The Best Places to Take Beautiful Fall Photos Near Ottawa
Autumn is a great time to get out and explore Ottawa’s outdoor spaces. With vibrant fall colours painting the city with crimson reds, bright yellows and deep oranges, there is no shortage of perfect fall photo ops. Check out our top spots to take beautiful fall photos in Ottawa, from epic selfies to stunning picturesque landscapes.
The Ottawa River Pathway
With over 200 km of multi-use pathways, the Ottawa River pathway system is a great place to enjoy the changing fall foliage, especially by bike. Stop by local attractions like the Canadian War Museum in the west or the Canada Aviation and Space Museum in the east, or explore hidden gems like Remic Rapids, the Millstreet Brewpub, Mud Lake, the Pumphouse or Bate Island for beautiful fall photo ops.
Mer Bleue Bog
If you miss peak leaf viewing season in late September and early October, not to worry! Tamaracks, the only coniferous tree to change colour, show their bright yellow splendor in late October after most deciduous trees have lost their leaves. The Mer Bleue Boardwalk trail is the best way to see the golden Tamaracks. It’s an easy and fully accessible trail and has interesting interpretive panels along the way explaining the unique ecology of this 7,700-year-old bog.
Major’s Hill Park
One of the best spots for an iconic fall photo in Ottawa is Major’s Hill Park. Only a short walk from the ByWard Market, the park provides panoramic views of the fall leaves along the banks of the Ottawa River, as well as colourful views of the Rideau Canal Locks. With one of the best unobstructed views of Parliament, this is also the best spot for an iconic selfie in the nation’s capital.
The Rideau Canal
Fall colours along the Rideau Canal are nothing short of spectacular. Go for a walk from downtown Ottawa and enjoy fall views with the Fairmont Chateau Laurier, Parliament and the Shaw Centre as your background, or hop on a bike and cycle the entire length of the canal under a beautiful fall canopy. If you’re looking to view the fall colours from the water, put in your own canoe, kayak or SUP at one of the many access points along the canal, or rent one from Dow’s Lake Pavilion. With very little current the canal is perfect for capturing fall reflections, and you’ll no doubt capture some amazing fall scenes through your lens. Note that the canal water levels are usually lowered in early October for the upcoming winter skating season, so be sure to check its status before planning and outing.
Blueberry Mountain
Located near the town of Balderson, ON (yes, home to some epic cheddars!), you’ll find a beautiful fall hike at Blueberry Mountain. Follow the trail past ponds framed with bright reds and yellows, and make the final steep accent to the top where you’ll enjoy beautiful views of the Ottawa Valley. On clear days you can even see the Calabogie Peak ski resort in the distance.
The Dominion Arboretum & Fletcher Wildlife Gardens
Home to hundreds of species of woody plants and trees, the Dominion Arboretum is a must-stop spot for fall colour viewing in Ottawa. With several trails for both walking and biking, you can enjoy the fall foliage both on foot or on two wheels. Stop by the Fletcher Wildlife Gardens to watch squirrels and chipmunks build their winter stash, or head over to Dow’s Lake and rent a canoe, kayak or peddle boat and view the fall colours from the water.
Camp Fortune, Gatineau Park
A skier paradise in the winter, Camp Fortune’s fall chair lift rides are a great way to view the colourful landscape of Gatineau Park from above. For those looking for a fall thrill, head down the mountain at speeds of up to 40km/hr on the new Camp Fortune Mountain Coaster.
Hog’s Back Falls
A beautiful waterfall at any time of the year, the fall colours transform Hog’s Back Falls into dreamy fall landscape each autumn. Head out to lookout points on each side of the falls for different vantage points, and wander down one of the trails on the east side of the falls which snakes down to the banks of the Rideau River.
Parc Omega
Only a 45min scenic drive into the Outaouais region just outside Ottawa, Parc Omega is a great place to view the changing seasons, and to embark on your own Canadian style safari. Roll past different habitats from the comfort of your own car and get amazing up-close photos of Bison, Elk, deer, bears, wild pigs and even wolves with a stunning autumn background. Parc Omega also offers unique accommodations for those looking to extend their stay and overnight in the park. Choose from camping options like tipis or Wi-tents, or splurge for one the well-appointed rustic Wolf cabins, and fall asleep watching a pack of wolves from right outside your bedroom window.
Mackenzie King Ruins, Gatineau Park
A popular spot at any time of year, the Mackenzie King Ruins are especially beautiful in the fall. Stroll through the historic grounds, once the residence of former Prime Minister William Mackenzie King, and revel in the fall colours surrounding the historic stone ruins. Be sure to take the Waterfall trail through a delightful birch forest and enjoy a stroll under a canopy of bright yellow foliage.
