6 Things to Get Around to Doing In Ottawa this Fall

By Adam Slight
Its no secret that time flies quickly. It felt like summer was starting just yesterday, and now I’m waking up before the sun is!

Before autumn gets into full swing, I’ve made a quick list of things you should try to get around to doing this fall, because we all know that if we don’t start thinking about it now, we’ll miss it entirely!

1. Make a Halloween Costume this year!

Every year for the past seven years I’ve thought to myself, “This year I’m going to make an epic Halloween costume.Maybe that R2D2 costume I’ve been planning since I was 9.” Well, let me tell you, this has never happened, all because I lacked planning. I end up going to Value Village on October 29, and there’s nothing left for me. If you’re in the same boat as me, get out there this weekend and start preparing for that awesome Hallow’s Eve garb.

2. Go to Saunder’s Farm

If you like to celebrate the fall season, then you can’t miss Saunder’s Farm– complete with fall-themed haunted atmospheres, hedge-mazes, and hay-rides. The problem is, Saunder’s Farm is way outside of the city in Munster, so its not like you can hop on a city bus to haunted town. Climb in the car with some friends and make an outing of it. You can go during the day, or night, so take your pick! (And wear your Halloween costume from [1])

3. Hike Rideau Trail

Many people look forward to fall for the fresh cool air and the beautiful changing of the leaves. While you can get a taste of this just about anywhere in arborous Ottawa, hiking parts of the Rideau Trail is probably the best way to get in touch with your autumnal surroundings. Make sure to bring a camera. Your friends on Instagram will be so jealous.

4. Take a drive through the country

If hiking isn’t your thing, then take a drive through the countryside. Ottawa is surrounded by rural towns and villages filled with boutique shops worth exploring. You can chart a day-trip or just get into the car and see where you end up. Either way, this is a fun way to spend a Saturday or Sunday in the fall.

5. Go to a farmer’s market

There is a reason Thanksgiving lands in the fall–this season is all about fall harvest. Hit up a farmer’s market in the city, such as the Byward Market, Byron Park in Westboro on Saturdays, or Brewer Park on Sundays. Here you’ll find produce fresher than a prince in Bel-Air.

6. Brew a pumpkin ale

If you’re an adventurous beer drinker then you may have tried the pumpkin ales that are offered at the  LCBO in October. Here’s my challenge to you: Check out our article on beer-brewing and try making your own fall-themed beer yourself. If you start now, you’ll have like 50 bottles ready for Halloween!

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Obviously I’m just getting started here. What are some other “must-dos” for the fall?