15 When: Sundays @ 2 p.m. Address: 5510 Canotek Rd., Unit 15 Why You Need To Go: This local Ottawa brewery offers tours every Sunday where you can learn more about their locally sourced ingredients and the strong sense of community. The tour includes a mouth-watering flight of four craft brews. If you like what you taste, head over to their tasting room for more bevvies and a delicious selection of food. View this post on Instagram Wicked suggestion @cody_emm. A post shared by Katherine (@kittayyye) on Jul 13, 2019 at 12:49pm PDT Website Fright Fest @ Saunders Farm Price: Starting at $20 When: Sept. 21 until Oct. 31 Address: 7893 Bleeks Rd. Why You Need To Go: Nothing spells fall quite like a haunted house. For those thrill-seeking daredevils, Fright Fest at Saunders Farm is sure to scare your socks off! If getting scared isn't for you, the farm is still a beautiful place to visit in the fall. View this post on Instagram ONE DAY SALE TOMORROW!😱 Grab tickets for just $15 this Thursday! Subscribe to our newsletter to have our Scary Summer Sale offer link sent to you Thursday at 12am. Only 500 Summer, Haunting Season, and FrightFest tickets will be available so sign up now at SaundersFarm.com 🙌 A post shared by Saunders Farm (@saundersfarmfun) on Aug 14, 2019 at 10:01am PDT Website Bytown Museum Price: Starting at $3 When: 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Address: 1 Canal Ln. Why You Need To Go: You can learn a bit about Ottawa's early history inside of its oldest stone building. After your quick tour through this little museum, head outside to take a walk through the stunning Ottawa locks along the Rideau Canal. View this post on Instagram 🏛🦅👀 @airliftpixels #ottawaphoto A post shared by Bytown Museum (@bytownmuseum) on Jun 7, 2019 at 5:31am PDT Website Haunted Walk of Ottawa Price: $23.99 When: Various dates Address: Various locations Why You Need To Go: You can uncover a darker side of Ottawa on an infamous Haunted Walk tour. With a variety of tours to choose from, you'll leave with a whole new perspective of the city. One tour even takes you within the old Carleton County Jail, which claims to be the most haunted building in North America. View this post on Instagram Thought I'd do some PP while I'm on holiday 👮♂️ #canada #ottawa #jail #oldcarletoncountyjail A post shared by Jack Quigley (@jackquigley93) on Jul 10, 2019 at 9:05am PDT Website Shopping in Westboro Price: Prices vary When: Store hours vary Address: Various locations Why You Need To Go: Westboro is home to numerous unique shops and restaurants that will help you get in touch with your bougie side! From rooftop patios to home decor, fashion, and so much more, you'll easily spend too many hours and too much dollar in this adorable part of Ottawa. View this post on Instagram Super stylish #halloween display @vanillaboutiqueottawa #westboro #fallfashion #wickedlywestboro October 27 #ottevents #shoplocal #ottawa A post shared by Westboro Village (@westborovillage) on Oct 17, 2018 at 10:09am PDT Website Mer Bleue Conservation Area Price: Free When: 24 hours Address: Ridge Road Why You Need To Go: With well-maintained boardwalks, sand ridges, and epic forest views, there is so much natural beauty to enjoy at Mer Bleue Conservation area. While the area is beautiful at any time of year, the reds and yellows of fall really bring this place to life! Visitors can access the trails daily from 8 a.m. until sunset. Website There are stories everywhere. If you spot a newsworthy event in your city, send us a message, photo, or video @NarcityCanada on Twitter and Instagram.
