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Explore Ottawa This Autumn - Plus WIN An Amazing Ottawa Outing!

14/10/2021

 

See how I've been exploring Ottawa this autumn - and maybe you'll win your own amazing adventure!

Note: This contest and some the listed activities are affiliated with a sponor. This post also contains affiliate links, which means we may earn a small commission should you make a purchase.

Vanessa and Ryan sit in the stands at the Redblacks game Picture
Whoever first described autumn travel as the "off season" surely never lived in Ottawa, for this is when our city is on, on, on! The weather is lovely, the changing leaves are spectacular, and there's no shortage of fantastic things to do. Case in point: Check out what I've been up to over the last few weeks. From pies to ziplines, I think just about everyone will find something to love on this list.

In fact, I KNOW everyone will love it because one lucky reader is going to win an amazing Ottawa excursion based on a very exciting activity I just enjoyed myself. Read on!

Have a hoot at the Canadian Museum of Nature

Great horned owl in an ourdoor enclosure Picture
Bald eagle at an outdoor enclosure Picture
Man looks at a display of the earth at the museumPicture
Sign about owls at the museum Picture
There are some new bosses at the Canadian Museum of Nature and, no, I don't mean directors. I'm talking bird bosses, as in the incredible five owls who now live on the building's terrace, along with their friend Juno the rehabbed Bald Eagle. In addition to Max, the Great Horned Owl pictured above, visitors can also meet Khalessi the Eurasian Eagle-Owl, gorgeous Snowy Owls Oberon and Luna, and super sassy Rucker the Barn Owl.

A visit to see these amazing owls (and Juno) is an exceptional opportunity to admire a close up(ish) view  their dazzling plumage and learn more about their lifecycle. I was there for both their morning feast of mice AND for poop inspection. It's a remarkable exhibition - in fact, you might just have a hoot of a good time (see what I did there?)

Wander by the water

Ryan, Vanessa, and Oliver the dog stand on a grey plastic floating dock Picture
A duck sits on a branch sticking out of the water, surrounded by trees Picture
Rideau River Provincial Park is only forty minutes or so from downtown Ottawa but the city will feel like it's eons away. This is a gorgeous park for an afternoon waterside stroll - the Shoreline Trail is 1.5 km (each way) and is the perfect place for spotting birds, hanging out by the water, and enjoying the fall colours. And as Ollie can attest, it's very dog friendly. If you feel like spending the whole day on the water, this is the spot to be for canoeing and fishing.

Line up for pie

Line up of people outside the yellow bakery Picture
Pie is clearly a year round activity (if you disagree, time to find a new blog!) but there's just something about a hearty slice of apple, pumpkin, or perhaps pecan-chocolate that goes down especially well on a crisp, colorful autumn afternoon. I adore Cumberland'sBlack Walnut Bakery and love joining the Saturday line to pick up my own pie - and usually a few other treats along the way. You can, of course, pre-order your goodies but then you'd miss the adrenealine rush of getting the last blueberry galette or half-dozen brownies. Pro tip: Order your hot chocolate with their homemade ghost-shaped marshmallows at Halloween.

Sail across blue skies

Ryan on the zipline near two employees at the bottom of the line.Picture
Vanessa and a friend set sail on the zipline with the cities of Ottawa and Gatineau in the background Picture
I am not a bold and brave person (for full details, see, well, everything I've ever written).  But I was tempted, and then convinced, to try the Interzip interprovincial zipline linking Ottawa and Gatineau. How exactly I came to this point is a bit hard to explain (short answer: Never make an internal bet with yourself - or an external one with your spouse). But I have to say: I LOVED it! 

A big, big factor in my enjoyment is that this is the kind of zipline that doesn't require you to jump off the edge of the platform to start your journey. Instead, the team straps you in and then they release a brake and you just kind of... glide off. Not having to play an active role in my own launch was crucial. I had already used up all my moxy climbing up the platform. I never would have taken the final step of jumping off! 

If you too share my wimpy tendencies but somewhere, deep down, you want to try something adventurous, this might just be your perfect activity. It was mine.

Go for gold on the mini golf course

Ryan and Vanessa take a selfie on the mini golf course and pose with a purple ball and putter Picture
Tired: Spend the afternoon at the golf course. Inspired: Spend the night at the mini golf course - and emerge triumphant as a mini-golf superstar!

It was originally pandemic boredom that drove me (quite literally) to the nearest mini golf course but now that my true athletic powers have been revealed, I cannot get enough. It's fun, it's affordable, and you don't have to think too hard (unless you're me, nefariously plotting your next move). Being situated in the east end, Mer Bleue Miniputt is my local (note they are cash only - but they also provide free popcorn when you're done). 

Have a final feast of S'mores

Celephane bags contain yellow, green, and pink marshmallowsPicture
I do love autumn but I'm always a bit sad to put away the outdoor cooking treats. If, like me, you crave one final batch of S'mores and want to make them extra special, you can find fancy homemade marshmallows at Mamie Clafoutis, a delightful French inspired bakery and cafe. No need to build a campfire - these rainbow coloured gems are awesome on their own or maybe dipped in a chocolate fondue before being scooped out with a graham cracker.

Stroll through a spy cemetery

Vanessa poses next to a memorial stone in the cemeteryPicture
There aren't too many places where you can stroll though a spy cemetary. In fact, there are none at all, save for Ottawa. The city's own Beechwood Cemetery has a section reserved for those who serve with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service and, yes, it may be a bit of a stretch to describe all who will call this plot their final resting place to be spies. Then again, perhaps that's exactly what they'd want us to think! In any case, the cemetary has beautifully groomed gardens, lovely walking paths, and plenty of intriguing points of interests like this one. 

Cheer on the hometeam

Vanessa in the stands at TD place wearing a yellow sweater and blue vestPicture
Vanessa gives thumbs up outside the stadium Picture
Crowds around the souvenier stand Picture
A view of the field and the stands Picture
A view of the stands and the crowds Picture

Is there anything nicer than a brisk fall day, some tasty snacks, and the roar of the crowd? There's just something so autumn-y about going to a football game and I have fond memories dating way, WAY back from when I used to do so in university times.

I loved watching Ottawa's own Redblacks crush the Edmonton Elks last month - so much so that I'm happy to partner with my friends at Ottawa Tourism to send two lucky readers to the November 6th game versus the Toronto Argonauts at TD Place in Lansdowne Park.

Oh, I won't be sending you to the game on an empty stomach. C'mon! You know me - delicious nibbles make the day. As such, this prize pack includes a $100 gift card for SIDEDOOR restaurant.

To enter, I want you to comment and tell me what you're going to explore in Ottawa this autumn! 

Fine print: Contest closes on Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 12:00 AM EST. Winner is selected via random draw through Rafflecopter. Prize value is $225 and will be sent to the winner via email. Redblack Tickets are section C, row 11. Open to anyone in the greater Ottawa area that is 19 years of age or older. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Rebecca Stanisic link
15/10/2021 02:03:29 pm

There are so many things to do! But we need to go to a pumpkin patch

Vanessa
15/10/2021 02:05:42 pm

Preferably one that has apple cider donuts on hand!

Christie
15/10/2021 05:41:27 pm

It shouldn't surprise you to hear that my small scale autumnal Ottawa adventure is going to Red Door Provisions for pastries. 😘 I will, however, be heading to Mer Bleue in the near future for a hike to see one of my fave spots in a different season!

Vanessa
18/10/2021 10:18:23 am

Red Door is a delicious destination!

Marissa
15/10/2021 06:25:20 pm

Growing up in Ottawa definitely inspired my love of fall and you are so right about all of the exciting activities going on this season.

In addition to some of the wonderful suggestions you have above, my family and I will be having some fall fun at Upper Canada Cranberries and Saunder's Farm for Halloween. Can't wait to make soup with local produce from Orleans and Proulx Farms.

Vanessa
18/10/2021 10:18:50 am

I just love Saunder's Farm! They always have so much going on around Halloween!

Sabrina McTaggart
18/10/2021 01:41:39 pm

My favourite fall activity in Ottawa is to visit the Arboretum. So much green space and so many beautiful trees to enjoy in their autumn spendour!

Vanessa
18/10/2021 02:59:20 pm

This is such a great idea - I haven't been there in so long.

Jeff
19/10/2021 10:39:46 am

My exploring this fall has consisted of taking in minor baseball at parks across the city. It may sound boring, but many fields in Ottawa are surrounded by trees, so this year's warm fall, combined with brilliant foliage has made for some very picturesque viewing.

Vanessa
19/10/2021 10:42:00 am

This would be the perfect kind of place to spend an fall afternoon (maybe with some hot chocolate in hand?)

Melanie Carrier
19/10/2021 12:17:47 pm

Those are great ideas. I'm making a note about the pie store in Cumberland!!

Vanessa
19/10/2021 01:25:33 pm

I can't recommend it enough (and I take pie VERY seriously)....

Angela
19/10/2021 11:53:43 pm

Our family will be exploring fall rhapsody Welcoming autumn travelling the trails discovering the beauty of the changing of the seasons in our region.

Vanessa
20/10/2021 08:58:29 am

Yes please! I am so keen to get in as many fall colour outings as possible that I'm even going for hikes after work (like, who have I become?!?)

Julie Riddoch
20/10/2021 07:08:17 am

My favourite Fall activity in Ottawa is strolling the various hiking trails, the fall foliage is specular.

Vanessa
20/10/2021 08:58:49 am

Love it! Ottawa is the perfect area for hiking.

G. Gurd
20/10/2021 09:38:16 am

Looking for new cycling routes

Vanessa
20/10/2021 10:27:35 am

Such a nice way to explore the city.

Andrea T
20/10/2021 03:28:27 pm

Great list! We like easy hikes with yummy destinations so those are definitely on our list. We did Eagle’s Nest in the Calabogie area and would love to go back and check out the fall foliage. The National Gallery has some things on too… always a favourite.

Vanessa
20/10/2021 03:44:27 pm

You're the third person in the last few months to mention the Eagle's Nest to me - I've got to go check it out.

Donnalynn
20/10/2021 03:51:23 pm

Definitely would do Ziplining, Smores & a RedBlacks game!!!

Vanessa
20/10/2021 07:41:17 pm

That sounds like the perfect day of adventure to me!

Melanie
20/10/2021 08:12:16 pm

Why am I just learning about Cumberland's Black Walnut Bakery? I must go! Thank you for this blog post!

Vanessa
20/10/2021 08:25:09 pm

It is the most delicious spots imaginable!

Bonnie Kirkwood
20/10/2021 08:33:53 pm

Oh, I need more pie! We did some hiking and will hit up a pumpkin patch!

Vanessa
20/10/2021 08:43:56 pm

You're the second person to mention the pumpkin patch - I think I need to go.

Lucy
20/10/2021 09:01:22 pm

Now that you mention it, I am way overdue for a trip out to the Black Walnut bakery! While out that way I may take in a walk warping Petrie island before the trees lose all their leaves!

Vanessa
20/10/2021 10:00:35 pm

I love, love, love Petrie Island. It's the perfect place for indulging in some bakery treats!

Sarah McCormack
20/10/2021 09:56:19 pm

I love Ottawa in the Fall! Perfection!! I have so many favorite spots we visit every year to see the colours. The grounds of the Governor General's house is al lovely spot to visit in October.

Vanessa
20/10/2021 10:00:55 pm

What a great idea- there are beautiful gardens there.

Sarah Logan
20/10/2021 10:15:02 pm

I love going to Gatineau Park to see the beautiful Fall colours!

Vanessa
21/10/2021 09:38:58 am

Can you believe it's been about nine years since I did that? I'm so overdue.

Sarah Logan
22/10/2021 02:45:35 am

I haven't been in years also! I hear there are more restrictions as to when cars can go in/through the parkway and a limit if it gets busy. I went about a year ago and couldn't get in. I was so disappointed. I had planned to go for a hike and get ice cream at Le Cigale. Oh well, hopefully I can go next Spring sometime!! :)

Guy
20/10/2021 11:48:06 pm

Fall in #MyOttawa is all about walking along the Rideau River, cycling and enjoying the Fall colours, walking the boardwalk at Mer Bleue, kayaking on the Ottawa River and enjoying the amazing food the city has to offer plus stopping at all the amazing independent coffee shops and wineries 😉

Vanessa
21/10/2021 09:39:20 am

I was just hiking Mer Bleue a few days ago!


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