In October, the true star in the Outaouais region is undoubtedly the fall colors. During the NCC Fall Rhapsody, the capital transforms into a living painting of vibrant colors. Stroll through downtown’s urban parks for a sunny picnic or explore the 150 km of trails in the Gatineau Park, admire the Meech Creek Valley and the beauty of Lake Philippe. A free NCC shuttle is available to take you there.

Sett off on an adventure along the Véloroute des Draveurs, a segment of the Trans-Canada Trail stretching over 72 kilometers. Between Blue Sea and Messines, the route runs alongside the magnificent Blue Sea Lake and offers several stops to fully enjoy nature. The trail alternates between gravel and a recently paved section, making it ideal for cyclists of all skill levels.

Want to see fall from a different perspective? Discover the must-see spots to admire the fall colors, spread across the five regions of the Outaouais, or explore even more original ways to experience the season from above, at the treetops, or flowing with the water. Traveling with kids? A family hike is also a great way to enjoy October.

For your comfort food recipes, use stone-ground flour from the Egan Mill, an exceptional artisanal product made in the heart of the village of Quyon, in the Pontiac region. Take advantage of your visit to explore the museum and settle into the riverside park for an impromptu picnic.

Good wine makes an October day even more beautiful. At Vignoble Les Collines, discover a family-run vineyard where some 9,000 vines thrive thanks to a unique microclimate. Meet the winemaker and pick up a few bottles for a mulled wine recipe to enjoy by the fire.

Warm up your days with seasonal creations from Bobino Bagel, the first bagel bakery in the Outaouais, or indulge at Le Cheesecake Bar, where you can pick from over 30 cheesecake flavors year-round, along with seasonal creations for fall and Halloween. Extend your sweet treat tour with the seasonal offerings from Chocolats Favoris, to enjoy plain or drizzled with their famous melted chocolate.

Indulge yourself at Halte gourmande - Courges et Cie, a farm-to-table bistro whose menu changes with the farm’s harvests: wood-fired pizzas, squash poutine, and seasonal soups, paired with a beer brewed from the farm’s own squash at À la Dérive Brasserie Artisanale.

Visit the Coronation Hall Cider Mill in Bristol and try their cider donuts or stop by Babine – Tartes et crèmes glacées (open until the end of October) for a slice of seasonal pie. Over in Buckingham, À Outrance offers a selection of craft beers and a gourmet menu to enjoy at the bar, in a friendly atmosphere where the staff takes the time to chat with guests. As for cafés, check out the fall menu at Biscotti & Cie and the comforting smoothie at Olivia Bistro-Boutique.

The Cirque du Soleil will be in Ottawa through October 18 with LUZIA, a Mexico-inspired show that combines acrobatics and water on stage. A first for a Cirque touring production. Be sure to add this show to your calendar if you haven’t bought your tickets yet.

On October 3, support local artisans and creators at the Autumn Fair, which is taking place in the parking lot at Ottavio and Échelle du Monde in Gatineau. That same weekend, October 3-4, continue your artistic tour during the second weekend of the Chelsea-Wakefield Studio Tour: painting, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, and glassblowing await you right in the artists’ studios. Want to get your hands dirty instead of just looking? Muraï Céramique in Wakefield offers year-round pottery workshops where you can shape and glaze your own pieces. A wonderful way to take home a souvenir you made yourself rather than buying one in a store.

As part of Library Month in Canada, Library and Archives Canada is opening the doors of its Preservation Center in Gatineau for an introductory workshop on the art of bookbinding. You’ll discover how books are preserved on-site before heading home with your own notebook crafted using this traditional technique. Free admission; registration required.

On October 10, immerse yourself in the world of literature at the Festival du livre des indépendants at the Tétreau Community Center, where you can meet emerging authors.

From October 9 to 11, lace up your walking shoes for the Maple Leaf Walk, a non-competitive international walking festival that showcases the monuments and parks of the Capital Region.

From October 22 to 25, let yourself be carried away by the sounds of the Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival, presented at La Fab on Mill in Chelsea, for four days of concerts, workshops, and dance evenings.

October 24 and 25, celebrate the colors of fall at the Marché d'automne d'Emery centre jardin, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Browse the stands of local artisans and enjoy the on-site mini farm. A wonderful family outing to wrap up the weekend.

And starting October 29, treat your taste buds to L’Outaouais au menu, a culinary event running through November 14. From Thursday through Saturday, discover the participating restaurants’ three-course set menus at a fixed price. Reserve your table now to enjoy the local flavors showcased by chefs from the region.

October is a great month to explore the local music scene. At Cabaret La Basoche on October 22, a three-artist lineup features three performers from the Outaouais region: Ariane Simard (a standout from The Voice Canada), Tristan Guay, and Sofia Duhaime. With a 6-to-8-person lineup and an intimate atmosphere, it’s the perfect opportunity to discover your next favorites before they fill the big venues.

Looking for a more festive party? On October 23, Kaïn celebrates 25 years in the business at the Salle Odyssée in the Maison de la culture de Gatineau, a classic of the Quebec music scene best enjoyed with a group. The next day, October 24, switch things up completely at Minotaure, in the heart of Old Hull: the band Marie Céleste is putting on a show that shifts from rock to electro to folk all in one evening, perfect if you can never decide which musical genre to choose.

On October 31, end the month with something other than a trick-or-treating run: comedian Charles Brunet wraps up October at the Maison de la culture with a show that appeals to all generations, a great way to get a few laughs in before the Halloween celebrations.

Going out with the family? October 10-18, Parc de la Forêt-Boucher presents Chanterelle et les héros de la forêt, a children’s show to enjoy outdoors, perfect to combine with a hike through the still-vibrant fall colors.

The Théâtre du Casino du Lac-Leamy also has its own lineup in October, with something to please many types of music lovers: October 2, Jesse Cook and his flamenco-inspired world, STYX and their rock classics on October 25. October 27-31, Seul Ensemble, a dance and acrobatics performance by Cirque Éloize inspired by the music of Serge Fiori. The dinner-and-show package, available at any time, easily turns your outing into a full evening.

Not sure where to spend your evening? Tout Culture lists the entire lineup of events in the Outaouais region, a great resource for finding at a glance, what’s happening on the night that works for you.

The weekend of October 2-4, head to Wakefield for the Gravelle du Parc, organized by Nomades du Parc. On Saturday, cyclists will set off on gravel routes ranging from 40 to 130 km starting at the Centre Vorlage; on Sunday, it’s time for running races with distances from 10 to 40 km. A great way to wrap up the gravel biking season on the region’s trails.

On October 10, head out for a day of trout fishing on Twins Lake with the team from Kenauk Nature to hone your skills with passionate guides. 

On October 11, head to Wakefield for the Covered Bridge Run, a family-friendly event featuring 3, 5, 10, or 21.1 km routes on roads and trails, with a Thanksgiving breakfast served on-site at the finish line, enough to turn a race into an outing for the whole family.

Looking for something a little more laid-back? On October 10 and 25, the Mountain View Farm, on the edge of Gatineau Park, is offering a yoga session with miniature goats at 11 a.m. A gentle hatha yoga class, open to children ages 3 and up, in a rural setting with a view of the Eardley Escarpment, the perfect way to take a breather between more athletic outings.

On October 24, put on your best costume for the BougeBouge Halloween Special, Night Run at the Érablière High School in Gatineau. Choose from a 1, 2, 5, or 10 km run. This evening event requires a headlamp. It’s a great group activity to motivate you to get outside despite the setting-in cold.

Want to stay active without aiming for a specific race? October is also the perfect time to enjoy the NCC Weekend Bikedays one last time before the season ends on October 12. 

Looking for thrills that are more enjoyable than frightening? The Outaouais Valley Haunted Tour, presented by Aventure Outaouais, is available on October 11, 16, 18, 24, 29, and 30. Aboard a minibus, a local storyteller will guide you through four historic villages: Aylmer, Luskville, Quyon, and Bristol, where 400 years of eerie tales come to life. To wrap up the evening on a sweet note, there’s a stop at the Coronation Hall Cider Mills for apple pie and hot cider. This experience focuses on storytelling rather than jump scares.

In October, Aléo presents its Marché des sorcières at La cabane en bois rond in Gatineau, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Spend two days immersing yourself in a refined and enchanting world: meet passionate creators, attend talks on the myths and mysteries that have shaped the figure of the modern witch, and visit a mystical photo booth to capture your visit.

Want to end the month with your family? On October 31, Champboisé is hosting their 10th annual Halloween party in L’Ange-Gardien. Stroll along the park’s illuminated trail, admire the themed decorations, and collect candy in an atmosphere designed with little ones in mind.

Looking for a night out just for adults? The Hôtel-Casino du Lac-Leamy is celebrating Halloween on October 30 and 31 with one of its biggest parties of the year, featuring themed decor, costumed characters, and dancing until the wee hours.

Would you rather extend your getaway than head home right away? The Maison O'Brien, nestled on the shores of Meech Lake and surrounded by Gatineau Park, offers an intimate hotel and spa in a historic setting. A dream location to cap off a day of fall colors or festivities with a peaceful night’s rest. Enjoy the comfort of this premier accommodation as you slip into your finds from La Grande Braderie de Mode Québécoise de Gatineau and proudly show off your new look during your outings the next day. Stay tuned. The event will take place at the Hilton Lac-Leamy on Friday, October 9, from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., and on Saturday, October 10, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Now that's the best way to combine style and comfort!

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Don’t want the adventure to end there? Discover our suggestions for a relaxing weekend with friends, turning your one-day getaway of fall colors, shows, and thrills into a longer stay in the Outaouais.