8 Incredible Fall Things To Do In Ottawa This October To Light Up Your Season
Fall is the time of year for pumpkin-spiced everything, big-knit sweaters with oversized scarves, and beautiful outdoor adventures. From mouth-watering food festivals to pumpkin car races, stunning foliage, and insane haunted houses, there are so many things to do in Ottawa this October. So, rally the squad and get ready to enjoy some capital F-U-N in the capital city.
Lansdowne Park Pumpkin Derby
Price: Starting at $7.50
When: Sunday, October 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Address: 1000 Exhibition Way
Why You Need To Go: You can design your own racecar made from pumpkins and race your way to some prizes (hopefully). There are two age groups for races and each participant will take part in three races. There will also be plenty of crafts, games, and other activities in the park for you to enjoy.
Dominion City Brew Co. Pig Roast
Price: Prices vary
When: Saturday, October 12
Address: 5510 Canotek Rd. Unit 15, Gloucester
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy delicious BBQ and refreshing brews for a relaxing October weekend. There are no tickets or reservations needed, simply show up and enjoy yourself.
Mac My Cheese Fest
Price: Free admission
When: Friday, October 4 to 6
Address: Ottawa City Hall, 110 Laurier Ave. W.
Why You Need To Go: Who doesn't love mac and cheese? You can enjoy some ooey-gooey mac and cheese to keep you warm this fall. Live music and other fun activities will also be available at the festival.
Pop-Up Cinema
Price: Free
When: Saturday, October 5 @ Dusk
Address: 5081 Wellington St. W.
Why You Need To Go: You can get super cozy and enjoy a movie under the stars this October. The next scheduled movie will be shown in Parkdale Park. So, head over to the park with your warmest fall sweater and catch Wes Anderson's Fantastic Mr. Fox.
Kayak on Dows Lake
Price: Starting at $30
When: Until Thanksgiving weekend
Address: 1001 Queen Elizabeth Dr.
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy beautiful fall views as the leaves reflect off of the water. This is the perfect activity to relax and enjoy the first few days of October.
Saunders Farm Fright Fest
Price: Starting at $40
When: Until October 31
Address: 7893 Bleeks Rd., Munster
Why You Need To Go: October is just as much about beautiful fall colours as it is about giving yourself a Halloween scare. Well, you can do both at Saunders Farm! Check out the haunted fun on location if you're looking to get the hairs on the back of your neck to stand up.
Carleton University Butterfly Show
Price: By donation
When: Saturday, October 5-13
Address: Nesbit Biology Building, Carleton University
Why You Need To Go: You will feel like you're in a magical jungle surrounded by beautiful fluttering butterflies. In addition to enjoying their beauty, you can learn more about these exotic insects as well.
Lunch @ Remic Rapids Park
Price: Bistro prices $1-$15
When: Park open 7 a.m. until dusk
Address: Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway
Why You Need To Go: You can explore the beautiful in-water sculptures and stunning fall foliage in the park. When you get hungry, head over to the Bistro patio for a tasty sausage and boozy bev. The bistro is expected to stay open until mid-October, weather permitting, so you can milk patio season for all it's worth.