7 Beginner-Friendly Hikes Near Ottawa That Will Give You The Best Fall Views
The leaves are changing and the temperatures are cooling, which means thereâs no better time to escape the city and get lost in nature. These easy hikes near Ottawa are the perfect places to discover golden fall foliage and the views are simply extraordinary.
Whether youâre a keen hiker or a total novice, there are plenty of brilliant hikes near Ottawa that will suit your walking ability.Â
Although many of these spots are awe-inspiring during every season, thereâs something pretty special about the red, orange, yellow and gold hue in the fall.
From enchanting boardwalks and colourful woodlands to mountaintop lookout points, all of these trails are located within a couple of hours of downtown O-Town.
Grab your coziest sweater and your favourite walking buddy â it's time for an autumn-inspired adventure in the great outdoors!
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King Mountain Trail
Length: 1.8 km
Address: King Mountain Trail, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: This super-quick and super-easy hike is one of the best spots if you want to discover incredible views without too much hard work. Youâll be able to enjoy scenic lookouts over the Ottawa River Valley and thereâs countless spots to snap that perfect fall photo.
Pink Lake Trail
Length: 2.1 km
Address: Gatineau Park, Chelsea, QC
Why You Need To Go: This is a short hike, but thereâs plenty of steps to climb. While your legs might ache the following day, seeing the extraordinary turquoise lake surrounded by orange and gold trees will be totally worth it.
Track and Tower Trail
Length: 7.5 km
Address: Algonquin Provincial Park, Unorganized South Nipissing District, ON
Why You Need To Go: Gold, gold and more gold! This colourful paradise is at its best during fall. While itâs going to take you a couple of hours to get there from Ottawa, you wonât regret the journey once youâve arrived.
Luskville Falls Trail
Length: 4 km
Address: Luskville Falls Trail, Pontiac, QC
Why You Need To Go: This four-kilometre loop is pretty easy and is a wonderful way to spend the afternoon. If autumnal trees arenât enough for you, thereâs also a trickling waterfall to discover here, too.
Mer Bleue Bog Trail
Length: 7.1 km
Address: Ridge Road, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: While this trail is a little longer in distance, itâs pretty flat and easy-going. Youâll be able to see all sorts of seasonal colours here and you may even spot some of the areaâs abundant wildlife.
Philippe Lake Trail
Length: 9.3 km
Address: Lac Phillipe, Pontiac, QC
Why You Need To Go: Although this hike is over nine kilometers long, itâs close to the city and could be easily completed within an afternoon. Along the route, youâll be able to enjoy dreamy views of the lake and the surrounding orange woodlands.
Pinhey Forest Trail
Length: 3.2 km
Address: Pinhey Forest, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Just outside the city, this breathtaking spot is short, mostly flat and totally easy-going. Itâs perfect if you only have an hour-or-so to spare or if youâre a novice hiker. If youâve got a little longer, thereâs even secret sand dunes here, too.