See Canada’s Capital in its Fall Colours!

Published on September 28, 2012
Photo of forest in fall
See Canada’s Capital in its fall colours!

Experience the magic at Capital parks, paths and shorelines. Or enjoy the explosion of colours while exploring Gatineau Park and the Greenbelt.

Gatineau Park

Get the most from Gatineau Park in the fall:

  • Explore over 90 kilometres of trails by bicycle or on foot.
  • Visit mid-week to experience the autumn splendour at its tranquil best.
  • Admire the fall colours at scenic Philippe Lake, at Camp Fortune or at the Mackenzie King Estate.
  • Enjoy activities for the whole family at the Visitor Centre.
  • Discover the Luskville Falls sector. An interpretive path leads to the Falls and then on to the top of the Eardley Escarpment, offering a spectacular view of the Ottawa Valley.

Fall Rhapsody Activities: September 29 to October 14, 2012

Mackenzie King Estate

Re-live 100 years of Canadian history by visiting the restored chalets and experience nature by wandering the quiet wooded trails laid out by Mackenzie King.

The Estate is open daily until October 14.

Museum Hours

  • Wednesdays through Mondays: 10 am to 5 pm
  • The Estate museum is closed on Tuesdays, but the grounds remain open to the public.

Mackenzie King Tearoom Hours

  • Weekdays: 11 am to 5 pm
  • Weekends: 11:30 am to 6 pm

Recreation on the Gatineau Parkway

Enjoy the breathtaking fall colours of Gatineau Park by foot, bicycle, roller-blades or roller skis. Sections of the Gatineau Parkway are temporarily closed to automobile traffic and reserved for outdoors enthusiasts until October 28.

Saturday and Sunday Mornings

  • 6 am to 11 am: Gatineau Parkway between the P8 parking lot and the Champlain Parkway
  • 6 am to 1 pm: Gatineau Parkway between the P8 and P9 parking lots

Tuesday and Thursday Evenings

  • 6 pm to nightfall: Gatineau Parkway between the P8 and P9 parking lots

Fall in the Greenbelt

The Greenbelt, which surrounds the Capital, also offers spectacular fall landscapes. With 150 kilometres of trails, there are many vantage points from which to admire the colourful array offered by Mother Nature.