8+ Day Trips from Ottawa to see Fall Foliage

Looking for the best fall day trips from Ottawa? Whether you’re chasing peak fall foliage, planning scenic hikes, or hoping to enjoy cozy weekend getaways, this guide covers the top spots to visit in Ontario, Quebec, and upstate New York. Each destination is just a few hours from Ottawa, making them perfect for a fall day trip or weekend getaway.

Fall is my favourite time of year, even though it’s a whirlwind of trying to cram as much in as possible before the cold hits or rain falls and the colourful leaves are gone. The absolute best way to check current leaf conditions is using the Ontario Parks, upstate New York and Quebec fall foliage maps.

Read more: 10+ Best Locations to find Fall Foliage in Ottawa

Ontario and Quebec Day Trips from Ottawa

Gatineau Park Fall Colours

Gatineau Park fall colours are simply stunning. Fall Rhapsody is NCC’s annual Fall Festival with locations in Ottawa and Gatineau. The best fall hikes near Ottawa in Gatineau:

1. Pink Lake
2. King Mountain
3. Meech Lake
4. Carbide Wilson Ruins and
5. The Champlain Lookout.

It gets incredibly busy as people flock to the park, so hikes further from Ottawa are ideal for those looking for smaller crowds. Check out Philippe Lake, Meech Creek Valley and Luskville Falls for less busy hikes. For those without access to a car, you can take the Fall Rhapsody Bus Shuttle from downtown to the park. You now need a permit to fly a mini drone or regular drone over the park. Alternatively, book a helicopter tour or the biplane adventure for birds eye views of the vibrant fall colours in Ottawa/Gatineau (see below).

Approximate peak foliage season: Mid to late October is typically peak season in Gatineau Park.

Read more: Gatineau Park and Chelsea: A Quick Fun Day Trip from Ottawa

Best Fall Hikes Near Ottawa with Lookouts

There are so many hikes within a few hours from Ottawa/Gatineau! Here are the best lookout hikes near Ottawa in the fall:

• The Eagle’s Nest Lookout / Manitoulin Mountain Trail is amazing in fall
  • 1.5 hour drive from Ottawa and located in Calabogie
  • Quick 20 minute easy walk from the trailhead and popular year round
  • Moderate difficulty with steep section at the lookout
  • Paid parking
• Rock Dunder
  • 1.5 hours from Ottawa
  • UNESCO Thousand Islands Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve
  • Admission fee (check website for updated pricing)
• Barron Canyon Trail in Algonquin Park
  • Just over 2 hours from Ottawa
  • Easy 1.5 km loop with a view of the 100 m deep canyon.
• Blueberry Mountain trail
  • 1.5 hour drive from Ottawa in Lanark County
  • Free but is located on private lands so you must sign a waiver
  • Limited trailhead parking
  • Moderate 1.5 hour hike
• La Roche in Mont Tremblant National Park
  • 5.4 km (round trip)/2 h
  • Moderate difficulty
  • Paid admission to the park

Read more: 8 Stunning Lookouts to Hike or Visit near Ottawa

Best Fall Chairlift Rides Near Ottawa for Epic Views

Another fantastic way to see the vibrant fall colours from above is to take a chair lift. They are all typically open weekends in late September to mid October for fall colours.

• Fall Colours Calabogie Chairlift (1.5 hr from Ottawa)
• Mont Ste-Marie Chairlift (1 hr from Ottawa)
• Mont Tremblant Panoramic Gondola (2 hr from Ottawa)

Scenic Fall Drives from Ottawa for Peak Leaf Viewing

While the destination may be what you have in mind, the drive could be a trip in and of itself!

• Highway 309 to Kiamika, Quebec
• Take Highway 323 on the way to Mont Tremblant for beautiful views of the Laurentians.;
• Visit Chelsea, Quebec via Highway 105 from downtown Ottawa;
• Highway 7 to Algonquin Park, Ontario
• Thousand Islands Parkway, Ontario for a drive along the St. Lawrence River

Mont Tremblant Fall Foliage

If you’re looking for a scenic drive AND a beautiful destination, head to Mont Tremblant Village and Mont Tremblant National Park. Only a 2 hour drive from Ottawa, it’s definitely worth the visit. While there, make sure to do these:

• Mont Tremblant Panoramic Gondola
• Do a short hike on one of the many trails from the village
• Ziplining and go carting are SO fun here
• La Roche hike in Mont Tremblant National Park
  • 5.4 km (round trip)/2 h
  • Paid admission per person

Mont Tremblant National Park

If you’ve made it to Mont Tremblant, I recommend heading to Mont Tremblant National Park as well! There are a few trails with amazing lookouts. Below is a photo from La Corniche Trail, a 3.2 km out-and-back hike that is moderately difficult, and worth the effort! La Roche is another fantastic lookout, with a harder hike to get to. The National Park costs about $10/person.

More Ottawa Fall Day Trip Ideas:

1. Prince Edward County (2.5 h): For vineyards, cideries, and quiet drives through rolling farmland.
2. Merrickville and Rideau Canal (1 h): Fall colours along the Rideau Canal are stunning. Opt for a drive down Rideau River Road to Kemptville, then head west to Merrickville.
3. Upper Canada Village Pumpkinferno (1.25 h): Perfect October outing with fall vibes.
4. Wakefield, Quebec (30 to 45 min): Fall hike to the Wakefield Covered Bridge and the Black Sheep Inn.
5. Bonnechere Caves and Eganville (2 h): Combine caves, forests, and Bonnechere River views.

New York and Vermont Day Trips from Ottawa

This post was originally written and published in 2019. Given recent events and travel uncertainties in parts of the U.S., I want to add a note to this effect. I’ve kept this section in as things may change in the future. These destinations are included because of their incredible fall scenery and proximity to Ottawa, but local trips may offer more peace of mind this season.

Adirondacks Fall Foliage Scenic Drive and Hikes

The Adirondack Mountains are about 5,000 square miles, almost twice the size of Algonquin Park with numerous hikes through the mountains. The drive from Ontario to the Adirondacks is incredibly scenic and you’ll find yourself stopping constantly. There are 46 peaks in the Adirondacks, which can seem a bit daunting to a first time visitor. For a difficult 3 hour hike, try the Pillsbury Mountain. For easier hikes, try the Roaring Brook Falls, Cobble Hill Lookout or Goodnow Mountain (all about 3 h from Ottawa).

Lake Placid Fall Views

Lake Placid is a 3 hour drive from Ottawa which makes it a long day trip or a nice weekend getaway. The centre of Lake Placid is Mirror Lake which is surrounded by trees that make for absolutely fantastic fall foliage photos. This little American city is also home to the Trapp Family Lodge (which is a fun place to stay, especially if you’ve ever heard of the Sound of Music film).

Ithaca, NY Fall Foliage

This one is a bit far from Ottawa but worth it! Ithaca, New York is home to Cornell University and is surrounded by amazing waterfalls (more than 100 within 10 miles of downtown) in the Finger Lakes region. The most impressive is the Taughannock Falls which is the central feature of the Taughannock Falls State Park. You can check out all the waterfalls near Ithaca here.

Read more: Ithaca Day Trip | New York Destination to Chase Waterfalls