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Top Fall Activities in Ottawa

When the Fall season begins, Ottawa becomes chock-full of fun activities to celebrate the season. The leaves change, the weather cools, and pumpkin spice is everywhere. Whether it’s all-you-can-eat mac ‘n’ cheese, haunted houses, or a stroll through the park, here is our list of the top fall activities in Ottawa that are bound to make your autumn magical.

Mac My Cheese Fest, October 4th – 6th

What’s better than mac ‘n’ cheese? How about you add lobster, pulled pork, bacon, smoked salmon, or countless other varieties to an already amazing dish. Visit the Mac My Cheese Fest in the Festival Plaza at Ottawa City Hall for some cheesy food, live entertainment, eating contests, and more. Admission is free, so you only pay for what you eat. Starting at 11am Friday through Saturday, this is the perfect opportunity to sneak some much-needed mac ‘n’ cheese into your lunch or dinner plans.

Pumpkinferno, September 27th – October 27th

Open on select evenings throughout fall, Pumpkinferno offers breath-taking art exhibits made from upwards of 7,000 handcrafted pumpkins. Located at Upper Canada Village, the drive is well-worth the intricate displays that resemble dragons, animals, and even vehicles. Get your tickets early and only pay $16-$18 per adult, otherwise, tickets are $25 at the door.

Saunder’s Farm, September 21th – October 31st

When you think of quintessential fall fun, Saunder’s Farm is what you think of. Corn mazes, hayrides, fall-inspired food, and haunted houses make for the perfect family outing (plus it’s especially Instagram-worthy). At night, experience a new kind of scary when the grounds turn to Frightfest, which offers a variety of scares like the Barn of Terror, the Haunted Hayride, and more. Daytime admission is $25 each, while Frightfest Night admission starts at $36 each.

Tea and Chocolate Festival, November 2nd – 3rd

Learn and experience about two of the most delicious traditional delicacies at the Tea and Chocolate Festival. Meet experts and makers while sipping and savouring a variety of teas and chocolates from across the globe. The festival is located at the Nepean Sportsplex, so you can avoid the city crowds. Buy your tickets early for just $10 per day, or save and buy a two-day pass for $16.

Fall Rhapsody, October 5th – 27th

 Few things are more serene than taking a stroll under fall changing leaves. Take advantage of the colourful landscapes of Gatineau Park, The Greenbelt, and even Downtown Ottawa by experiencing the Fall Rhapsody. Plan a hike or bike ride and explore Gatineau Park’s 361 square kilometers. To make your plans even simpler, free shuttles to the park are offered during the weekend and depart from the Supreme Court of Canada and Camp Fortune.

Make the most of the last sunny days by getting out and experiencing some of our top fall activities in Ottawa. What are you excited for this fall? Tell us below!