When Ottawa gets coloured by peak autumn weather…
I visited Ottawa two weeks ago during autumnal equinox, the official arrival of fall in Canada. The weather was cool, the breeze was gentle and leaves were starting to change colour. We estimated that the peak time for fall colours would be two weeks from then (which would be right now).
Ottawa is very green (compared to Toronto), but then it is also a small city. A ten minute walk from downtown financial core will bring you to quiet tree-lined residential zones.
For a somewhat more outdoorsy experience, we went to Gatineau Park in Quebec which is just across the river from Ottawa. It’s a large (361 sqkm) forested area which is a designated federal park but not a national park (sounds complicated!) as a result of which the park has less protection from privatization and industry.
We hiked on the Meech lake Wolfe trail, also called P13 trail, which is a 8.5km loop and takes 2-3 hours to complete. The trail passes through a couple of lookout points and numerous hills, valleys and clearings. During peak fall, the views would be undoubtedly stunning.
↑ A covered bridge at Wakefield, one of the bilingual towns around Gatineau park. Ottawa as seen from the Peace tower
Clearly, the most beautiful part of fall was just around the corner. Enjoy the season!
lovely!!
Lovely set! It’s fun to see another perspective, it inspires me actually. I usually take fall pictures at Vincent Massey Park, Gatineau Park or the Gov’ General Gardens. But trees are still pretty green, I think another week or two will do the trick.
Thanks Zhu! I know, it’s always interesting to get a visitor’s perspective. They see things differently for sure. 🙂
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