The best trails around Ottawa to see the fall foliage
6 Minute Read
The geese are calling overhead, the leaves are falling, and the air feels cool and crisp—autumn is here, and Ottawa’s trees are lit up in their vibrant glory.
The best way to see fall leaves is to venture into the forest and be surrounded by towering trees as you hike. Whether you’re looking to get outside the city or hike in the heart of Ottawa, here are the best fall hikes to see colourful leaves.
Mackenzie King Estate Waterfall and Lauriault Trails
Where: Gatineau Park, Chelsea, QC
Length: 4.5 km loop
This hike was the most beloved of Canada’s longest-serving prime minister, Mackenzie King himself. While the trail is rated “Difficult” by the NCC, it will all be worth it when you reach the lookout and the cascading falls. You can also wander the ruins on the estate for a dreamy fairy tale experience. With plenty of spots to rest, snap some pictures, and even have a picnic, this historic trail will cover you in a canopy of gold and crimson.
Mer Bleue Bog Trail
Where: Ottawa, ON
Length: 1.5 km loop
This ecological wonder is a vital part of Ottawa’s natural history, and it transforms into an eerie wonderland each fall. The grasses turn a yellow hue, the sparse trees change their apparel to become bright jewels dotting the landscape, and the water covering this wetland reflects it all, doubling the autumn beauty.
A boardwalk covers the length of the trail, making it accessible to strollers, walkers and some wheelchairs.
Champlain Trail
Where: Gatineau Park, Chelsea, QC
Length: 1.1 km loop
The Champlain Trail is home to one of Gatineau Park’s most famous fall lookouts. This short but memorable loop explores the summit of the Eardley Escarpment and leads you to panoramic vistas overlooking the forests and fields of the Ottawa Valley. During peak autumn, the sweeping view explodes with colour as the hillsides transform into a quilt of red, orange, and gold. Snap a picture sitting on the low stone wall at the top for an iconic autumn experience in the National Capital Region.
Mud Lake Loop
Where: Ottawa, ON
Length: 2.9 km loop
Mud Lake is a delicate ecosystem located in the Britannia Conservation Area. Spanning 60 hectares, this complex of wetlands is home to hundreds of species of birds and dozens of rare plants, all housed within the deciduous swamp forest. In the fall, nature lovers will enjoy the mosaic of wildlife and bursts of fall colours reflected in the water. This hidden gem is your underrated fall destination in Ottawa.
Pinhey Forest Trail 31
Where: Ottawa, ON
Length: 2.3 km loop
Trail 31 in Pinhey Forest is a top pick for fall foliage, winding through a striking mix of red maple and mature coniferous forests. The well-maintained path leads hikers past vibrant autumn colours and the area’s unique and surprising inland dune, making it a local favourite for leaf peeping each October.
Pink Lake Trail
Where: Gatineau Park, Chelsea, QC
Length: 2.3 km loop
This deceptively named trail takes you around an emerald lake, providing a burst of colour in the park’s autumn tapestry. Elevated boardwalks and a lookout offer spectacular views of the changing forest canopy reflected in the water, and placards along the way reveal the lake’s rare ecology and unique secrets.
Pink Lake’s ecosystem is fragile, so keep in mind that pets are not permitted on the trail.
Rock Dunder Summit Loop
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Where: Lyndhurst, ON
Length: 3.9 km loop
The Rock Dunder Summit Loop is a lovely fall day trip from Ottawa, renowned for its dramatic lookout. You'll wind your way along woodlands and rocky ridges, at the end of which the astounding panoramic sights of the lake below’ll reward you. Coniferous trees will frame your view of the stunning scarlet, gold and copper hues below.
Carbide Willson Ruins (Meech Lake Trail 36)
Where: Gatineau Park, Chelsea, QC
Length: 3.3 km out and back
Carbide Willson Ruins is an iconic spot in Gatineau Park that is a favourite among photographers in the city for its unique stone remains and spooky, gaping windows that seem to stare blankly as you explore. The ruins are situated on a bubbling stream through the woods, surrounded by the varied colours that attract photographers to the city. The unique stone remains draw photographers to the area, along with its spooky, eerie atmosphere in the mixed forest.
Sentier du Belvédère (Trail #7) to the Lookout Tower
Where: Ripon, QC
Length: 4 km loop
Located approximately an hour from Ottawa, Trail #7 is the signature route in Parc des Montagnes Noires de Ripon, leading hikers steadily uphill through colourful forests to a 12-metre-high observation tower. At the summit, 360-degree views of the rolling hills, picturesque villages and a patchwork of autumn leaves stretch for miles, making this trail a must-visit for anyone seeking breathtaking vistas of the Petite-Nation region.
Hogs Back Falls Loop
Where: Ottawa, ON
Length: 1.4 km loop
Hog’s Back Falls is a towering cascade in the heart of Ottawa where the Rideau River tumbles over a rocky landscape. In autumn, the falls transform, turning everything from the brush clinging to the slopes to the surrounding forest into a showy golden display. You can walk along the bridge to see the falls from above or skirt the shoreline for a close-up view. After your hike, grab a table at the renovated heritage pavilion for a fall picnic.
Jack Pine Trail
Where: Ottawa, ON
Length: 2.3 km loop
Jack Pine Trail is a family-friendly loop most known for its wintery scenes, but this pathway is also a sight to behold in the fall. Tall pines tower over sections of fiery maple, and you should keep an eye out for busy chipmunks and chickadees preparing for the snow. With a mix of flat pathways and boardwalks through the wetlands, it’s an ideal spot for enjoying changing colours in a peaceful forest setting.
Interpretation panels along the trail offer an educational experience, making this section of Stony Swamp particularly popular with kids.
Eagle's Nest Lookout
Where: Calabogie, ON
Length: 2.7 km loop
Eagle’s Nest Lookout is famous for its breathtaking panoramic vistas atop a dramatic cliff face. The trail takes you among pine trees and the rocky landscape of the Canadian Shield to the lookout point, where you’ll see sweeping vistas of red, orange and gold foliage in the valley below. This site is sacred to the Algonquin peoples of the area, so remember to be respectful when you hit the trail.
Princess Louise Falls
Where: Ottawa, ON
Length: 3.9 km out and back
An urban hike in Orléans is an easy walk to a scenic waterfall, perfect for snapping a picture or admiring its majestic beauty. The trail itself is great for families, with easy pathways through deciduous forest and wooden bridges over the tumbling stream. Along the way, you’ll spot brilliant scarlet and ochre leaves to complement the blue waters of the falls.
Equip yourself to explore with CAA
Whether you’re deep in the woods or on an urban trail, if you need gear, make sure to use your CAA Membership. Members earn CAA Dollars when shopping at Columbia, L.L. Bean, Mountain Warehouse and Decathlon.
As you plan your trip, keep in mind that different trails have different rules. Look into whether your hiking spot allows pets or if there are any other environmental considerations to keep in mind. The changing seasons also mean that sections of some trails will close, so do your research in advance to avoid disappointment.
