Fall Rhapsody 2023: Admire the fall colours in the National Capital Region

September 21, 2023

Discover the region’s stunning fall scenery! From September 23 to October 22, 2023, celebrate the most colourful season of the year during the National Capital Commission’s (NCC) #FallRhapsody.

Every year, fall colours attract hundreds of thousands of visitors to NCC-managed parks and natural spaces in the National Capital Region. Popular, well-known destinations such as Pink Lake and the Mer Bleue Bog often reach visitor capacity.

To admire these colourful landscapes and get even more out of the experience, take the free shuttle bus, visit the more popular attractions during weekdays instead of on the weekend or explore destinations that have fewer visitors. Enjoy peace of mind while appreciating the amazing views!

In Gatineau Park

A favourite among local residents and visitors—and for good reason—Gatineau Park often reaches visitor capacity in the fall. The parkways are sometimes temporarily closed on weekends and on Thanksgiving Monday. Parking lots fill up quickly. You can avoid having to park by boarding a free shuttle bus. You can also discover the scenic views and hiking trails of Gatineau Park’s northern sector in the Meech Creek Valley and at Philippe Lake.

• Gatineau Park parkways: Fall schedule
• Parkways free shuttle schedule and routes
• Philippe Lake free shuttle schedule and routes

Ottawa–Gatineau

You don’t have to go far to enjoy the fall colours. Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau are full of amazing places to admire the oranges, reds and yellows of fall. The Capital Pathway offers over 200 km of multi-use pathways extending through Gatineau Park, downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, and the Greenbelt. Walk, cycle or use public transit to discover the region’s many parks, shores and urban gardens, and take a break at one of the NCC Bistros or the NCC River House.

Our active use program runs every weekend until October 9, 2023, including Thanksgiving Monday, on the Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Sir-George-Étienne-Cartier Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Driveway.

Greenbelt

Not far from Ottawa’s downtown, experience nature in the Greenbelt, host to several natural protected areas, including forests, sand dunes, wetlands, and over 150 km of natural trails and built pathways. The Greenbelt is also home to many farms open to the public. Add some flavour to your day by visiting one these farms for unique experiences and special fall activities.

Fall Rhapsody kick-off: Open NCC

On September 23, come out and meet our teams as part of Open NCC. Join us for a behind-the-scenes peek into the day-to-day activities and projects happening in the National Capital Region. There will be walking and cycling tours, kiosks and National Capital Commission expert presentations at many sites across the region. You’ll learn about architecture, landscape design, archaeology, Algonquin Anishinabe culture and sustainable farming.