Somewhere between the first cool morning and the first frost, the whole region starts competing for your weekends. Pumpkin fests, apple rows and zip lines over turning trees all want a slot, and the season closes faster than anyone expects. This list does the choosing for you.
Our guide to fall activities Ottawa families, couples and friends actually book covers 16 picks, updated for 2026 with this season’s dates wherever farms have posted them. We sorted Ottawa fall activities by distance from downtown Ottawa, cost and who they suit, from pumpkin patches and corn mazes to adventure parks across the National Capital Region. Start with the quick picks, then read on for every option.
In This Guide
- Quick picks: fall activities in Ottawa at a glance
- The best fall activities Ottawa offers right now, from pumpkin patches to Ottawa tourist attractions
- Tips for Ottawa fall activities and an easy Ottawa getaway worth knowing
- Frequently asked questions about fall activities Ottawa
- More Ottawa guides worth exploring
Quick picks: fall activities in Ottawa at a glance
Short on weekends? These five fall activities in Ottawa cover the classics.
1. Saunders Farm
PumpkinFest hedge mazes and hayrides by day, FrightFest scares after dark. Munster. Mid range.
2. The Log Farm
Corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides and farm animals around a pioneer farmhouse, open until November 1. Nepean. Mid range.
3. Ferme Proulx Farm
Pumpkin Fest mazes and wagon rides until October 31, plus the nighttime Skreamers experience. Cumberland. Mid range.
4. Camp Fortune
Zip lines and aerial obstacle courses through the Gatineau Hills in colour season. Chelsea. Mid range.
5. Mountain Orchards
Countryside apple picking south of the city. Mountain. Cost depends on your harvest.
The best fall activities Ottawa offers right now, from pumpkin patches to Ottawa tourist attractions
Every pick below fits the brief from the intro: a strong fall outing worth a weekend slot, including the outdoor fall activities Ottawa adventurers chase in colour season. Expect farms and orchards first, then zip lines, paddling and a few Ottawa tourist attractions that come alive in October.
1. Saunders Farm
PumpkinFest features hedge mazes, pumpkin picking, hayrides and daytime haunted attractions, while FrightFest brings scarier experiences after dark. Every autumn the farm becomes a Halloween destination, with PumpkinFest playgrounds, wagon rides and seasonal food by day and FrightFest haunted attractions at night. October weekends are especially busy, so buy tickets in advance for one of the most fun fall activities Ottawa families plan around.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: PumpkinFest by day, FrightFest after dark
📍 Location: Saunders Farm, Munster, 7893 Bleeks Rd, Ottawa, ON K0A 3P0
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, family, kid-friendly
2. The Log Farm
A historic pioneer farmhouse anchors a fall experience featuring a corn maze, pumpkin patch, wagon rides and farm animals. Visitors explore the maze, meet the animals, take wagon rides and pick pumpkins in October, and the advertised 2026 fall season runs from September 3 to November 1. Parking is on the farm, which makes it one of the easiest full-day fall activities in Ottawa’s west end.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A corn maze and pumpkin patch beside a pioneer farmhouse
📍 Location: The Log Farm, Nepean, 670 Cedarview Rd, Nepean, ON K2R 1E5
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, family, kid-friendly
3. Ferme Proulx Farm
Pumpkin Fest turns the Cumberland farm into a seasonal playground with mazes, wagon rides and Halloween attractions. Pumpkin Fest runs from September 19 to October 31 in 2026, with mazes and wagon rides by day, and the eastern Ottawa farm also hosts the nighttime Skreamers experience. Schedules vary by date, so check before heading to Proulx Farm.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Pumpkin Fest by day, Skreamers by night
📍 Location: Ferme Proulx Farm, Cumberland, 1865 O’Toole Rd, Ottawa, ON K4C 1N2
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, family, kid-friendly
4. Cannamore Orchard
Acres of Terror combines a spooky wagon ride, House of Terror, Spooky Village and Fog Maze in an orchard setting. About 40 minutes outside Ottawa near Crysler, Cannamore Orchard runs Acres of Terror on October weekends, with daytime sessions toned down for families and evening sessions saving the stronger scares. It ranks among the best fall activities near Ottawa for groups, so arrange tickets ahead.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Acres of Terror on October weekends
📍 Location: Cannamore Orchard, Crysler, 1480 County Rd 32, North Dundas, ON K0A 1R0
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, group, date
5. Ouimet Farms Adventure
A giant themed corn maze anchors a fall adventure farm with outdoor games and harvest-season activities. East of Ottawa in Vankleek Hill, the maze is the centrepiece, with farm activities around it through September and October, making it a strong day trip. Check schedules and admission before travelling.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A giant themed corn maze
📍 Location: Ouimet Farms Adventure, Vankleek Hill, 63 Main St W, Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, family, kid-friendly
6. Mountain Orchards
Rows of apple trees provide a countryside setting for autumn apple picking south of Ottawa. Visitors explore the orchard and buy harvested apples, and autumn visits are especially scenic as the surrounding fall colours turn. Picking conditions depend on the harvest, so check before you go.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Countryside apple picking
📍 Location: Mountain Orchards, Mountain, 10175 Clark Rd, Mountain, ON K0E 1S0
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, family, date
7. Millers’ Farm and Market
A long-established Rideau Valley farm market provides a seasonal stop for pumpkins and locally grown harvest produce. Set along Rideau Valley Drive north of Manotick, Millers Farm sells locally grown produce, with pumpkins and harvest vegetables when available. The surrounding countryside makes it a scenic fall drive.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Pumpkins and harvest produce on Rideau Valley Drive
📍 Location: Millers’ Farm and Market, Manotick, 6158 Rideau Valley Dr N, Manotick, ON K4M 1B3
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, family, relaxed
8. Abby Hill Farms
A roadside farm market on Bankfield Road offers a countryside stop for locally grown autumn produce. South of Ottawa near Kars, Abby Hill Farms is all about seasonal produce, and autumn brings harvest vegetables and changing colours along the rural roads around it. Selection depends on the harvest.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A roadside stand for harvest vegetables
📍 Location: Abby Hill Farms, Kars, 1490 Bankfield Rd, Kars, ON K0A 2E0
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, family, solo
That covers the farm circuit, and the second half trades pumpkin patches for zip lines, caves, paddling and after-dark stories.
9. Camp Fortune
Aerial obstacle courses and zip lines take visitors through the Gatineau Hills during the autumn colour season. Its aerial park sends visitors over elevated obstacles and zip lines among forest trees, and September and early October bring colourful foliage to the slopes. Activities depend on weather and seasonal dates, so confirm the autumn schedule and reserve ahead.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Zip lines through fall foliage
📍 Location: Camp Fortune, Chelsea, 300 Chemin Dunlop, Chelsea, QC J9B 2N3
⭐ Vibe: Scenic, group, family-friendly
10. Arbraska Laflèche
Underground cave exploration and treetop obstacle courses combine two adventure experiences in a forest north of Ottawa. Visitors can explore the Laflèche Cave or take on aerial obstacle courses, and the surrounding forest changes colour in September and October. Guided cave experiences are a good alternative when temperatures cool.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A cave and treetop courses in one stop
📍 Location: Arbraska Laflèche, Val-des-Monts, 255 Route Principale, Val-des-Monts, QC J8N 4B7
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, birthday, family-friendly
11. Great Canadian Bungee
A 200-foot bungee jump launches participants above the turquoise water of a former limestone quarry surrounded by autumn forest. The facility at Morrison’s Quarry is built around that signature jump, with colourful forest scenery in early autumn and other adventure activities available on inquiry. Confirm operating dates, weather and booking before you go.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A 200-foot jump over quarry water
📍 Location: Great Canadian Bungee, Chelsea, 1780 Route 105, Chelsea, QC J9B 1P4
⭐ Vibe: Waterfront, group, special occasion
12. Interzip Rogers
A 1,400-foot zip line carries riders across the Ottawa River between Ontario and Quebec. Riders launch from the Quebec side and fly toward Ontario with views of Parliament Hill, making it one of the few Ottawa tourist attractions you cross by zip line. Early autumn can bring colourful scenery along both shorelines, so check seasonal dates and tickets first.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A cross-river ride facing Parliament Hill
📍 Location: Interzip Rogers, Gatineau, 40 Rue Jos-Montferrand, Gatineau, QC J8X 0C2
⭐ Vibe: Waterfront, date, group
13. Éco-Odyssée
Visitors navigate a water maze through marsh channels by paddleboat, canoe or kayak while surrounded by autumn vegetation. Paddlers follow interconnected waterways through the marsh while watching wetland plants and wildlife, and early autumn brings colour before seasonal operations end. Reserve and confirm fall dates before visiting.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: A paddling maze through marsh channels
📍 Location: Éco-Odyssée, Wakefield, 52 Chemin des Sources, Wakefield, QC J0X 3G0
⭐ Vibe: Waterfront, family, date
14. Haunted Walk of Ottawa
Lantern-lit walking tours explore Ottawa ghost stories, historic buildings and unsettling local legends. Guides lead storytelling tours through downtown Ottawa, recounting ghost stories tied to landmarks and older buildings, and October is an especially atmospheric time to go. Most routes run outdoors after sunset, so book ahead during Halloween season.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Lantern-lit ghost stories downtown
📍 Location: Haunted Walk of Ottawa, Downtown, 46 1/2 Sparks St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A8
⭐ Vibe: Late night, date, group
15. Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals
Guided bicycle tours explore Ottawa’s waterfront pathways, historic landmarks and tree-lined neighbourhoods during autumn. Fall rides can follow the Ottawa River, Rideau Canal and surrounding parkways, and September and early October offer comfortable cycling conditions. Downtown parking is limited, so walking or transit is easiest, and tours depend on weather.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: Guided rides past fall colour and landmarks
📍 Location: Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals, Downtown, 65 Sparks St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A5
⭐ Vibe: Scenic, date, active
16. Valleyview Little Animal Farm
A miniature train ride and encounters with farm animals offer a countryside experience on Fallowfield Road. The family-operated farm in Ottawa’s southwest end lets visitors see farm animals and explore outdoor play areas, and the miniature train is its signature ride. Early autumn brings cooler temperatures for walking around, so confirm seasonal dates before visiting.
Good to Know
🔥 Known for: The miniature train and farm animals
📍 Location: Valleyview Little Animal Farm, Nepean, 4750 Fallowfield Rd, Nepean, ON K2J 4S4
⭐ Vibe: Outdoor, family, kid-friendly
Tips for Ottawa fall activities and an easy Ottawa getaway worth knowing
With the list sorted, these habits turn a busy Ottawa fall into an easy Ottawa getaway, whether you stay local or plan a day trip.
Book the big farms first. Saunders Farm and Cannamore Orchard both ask for tickets ahead, October weekends fill fastest, and the Haunted Walk recommends booking during Halloween season. Lock in those dates before filling the rest of the weekend with family activities.
Watch this year’s calendar, not last year’s. Ottawa fall activities 2025 listings won’t match this season, so rely on posted 2026 dates such as The Log Farm’s September 3 to November 1 run and Proulx Farm’s Pumpkin Fest to October 31. For peak fall colours, September and early October are the windows several Gatineau Hills operators point to.
Stay inside the city if time is short. City of Ottawa fall activities include The Log Farm and Valleyview Little Animal Farm in Nepean, Kiwan Farms’ produce market on Hawthorne Road and Maple Hill Urban Farm on Moodie Drive. Downtown Ottawa adds the Haunted Walk and Escape Bicycle Tours, both a short walk from the ByWard Market, so fall activities City of Ottawa residents can reach are easy to string together.
Keep a rainy-day backup. The Mud Oven’s paint-your-own pottery suits wet October afternoons, Hintonburg Pottery on Wellington West and LOAM Clay Studio offer clay classes, and Brew Donkey Tours runs weekend brewery visits for adults 19+. These fun things to do indoors keep the Ottawa fall going when the weather turns.
Plenty of other fall names circulate around the Ottawa region, from Gatineau Park and Fall Rhapsody to National Capital Commission programming, Upper Canada Village, Nordik Spa Nature, Heritage Hall, Crave food events, a wine festival, a berry farm or the Festival Franco Ontarien. We haven’t verified those for this list, so confirm dates and details directly before planning a day trip around them.
Frequently asked questions about fall activities Ottawa
These are the questions people ask most often when planning the season.
What are the best fall activities in Ottawa?
The best fall activities in Ottawa are the pumpkin fests at Saunders Farm, The Log Farm and Ferme Proulx Farm, apple picking at Mountain Orchards and zip lines at Camp Fortune. For something different, Éco-Odyssée’s water maze and the Haunted Walk of Ottawa cover paddling and ghost stories. Full details for each are in the list above.
What are good fall activities for kids Ottawa parents can plan?
The Log Farm, Valleyview Little Animal Farm and Saunders Farm’s daytime PumpkinFest are the strongest picks, with corn mazes, wagon rides, farm animals and a miniature train. Cannamore Orchard tones down its daytime Acres of Terror sessions for families, and The Mud Oven works for rainy days. See each entry above for dates.
Where should I go for a fall Ottawa getaway or day trip?
For a day trip, head to the Gatineau Hills for Camp Fortune, Arbraska Laflèche, Great Canadian Bungee or Éco-Odyssée, or east to Ouimet Farms Adventure in Vankleek Hill. Cannamore Orchard near Crysler sits about 40 minutes outside Ottawa, and orchards and farm markets south of the city make an easy countryside loop. Each stop is detailed above for planning your Ottawa getaway.
When do fall activities in Ottawa usually run?
Most fall activities in Ottawa run from September through October, with some extending into early November. The Log Farm’s 2026 season runs September 3 to November 1, Ferme Proulx Farm’s Pumpkin Fest runs September 19 to October 31, and Cannamore’s Acres of Terror runs on October weekends. Dates for each spot are in the guide above.
More Ottawa guides worth exploring
For more fall and family activities around the city, these guides pick up where this one leaves off.
Outdoor things to do in Ottawa: Trails, parks and open-air plans for every season.
Family-friendly Ottawa outings: Kid-ready plans for weekends and school breaks.
Free things to do in Ottawa: No-cost outings to balance out ticketed farm weekends.
Ottawa plans by budget, season and situation: Ideas sorted by what you want to spend and what the weather is doing.
Things to do in Ottawa for visitors: A first-timer’s guide for anyone timing a trip to fall colour season.
The fall activities Ottawa offers move fast, from pumpkin fests that close at Halloween to colour that peaks in early October. Bookmark this guide before your next free weekend, because we update it as farms post new dates and every spot is verified.
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