Eastern Ontario in autumn is something special. The hardwood forests that cover the Gatineau Hills and the ridges south of Ottawa transform into a patchwork of red, orange, and gold. The air turns crisp. Harvest festivals fill small-town main streets. And the countryside roads, quiet even in summer, feel like they belong to you alone. A fall weekend here is one of the best trips you can take from Ottawa.
When to Go
Peak colour in the Ottawa region typically falls between late September and mid-October, with the Gatineau Hills peaking a few days earlier than areas to the south. The exact timing varies by year, and you can check foliage reports online as the season approaches. But even outside the absolute peak, the colours are impressive, and the slightly-past-peak period often has better weather and fewer crowds than the first weekend of full colour.
A Suggested Route
Friday Evening: Ottawa to Perth
Leave Ottawa in the late afternoon and drive southwest to Perth. The hour-long drive along Highway 7 passes through farmland that glows in the autumn light. Check into your inn, walk the Tay Canal in the fading daylight, and have dinner at one of Perth's restaurants. The town is at its cosiest in autumn, with warm lighting in shop windows and the smell of wood smoke in the air.
Saturday: Lanark County Exploring
Saturday is your day for slow driving and unplanned stops. Head north from Perth toward Almonte, taking the back roads through Lanark County. The landscape here is a mix of farmland, forest, and river valleys. Stop at farm stands selling apples, squash, and preserves. Pause at crossroad villages with churches older than Confederation.
Almonte makes an excellent lunch stop. The downtown sits along the Mississippi River, which cascades past the old stone mill buildings in a scene that looks like a painting in autumn. After lunch, drive north through Pakenham and across the five-span stone bridge, then west toward Calabogie for some of the most dramatic hill-country scenery in the region.
Return to Perth in the late afternoon for a rest before dinner. Or, if you prefer to spend the night somewhere different, Almonte and the surrounding area have excellent bed-and-breakfast options.
Sunday: Rideau Canal Corridor
On Sunday morning, drive south from Perth along the Rideau Canal corridor toward Merrickville. The canal winds through quiet countryside, and the lock stations along the way make perfect stopping points. The trees lining the canal are among the most colourful in the region, and the reflections on the water double the effect.
Spend the late morning in Merrickville, browsing the shops and walking along the canal. Then head back to Ottawa via the country roads that parallel the canal, stopping wherever the view catches your eye. You will be home by early afternoon, relaxed and full of autumn colour.
Alternative: Gatineau Hills Weekend
If you prefer a shorter drive and more intense colour, spend your weekend in the Gatineau Hills instead. The hardwood forests here produce some of the most vivid autumn displays in Eastern Canada. Drive the Gatineau Parkway to the major lookouts, hike the trails around Meech Lake or Lac Philippe, and stay at a cabin or inn in the Chelsea or Wakefield area.
The Gatineau Hills peak slightly earlier than areas to the south, usually in the first week of October. Weekend traffic to the lookouts can be heavy during peak colour, so plan to arrive early in the morning or visit on a weekday if possible.
What to Pack
Layers are essential. October mornings can be cold enough for frost, while afternoons may warm up enough for a light jacket. Bring a thermos for coffee or tea on the road. Pack binoculars if you have them, as the lookout views are worth examining in detail. And bring a camera, though honestly, the colours will be more vivid in person than anything a lens can capture.
For more on the towns mentioned here, see our guides to small-town escapes and scenic drives from Ottawa.