October is an excellent time to be in Ottawa. The entire city celebrates Fall Rhapsody as the leaves change to brilliant shades of gold and red. Plus, there are non-stop seasonal activities to enjoy between Thanksgiving and Halloween. To help you plan for the best month ever, we've gathered up a list of free things to do in Ottawa this October.
Thankfully, you don't need to spend a ton of cash to have fun this month. Around Ottawa, there's a vast range of free events, no matter your interest. One thing you can't miss is the Fall Rhapsody, where the National Capital Region celebrates fall. Throughout October, there will be a free shuttle bus that will take you to Gatineau Park. This handy bus makes it super easy to enjoy a fall hike and some of the best lookout points in the area.
Another event you'll want to add to your calendar is the butterfly show at Carleton University. There, you can explore a dreamy greenhouse filled with butterflies. Or, if you haven't already, make sure to head to Sparks Street to ride the new seesaws before they are gone.
Here are 13 things to do in Ottawa this October 2019 that you really need to try. Enjoy!
Shuttle To Gatineau Park
Price: Free
When: Select days from October 5 to 27, 2019
Address: Various pickup and drop off locations
Why You Need To Go: It couldn't be easier to go to Gatineau Park and take in the fall foliage.
Watch A Movie Under The Stars
Price: Free
When: October 5, 2019
Address: Parkdale Park, 5081 Wellington St W, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Watch Fantastic Mr. Fox under the stars.
Play On Light-Up Seesaws
Price: Free
When: Until October 6, 2019
Address: Sparks Street, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Currently, there are multiple seesaws with special light effects that change when they are in motion.
Browse The ByWard Market
Price: Free
Address: ByWard Market, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: During the fall, there are tons of festive displays with pumpkins, corn, and plenty of flowers.
Lunch Concerts
Price: Free
When: Various days in October
Address: National Arts Centre, 1 Elgin St, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Enjoy one of their many free concerts at noon.
Attend A Mac & Cheese Festival
Price: Free admission
When: October 4-6, 2019
Address: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave W, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: In addition to all the delicious mac and cheese, there will be lots of live music to enjoy, too.
Go Stargazing
Price: Free
When: October 5, 2019
Address: Canada Aviation and Space Museum, 11 Aviation Parkway, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: There will be free telescopes that you can use to enjoy a view of the night's sky.
See Thousands Of Butterflies
Price: Free
When: October 5-13, 2019
Address: Nesbitt Biology Building, Carleton University, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: There will be 1300 exotic live butterflies to befriend!
Take A Hilarious Photo
Price: Free
When: Until October 13, 2019
Address: 1 Boulevard du Casino, Gatineau, Quebec
Why You Need To Go: Discover Las Vegas right here in Canada and get fake married by Elvis at Casino Lac Leamy.
Explore The Farmers' Market
Price: Free admission
When: Sundays in October
Address: 1000 Exhibition Way, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: This is a fun spot to go for a stroll and see what's available for sale.
Go For A Hike At Mer Bleue
Price: Free
Address: Ridge Rd, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: This boardwalk trail is simply stunning in the fall.
Wickedly Westboro
Price: Free
When: October 26, 2019
Address: Westboro Village, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: Go for a walk with your dog to explore the Halloween celebrations in Westboro.
Visit The Ottawa Art Gallery
Price: Free
Address: 50 Mackenzie King Bridge, Ottawa
Why You Need To Go: The Ottawa Art Gallery is packed with super Instagrammable art.
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