The 10 Fall Activities in Ottawa That Are Local Favorites
As the crisp air starts to carry the scent of pumpkin spice and the leaves turn into a masterpiece of reds, oranges, and yellows, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement.
Fall in Ottawa is an absolute favorite. Every year, many people visit the capital to experience the magic of the season.
People huddle around warm drinks, share laughs, and dive into all the cozy, colorful activities that this city has to offer.
I’ve jotted down my ultimate list of the top fall activities in Ottawa that you’ll want to try. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, this guide will make sure you don’t miss out on the best of the season in the capital.
1. Attend the Day of the Dead Festival
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Website: https://www.dayofthedeadfestival.ca/
Location: ByWard Market
Contact Details: [email protected]
Admission Fee: Free (Donations are welcome)
Seasonal Hours: Different activities happening at various times throughout the day and night
The Day of the Dead Festival in Ottawa’s ByWard Market bursts with vibrant colors and rich Mexican traditions. Altar-making workshops, face painting, and lively performances turn the market into a cultural carnival.
And let’s talk about food because who can resist tacos, tamales, and pan de muerto? All of this deliciousness is paired perfectly with the foot-tapping beats of mariachi music.
But it’s not just about the fun. You’ll also walk away a little wiser thanks to the educational exhibits and workshops that dive into the deep history of Día de los Muertos.
Pro tip:
Arrive early to catch the altar-building process and chat with the artists. It’s a unique way to learn the personal stories behind each altar.
2. Join Pumpkins After Dark
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Website: https://ottawa.pumpkinsafterdark.com/
Location: Wesley Clover Parks, 401 Corkstown Road
Contact Details: [email protected]
Admission Fee: Prices vary depending on the date and time
Seasonal Hours: Open select nights from late September through October
Pumpkins After Dark is Ottawa’s ultimate Halloween experience, taking place at Wesley Clover Parks.
Featuring over 10,000 hand-carved pumpkins, this enchanting event offers a one-of-a-kind walk-through, showcasing everything from classic Halloween characters to movie icons.
Along the way, live pumpkin carving demos will blow your mind, and the scent of fall treats will tempt your taste buds.
So, whether it’s a family outing or a spooky date night, there’s something delightfully eerie around every corner.
Pro tip:
Remember to bring your camera. This event is packed with Instagram-worthy moments that capture the spirit of Halloween.
3. Try the Taste of Wellington West
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Website: https://wellingtonwest.ca/event/taste-of-wellington/
Location: 1292 Wellington Street West
Contact Details: (613) 729-0363
Admission Fee: Free
Seasonal Hours: Takes place throughout the afternoon, often starting around 11 AM and running until 4 PM or 5 PM
The quirky charm of Hintonburg and Wellington Village shines at Taste of Wellington West!
Every September, like clockwork, the streets transform into a lively hub with local businesses offering sidewalk sales, free food samples, and engaging demos.
And that’s not all because the event also dishes out live music, kids’ activities, and the perfect excuse to explore the area’s unique shops and eateries.
Pro tip:
Don’t forget to bring a reusable shopping bag. Those sidewalk sales are too good to resist, and you’ll want something to carry all your goodies.
4. Attend Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF)
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Website: https://www.animationfestival.ca/
Location: 2 Daly Avenue, Suite A222
Contact Details: (613) 232-8769
Admission Fee: Varies based on event access
Seasonal Hours: The events take place throughout the day and into the evening.
The Ottawa International Animation Festival (OIAF) is North America’s animation epicenter, lighting up the capital with creative sparks every year.
This festival is where the weird, wild, and wonderful worlds of animation collide in spectacular fashion.
As it turns out, since 1976, it’s been the go-to spot for animators, industry pros, and fans who crave cutting-edge creativity. You can think of it as the ultimate art party.
With its vibrant blend of screenings, workshops, and discussions, OIAF is where the animation community’s brightest minds meet and mingle. It’s the place where ideas ignite and inspiration runs rampant.
Pro tip:
Don’t just be a spectator! Dive deep into the magic and join workshops and talks that offer a rare behind-the-scenes peek into the animation process.
5. Visit Saunders Farm
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Website: https://saundersfarm.com/
Location: 7893 Bleeks Rd A
Contact Details: (613) 838-5440
Admission Fee: Prices vary by event
Seasonal Hours: Hours vary depending on the event
Saunders Farm has come a long way since 1976, transforming from a cozy family-run spot into one of Canada’s go-to agri-tourism adventures.
The farm beautifully combines natural charm with fun-filled activities, boasting lush gardens, expansive orchards, and one of North America’s largest hedge mazes.
What’s in store for you is the chance to dive into a vibrant pumpkin patch, indulge in delicious farm-to-table treats, and even get your adrenaline pumping at the famous FrightFest.
Besides that, the farm also features unique attractions like Jumping Pillows and a splash pad, ensuring there’s always something fresh and exciting for every visitor.
Pro tip:
To make the most of your visit to Saunders Farm, buy your tickets for popular events like FrightFest online.
6. Stop by ByWard Market
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Website: https://www.byward-market.com/
Location: 55 ByWard Market Square
Contact Details: (613) 244-4410
Admission Fee: Free
Seasonal Hours: Typically, the market is open daily, but specific opening and closing times might change.
ByWard Market in Ottawa is a historic and bustling area, established in 1827 by Lt-Col. John By, the engineer behind the Rideau Canal.
Fast forward to today, and you’ve got one of the city’s hottest spots, blending old-world charm with fresh, modern vibes.
Over 600 businesses, including everything from specialty food shops to chic boutiques, galleries, and mouthwatering restaurants showcase the best of local and international flavors.
And that’s not all. Beyond the shopping spree, it lights up at night with lively pubs and clubs that promise a good time.
It’s buzzing with cultural events and live performances, keeping the energy high both day and night.
Pro tip:
Visit the market early in the morning for the freshest produce and to avoid crowds, or later in the evening to experience the lively pub scene and live entertainment.
7. Check out the Carleton University Butterfly Show
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Website: https://carleton.ca/biology/annual-butterfly-show/
Location: 1125 Colonel By Drive
Contact Details: (613) 520-2478
Admission Fee: Free. Donations are encouraged to help support the continuation of this beloved event.
Seasonal Hours: The show runs daily from 9 AM to 4 PM, but hours may vary slightly by day.
The Carleton University Butterfly Show is a yearly event at the university’s greenhouses, featuring thousands of stunning butterflies from all over the globe.
For a whole week, you can see over 1,300 butterflies from more than 40 different species in a vibrant, tropical setting. It’s a fantastic outing for everyone, especially families and school groups.
Besides enjoying the beautiful butterflies, you can also join “Ask an Expert” sessions to learn cool facts about these winged wonders, their behaviors, and their place in nature.
There are also guided tours and chances to snap some great photos, making it a perfect trip for nature lovers, biology buffs, and photographers alike.
Pro tip:
Wear bright or floral-colored clothing when visiting the Butterfly Show. Butterflies are naturally attracted to these colors, increasing the chances of them landing on you for an even more immersive and magical experience.
8. Tour around Proulx Farm
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Website: https://proulxfarm.com/
Location: 1865 O’Toole Rd, Cumberland
Contact Details: (613) 833-2417
Admission Fee: Varies by event
Seasonal Hours: Hours vary by day and event
Proulx Farm has a rich history dating back to 1920. It began as a dairy farm, reflecting the agricultural roots of the region.
Over the decades, the farm diversified, moving from dairy production to include a maple sugar bush, and eventually embracing agri-tourism.
Today, it’s a multi-generational family business known for its seasonal activities and community involvement.
And as we dive into autumn, the farm’s fall offerings, especially during Pumpkin Fest, truly shine.
This event becomes a hotspot for visitors with a lineup of activities that celebrate the season, making it a go-to destination for families and groups alike.
Among the highlights are a lively pumpkin patch where you can pick your own pumpkins, charming wagon rides that tour the picturesque farm, and corn mazes that promise fun for all ages.
Beyond these activities, the farm’s dedication to preserving and sharing its agricultural heritage continues to be a cornerstone of its community involvement.
Pro tip:
The farm offers beautiful fall scenery, so don’t forget your camera or smartphone to capture the vibrant colors and fun moments. Early morning light is perfect for photos.
9. Visit the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
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Website: https://ingeniumcanada.org/agriculture
Location: 901 Prince of Wales Dr
Contact Details: (613) 991-3044
Admission Fee: Free
Seasonal Hours: Typically starts at 4 PM
The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum in Ottawa, part of the Ingenium family, is a fall favorite with its array of seasonal activities and educational programs celebrating the harvest season.
During autumn, visitors can dive into hands-on fun like apple cider pressing and pumpkin carving while exploring Canadian agriculture through interactive exhibits.
Special events, including harvest festivals and seasonal cooking demos, draw families and school groups.
Transitioning from seasonal highlights, the museum’s commitment to sustainable agriculture shines through workshops and guided tours that showcase modern farming practices and food systems.
Besides that, the outdoor farm area, with various animals preparing for winter, remains a key attraction, especially in the fall.
Pro tip:
Check out the museum’s cafe or on-site events for special fall treats like fresh apple cider or baked goods made with locally sourced ingredients.
10. Explore Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum
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Website: https://diefenbunker.ca/en/
Location: 3929 Carp Rd
Contact Details: (613) 839-0007
Admission Fee: Typically around $15-20 for adults
Seasonal Hours: Typically from 10 AM to 4 PM, with extended hours during special events and holidays
The Diefenbunker: Canada’s Cold War Museum in Ottawa offers a thrilling dive into Cold War history.
As autumn sets in, the museum ramps up the excitement with special events like the “Dief the Chief: October ’62” experience, letting visitors relive the high-stakes drama of the Cuban Missile Crisis.
And if you’re into puzzles, the Cold War-themed escape rooms are a big hit this season.
But that’s not all. Exhibitions and art installations bring espionage and propaganda to life, while educational programs engage students and history buffs.
And with Halloween around the corner, the museum adds a spooky twist to its bunker experience, making it even more intriguing.
Pro tip:
Visit in late October for the full experience, when the bunker is transformed with Halloween-themed activities, offering a perfect blend of history and spookiness. This time of year also sees fewer crowds, allowing for a more personal and immersive visit.