This fall get outside and enjoy all the natural beauty Ottawa has to offer! With the leaves changing colors to vibrant red, orange and gold it is the perfect excuse to spend some time outside.
Typically the prime viewing time for fall leaves in Ottawa is from late September until late October. Best of all enjoying the natural beauty is free, and going for a hike in a tranquil forest can be super relaxing. You don't need to travel far to go on a stunning fall hike with your friends. Within Ottawa, there are several hiking trails and there plenty of additional trails just a short drive outside of the city.
READ ALSO: 33 Super Fun Outdoorsy Things To Do In Ottawa Before The Snow Falls
This fall here are all the best trails that you need to explore:
King Mountain Trail
Where: Chelsea, Quebec
@nofil.terThis is one of the most popular trails in Gatineau Park and is a very simple loop. This trail has several viewing areas that look out to the downtown Ottawa and the surrounding countryside.
Distance: 1.9 km
Eagles Nest Lookout
Where: Calabogie, Ontario
@ottawatourismThe view from Eagles Nest Lookout is unbelievable. The lookout point provides an excellent spot to view all the beautiful colors of leaves in the autumn.
Length: 8 km
Champlain Lookout
Where: Chelsea, Quebec
@vivian_the_beastThis is the classic hiking route to see fall leaves near Ottawa. Go with a group of friends and sit on the stone wall at the breathtaking lookout point to enjoy the picture perfect view.
Length: 1.3 km
Luskville Falls Trail
Where: Luskville, Quebec
@gatineauparkLuskville Falls Trail will take you past a beautiful waterfall on the highly trafficked look trail. After a bit of climb up a rocky slope, you will reach a lookout that gives a beautiful view of the Ottawa Valley. In the fall this fall, especially on the weekend this trail can get busy with hikers.
Length: 4 km
Pink Lake
@nasibaaPink Lake is a quick hike just a 30-minute drive from Ottawa. On the loop trail, you'll hike a lot of stairs through the forest as you go around a beautiful lake.
Length: 2.5 km
Carbide Willson Ruins Trail
Where: Chelsea, Quebec
This hike will take you past a stunning waterfall and Carbide Willson Ruins. Make sure to bring your camera as you will want to take photos of the ruins which are over 100 years old and surrounding colorful fall leaves.
Length: 4.3 km
Mer Bleue Conservation Area
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
@ncc_ccnStroll through the largest bog in southern Ontario. The flat Mer Bleue Conservation trail will take you over boardwalks and is a straightforward walk. When you go, make sure to bring seeds, and you will be able to feed birds from your hands.
Length: 7.1 km
Dominion Arboretum
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
@mdiaandraWith 86 acres of green space in the city, the Dominion Arboretum next to Dows Lake is the perfect spot to spend a fall day. For the perfect fall day bundle up in a cozy sweater and explore all the colorful trees.
Length: 1.5 km
Chapman Mills Conservation Area
Where: Manotick, Ontario
@fredelegThis super short trail is perfect when you don't want to do a long hike. The Chapman Mills Trail isn't overly popular so you can enjoy nature on your own while you walk on the boardwalk through the forest and next to the water.
Length: 1.5 km
Pine Grove Trail
Where: Ottawa, Ontario
Pine Grove offers a series of several hiking trails through a massive forest in Ottawa. The most popular path is a 9.7 km route that is perfect to see all the beautiful colors.
Length: 9.7 km
Lauriault Trail
Where: Chelsea, Quebec
Have the perfect fall day by exploring the Lauriault Trail. The loop trail will take you dense forest where you can enjoy the colorful fall leaves before ending at the gorgeous Mackenzie King Estate.
Distance: 3 km
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