Best ways to admire fall leaves around Ottawa without hiking
5 Minute Read
It's fall, which means Ottawa is awash in vibrant shades of red, orange and yellow. The maples are turning a bright vermillion, the sumacs are adopting their amber hue, and the oak trees are becoming a deep shade of russet. When it comes to exploring Ottawa, fall is one of the most beautiful times to do so, with cool weather, leaves crunching underfoot and brilliant colours across the city.
While following a trail through a transformed forest can be a dreamy way to spend an afternoon, many people want to enjoy the sights without the trek. Whether you have difficulty navigating rough terrain, are a thrill-seeker, need a family-friendly activity or want to try something new, here are the best ways to see fall leaves around Ottawa without hiking.
Zoom on a zipline
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Ontario’s dense old-growth forests make our province the perfect place to try a zipline or aerial park through autumn colours.
Located less than an hour from downtown Ottawa, Arbraska Laflèche is the place where you can watch nature come alive in sunset hues from the high ropes or suspended on a zipline. Take risks and push yourself to your limits in the beautiful forests of Val-des-Monts. On your visit, you can also explore the extensive cave system and test your spelunking skills.
At the Chutes du Coulonge, you can enjoy stunning river views as you sail through the air over a tree-lined gorge. Adventurers will also love the opportunity to scale the cliff face above a rushing river, all while enjoying the jewel tones of fall’s finery.
Gear up for a bike trip
Ottawa has dozens of kilometres of bike trails for you to take a leisurely ride and see brilliant red, orange and yellow leaves. With Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals, you can explore the city at your own pace or take a guided tour through Ottawa’s best attractions. Whether you’re cycling along the Rideau Canal framed in scarlet or riding past the golden gardens of the National Gallery, you can pedal your way through Ottawa’s iconic attractions decked out in brilliant hues.
Want to book your escape? CAA Members save 10 per cent on bicycle rentals and tours.
Fly over fall foliage
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing Ottawa from above, book a ticket with Ottawa Aviation Adventures for a stunning panoramic view of your city. The landscape below you will transform into a patchwork of buildings, forests and fields painted with an expressive hand. You can choose between the four-seat family adventure or the 1930s biplane for a vintage, open-air flight.
Cruise on a mountain coaster
Speed down the mountain on a thrilling one-kilometre monorail track at Camp Fortune. Whether you want to glide at an easygoing pace to admire the vibrant autumn hues or race down the mountain going up to 40 km per hour, your adventure is yours to control. Both the chairlift and mountain coaster offer spectacular views of the Gatineau Hills, which are renowned for their crimson and umber splendour.
Ride the Gatineau Park shuttle
Journey through the winding roads of Gatineau Park on a free NCC shuttle that runs six days a week. You can disembark at any stop when the shuttle is in service, including the Champlain Lookout, Pink Lake and Mackenzie King Estate—iconic leaf peeping spots throughout the park. For those who don’t drive or have difficulty getting around the city, this is a great option to explore Ottawa-Gatineau while reducing your environmental impact.
Take to the skies in a chairlift
If you’ve ever dreamed of soaring over autumn leaves, why not take a chairlift to get a bird’s eye view? At Calabogie Peaks, you can ride to the top of the mountain, then disembark for a stroll through the Skywalk. After taking the chairlift back down, enjoy a delectable barbecue lunch and bask in the beauty around you.
Picnic in the park
Ottawa has a plethora of green spaces across the city where you can relax on a checkered blanket with some sandwiches. Head to a grassy green with a view like Major’s Hill Park or a waterfront favourite like Britannia Beach to enjoy your lunch under a coppery canopy. If you don’t want to sit on the ground, look for a spot with a designated picnic area, like the picturesque heritage pavilion at Hog’s Back Park.
Soak at the spa
Deep in the heart of nature, visit Nordik Spa Village to admire stunning fall colours from within the infinity bath or gathered around a fire pit. This spa brings relaxation to the next level, surrounding you in the warmth of turning leaves as you hop from saunas to rest areas to cold plunges. Koena Spa is another outdoor thermal experience where you can kick back and admire fall’s brilliance from the comfort of a hot tub or glass-walled barrel sauna.
Go for a drive
Whether you have mobility issues, young children to wrangle, or you like to watch the world pass by, sometimes the simplest option is an easy trip down a scenic route. A fall drive near Ottawa will allow you to roll down the window and take in the crisp air, all while admiring the picturesque scenery. Take a trip through Carleton Place and the Mississippi Mills for rolling hills and small town charm, or drive to Merrickville to experience one of Ontario’s prettiest villages.
Rent a canoe or kayak
Ottawa is built around several gorgeous bodies of water, including the Ottawa River, the Rideau River and the Rideau Canal, all of which are great spots to pick up a paddle. You can rent canoes, kayaks and even paddle boards from popular spots like Dow’s Lake Rentals & Marina or Eco-Odyssey in Wakefield, QC.
Save on excursions with CAA
No matter where the changing seasons take you, make sure to have a CAA Membership. You can use it at thousands of Rewards Partners offering savings on experiences, fuel, shopping, dining and more.
