Fall colours and unique festivals
The beautiful fall colours are the first things to love about Ottawa autumns but certainly not the last! Enjoy Fall Rhapsody in Gatineau Park, with a free shuttle from downtown Ottawa on weekends October 5-27, 2019 and hiking in the gorgeous park all year round—or explore the Greenbelt surrounding Ottawa, including the unique Mer Bleue bog with its Arctic-like flora and fauna. FREE!
Even more gardens across Ottawa are highlighted during the Garden Fall Rhapsody event October 12-14, 2019.
It’s still festival season in Ottawa! The National Arts Centre celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2019 and its Indigenous Theatre department launches its inaugural season this year with Mòshkamo (September 11-29, 2019), including song, dance, food, poetry, and much more; the Ottawa International Animation Festival (September 25-29, 2019) draws crowds at screenings, panels, and workshops across Ottawa; the Super Cheese Festival (October 4-6, 2019) brings grilled cheese, mac ’n’ cheese, and everything cheese to Ottawa City Hall; and writers are celebrated at the Ottawa International Writers Festival, Fall Edition (October 24-29, 2019). Meanwhile, the Canada Army Run moves to the Canadian War Museum for its 2019 edition on September 22, 2019.
Celebrate beer in true fall form…at Oktoberfest! Beau’s Oktoberfest (September 20-21, 2019) is an annual celebration by Beau’s All-Natural Brewing Co., located just one hour’s drive east of Ottawa in tiny Vankleek Hill. This year, in addition to 14 Beau’s beers, great Bavarian inspired food from local restaurants, a midway, sausage eating contest and more, check out great musical performances by The New Pornographers, Shad, and other great acts!