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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. 

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