In October, the real star of the Outaouais region is undoubtedly the fall colors.  During the NCC Fall Rhapsody, the capital is transformed into a living painting of vibrant colors. Stroll through downtown urban parks for a sunny picnic or explore 150 km of trails. Take a walk in Gatineau Park, observe the Meech Creek Valley and contemplate the beauty of Lake Philippe.  Set off on an adventure on the Véloroute des Draveurs, a section of the Trans Canada Trail that spreads out on over 72 km. Between Blue Sea and Messines, the route runs along the magnificent Blue Sea Lake with several rest-stops to fully enjoy nature. The trail alternates between stone dust and a recently paved section, ideal for cyclists of all levels.  Marvel at the flamboyant colors at Parc de la Forêt-Boucher thanks to a special program that celebrates the season in all its forms. Guided hikes, mycology workshops, family rallies, forest yoga, and conferences await you. Discover the complete program! Put on your hiking shoes and explore nature. Discover must-see locations throughout the five regions of the Outaouais where you can admire the fall colors and experience all the magic of the season. Take advantage of nature’s beauty to introduce your children to hiking! Most activities are free, but you must register.  Why not try discovering the magic of fall from a different angle? Whether from the air, the treetops, or along the water, let yourself be amazed by fall from a whole new angle.

For your comforting recipes, use stone-ground flour from Egan Mill, an exceptional artisanal product made in the heart of the village of Quyon, in The Pontiac. Its authentic texture and rich taste will enhance your seasonal breads, pies, and pastries. Take advantage of your visit to tour the museum and settle down in the riverside park for an impromptu picnic.  There's nothing like a good glass of wine to make an October day even more beautiful! At Vignoble Les Collines, discover a family estate where approximately 9,000 vines thrive thanks to a unique microclimate. Explore environmentally friendly practices, meet the cellar master, and let yourself be seduced by wines that express all the richness of Quebec's terroir. Bring a few bottles home, make some mulled wine, and enjoy it by the fire with a blanket.  Warm up your days with the latest gourmet creations from Bobino Bagel, the very first bagel factory in the Outaouais region. Indulge in a pumpkin cheesecake latte, a honey and cinnamon espresso shake, or a crème brûlée bagel. Indulge your sweet tooth at Le Cheesecake Bar, where over 30 irresistible flavors of cheesecake await you! This fall, discover decadent creations such as the Halloween mini cheesecake box, spice cake, cinnamon and pecan Dulce de leche cheesecake tart, and apple crumble cheesecake tart. These sweet treats pair perfectly with a latte, hot chocolate, or Italian granita.  Extend the ice cream season with an autumnal twist thanks to Chocolats Favoris pumpkin spice soft serve. Taste the combination of creamy ice cream and the comforting warmth of fall spices. Enjoy it on its own or top it with your choice of their famous melted chocolate.  Let yourself be seduced by the original dishes at Courges et cie. Fall in love with the La Courgeuse pizza, topped with farm-fresh butternut squash and golden heart squash, caramelized onions, bacon, apples, Intermiel honey, and old cheddar cheese. Try the Delicata squash poutine while sipping a Courge Light, a beer brewed by À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale from the farm's squash, and succumb to the famous pumpkin doughnuts and cakes before you leave! Take a detour to Coronation Hall Cider Mills in Bristol and discover a variety of comforting treats. Try their apple butter BBQ sauce and famous cider doughnuts before rounding off the experience with sparkling apple juice or hot cider that warms the heart and hands.   Stop by Babine – Pies and Ice Cream and try their pie of the month: a creamy pumpkin pie that captures all the magic of fall. With its creamy, spiced filling atop a perfectly golden homemade crust, each bite evokes the comforting colors and flavors of the season.   Discover the new seasonal menu with sweet and spicy flavors at Biscotti & Cie. Sip on an apple crisp chai, caramel apple cider, or pumpkin latte. Fall in love with the cinnamon brown sugar shaken espresso, white mocha with pecans, chamomile-honey London fog, peach smoothie, or matcha chai. Try the spiced pumpkin smoothie at Olivia Bistro-Boutique, a delicious and comforting creation. Made with pumpkin, squash, banana, spices, yoghurt and almond milk, it combines the sweetness of fruit with the warmth of autumnal flavours to create a creamy drink. Perfect for a healthy break or to provide comfort during this season, this smoothie is a delicious way to embrace the colours and bounty of fall.

On October 18, immerse yourself in the world of literature at the Festival du livre des indépendants at the Buckingham Community Center. Meet several passionate authors, attend enriching conferences, and participate in a variety of book-related activities.  From October 23 to 26, enjoy the enchanting sounds of the Gatineau Hills Fiddle Festival, presented at La Fab sur Mill – Chelsea Arts, Culture, and Heritage Centre. During four days, talented musicians will take turns thrilling the audience with traditional and contemporary violin music. Attend intimate concerts, participate in enriching encounters, and make musical discoveries at this unique event.

Visit À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale and discover a veritable living gallery: the walls of the establishment are now adorned with the vibrant works of Émilie Villeneuve. Each piece invites contemplation and transforms your visit to the brewery into an experience that is both gourmet and artistic. Sip a local beer while enjoying the work of a local artist.  From October 2 to 5, marvel at the Super Circus Europa's visit to Canada, a unique production that reinvents the traditional circus experience. Under the big top at Les Promenades Gatineau, discover an international troupe of award-winning artists: tightrope acrobatics with Geoffrey Berhault, guaranteed thrills with Jose Ponce Ramos and his Wheel of Death, intrepid riders from FMX Circus, figure skating, and hilarious clowns.  On October 3, take part in the first Nuit Blanche dans le Vieux-Hull! Starting at 8 p.m., Eddy Street will be transformed into a living gallery under the stars. Artistic performances, spontaneous shows, and literary events will enliven the area until 3 a.m. Stroll freely from one space to another, discover local talent, and enjoy the rhythm of this great urban celebration.  Don't miss the Open House at the Preservation Centre on 3 and 4 October, an event organised by Library and Archives Canada! Take a behind-the-scenes look at this fascinating place by visiting the art vault, meeting passionate specialists, and discovering the world of books. The programme also includes genealogy workshops, family activities, quizzes and craft workshops. You can also enter a competition to win an exclusive tour of the rare book vault at a later date. Admission is free, so book your place now!   On October 4, celebrate fall in the heart of Gatineau at the Foire commerciale automnale, organized by the Association des commerçants Jacques-Cartier Gréber. The Ottavio and À l’Échelle du Monde parking lots will be transformed into a festive market where local artisans, creators, and merchants will offer jewelry, clothing, Halloween decorations, visual arts, and local products.  On October 4 and 5, discover local creativity during the Chelsea-Wakefield Studio Tour. A wide range of unique works await you in the studios of passionate artists and artisans: painting, sculpture, ceramics, jewelry, woodworking, photography, and blown glass. Meet the creators, ask them about their creative process, discover their world, and discuss their craftsmanship.  On October 4, 5, 11, and 12, celebrate the colorful season at ColorFest at Mont Cascades! In a flamboyant setting, enjoy festive entertainment including music, games, pumpkin decorating, and a gourmet barbecue. Stroll through the indoor local market and leave with your finds.  On October 7, take part in a memorable evening at the Guy-Sache Library, located inside the Maison de la culture de Gatineau, as part of National Truth and Reconciliation Day. Discover Kîsisam Pâtisserie, which means “she who bakes with fire,” an experience that highlights the art of Indigenous baking thanks to Neu Uasstessiu Nipish. Enjoy this unique moment where traditions, flavors, and stories come together in a spirit of sharing and collective memory.  On October 9, express your creativity during a lively painting evening at Place Notre-Dame, in the heart of Gatineau. Guided by artist Stéfanie Kearns, owner of Kearns Studio, create a canvas bag in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. Whether you are a novice or an art lover, let yourself be inspired and leave with your creation.  On Monday, October 13, laugh out loud at the À La Dérive Brasserie Artisanale comedy night! Comedian Jonathan Dion returns to host this monthly event, which always draws a large crowd. Guest comedians will take the stage to test out their best jokes.  On October 25 and 26, immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Fall Market at Emery Centre jardin. Browse the booths of local artisans and merchants who have come to share their creations. Find some fall-inspired decorations, sample local flavors, or simply celebrate the richness and creativity of the region.

On October 3, dance to the beats of DJ Méo, a true icon of the Outaouais music scene for over 20 years. Head to the Terrasse du Square in Chelsea for a free, chic, and festive evening.  On October 4, take part in the Vinyle & Bières event at the Gallicus brewery. Browse a selection of vinyl records ranging from essential classics to forgotten treasures. Search, listen, chat with other enthusiasts, and accompany your finds with a tasty craft beer.  On October 18, rock out in the heart of Montebello at the first edition of MONTEBELLO ‘DANS MARGE, a punk night presented at Le Bankeur, the Les Brasseurs de Montebello’s concert hall. For this high-decibel launch, Quebec punk music will be in the spotlight with Caniche and Thee Soreheads. On October 22 and 23, rock out to an intimate and explosive show with Émile Bilodeau at Le Minotaure, in the heart of Old Hull. The artist will present Bill aux Îles, a live album recorded in the Magdalen Islands, where he transforms himself into a true one-man band. 

Every Friday, treat yourself to a wellness break at Les Galeries de Hull with free yoga classes in the Flex Space. Led by Mélanie Rutledge, a qualified and bilingual instructor, these sessions are open to everyone and invite you to breathe, move, and relax. Choose between chair yoga and Halta yoga. Come alone or with friends and reconnect with your inner balance.  On October 5, treat yourself to a moment of serenity with a Shinrin Yoku, an event organized by The Friends of Gatineau Park. For three hours, let yourself be guided through a slow walk punctuated by sensory invitations that awaken your senses and soothe your mind.  On October 25, enjoy an unforgettable experience at Mountain View Farm, on the edge of Gatineau Park, with a yoga session in the company of miniature goats! Under the guidance of instructor Natalie Fraser, this activity, open to ages 3 and up, combines the serenity of hatha yoga with the tenderness of cuddling charming miniature goats, all in a rural setting with breathtaking views of the Eardley Escarpment. After the session, discover the other animals on the farm. 

On October 4, head out into nature with the Kenauk Nature team and enjoy a day of trout fishing on Twins Lake. Perfect your techniques with tips from passionate guides who are eager to share their secrets. On October 4, take part in the very first edition of Emprise en fuite, a charity relay race that promises adrenaline and solidarity. Form a team of two and take on exciting challenges where speed, strategy, and teamwork are key. On October 4, hop on your bike and celebrate fall at Bikefest at the Centre Vorlage! Enjoy an exciting program for the whole family: the Wakeride finals in the morning, the Downhill Wontong race and fun Olympics in the afternoon, not to mention workshops led by passionate partners. From October 10 to 12, take part in the Maple Leaf March, an internationally recognized walking festival. Put on your walking shoes and discover the Gatineau-Ottawa region in a new way during this non-competitive event. In addition to promoting physical activity, this walk brings together participants from all over to forge international friendships and showcase the capital's iconic parks and memorials. On October 11, get ready to move to the beat of urban dance at the explosive Fresh au Sol tournament on the PNG Stage, where 32 dancers will face off in 1-on-1 battles, all styles welcome, under the watchful eye of judges Crazy Smooth and Lady C. On the turntables, DJ Eazy El Dee will be pumping up the energy, while Élodie Roy and Mr Fresh will be hosting the evening. Don't miss the opening performance by more than 40 dancers from Atelier ADCB. On October 12, take part in the Wakefield Course du Pont couvert 2025, a sporting adventure organized by BougeBouge. Choose from several courses suitable for all levels: 3 km, 5 km, or 10 km road races, or 10 km and 21.1 km trail races. In addition to the athletic challenge, enjoy inspiring talks and a chefs' table to end the day in a friendly atmosphere. On your marks, get set, run! Until October 13, rediscover the capital during the NCC Weekend Bikedays! Every weekend, some of the region's iconic promenades are transformed into car-free roads. Whether you're on a bike, skates, wheelchair, on foot, or even with a stroller, enjoy a safe and friendly space to move, breathe, and admire the scenery along the Ottawa River and Rideau Canal. 

On October 1, awaken your inner sommelier by attending an elegant evening at Piz’za-za Restaurant and wine bar. Transport yourself to Austria with a tasting led by the house sommelier. Discover four to five carefully selected wines, accompanied by a generous plate of charcuterie and cheese. Book now, limited seating! On October 16, learn the art of sushi during a gourmet workshop at Chelsea & Co Craft Microbrewery. Guided by passionate chefs, learn how to roll your own creations while enjoying a drink of your choice in a friendly atmosphere. On the menu: 21 pieces prepared by you, including 8 hossomaki, 8 maki, 5 futomaki, and a few surprises from the chefs.

On October 4, immerse yourself in a dark and captivating atmosphere at the Marché de l’Outre-Tombe at Pub Le Notre-Dame. Explore a unique market that blends metal culture and the world of horror. Movies, vinyl records, merchandise, and macabre finds await you among the exhibitors' booths. On October 4, Les sorcières débarquent at Marché du Plateau and immerses you in a mysterious world. Discover stalls filled with witches’ essentials, enchanting decorations, magic brooms, and fantasy literature. Let yourself be surprised by fortune-telling sessions and other mysterious finds. On October 11, turn your Halloween preparations into a fun and eco-friendly experience at Canevas! At the Halloween Costume Swap, rummage through surprising costumes and accessories, try them on in the fitting rooms provided, and leave with a new scary or funny outfit. On October 12, 19, 26, 27, and 30, get ready to shiver during the Ottawa Valley Haunted Tour, a unique experience from Aventure Outaouais. Aboard a friendly minibus, discover four historic villages in the region—Aylmer, Luskville, Quyon, and Bristol—where 400 years of mysterious stories come to life. Between ghosts, poltergeists, Indigenous folklore, and local legends, your guide will lead you into the unknown. To sweeten the evening, enjoy apple pie and hot cider at Coronation Hall Cider Mills. On October 25, put on your costumes and meet more than 30 witches at the Witches' Market held at the Larose Market. With brooms in hand and knowing smiles, they will welcome young and old alike to their pop-up shops, filled with autumnal surprises. Children in costume will leave with pockets full of candy. On October 25, immerse yourself in the mysterious world of the witches’ bestiary at a unique kiosk in Parc de la Forêt-Boucher. Through a discovery table and interactive games, explore the animals that have long been associated with legends and beliefs: toads, bats, owls, crows, and many others. Observe skeletons, feathers, furs, and mushrooms, then test your knowledge with matching games and fun challenges. On October 19, let your artistic side shine at Paint & Sip – Halloween Edition organized by Studio Crudo. Settle in on the Terrasse du Square with a cocktail or mocktail and transform a pumpkin into a true work of art. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today! On October 25, put on your best costume and take part in the BougeBouge Limbour Light Race – Halloween Special! Run or walk at night on an illuminated course that offers distances for all levels: 1 km, 2 km, 5 km, and 10 km. Don't forget your headlamp!  On October 31, end the month on a high note with the Halloween Party at Pub DéMonts! In a lively retro atmosphere, the duo Kazbek will get the crowd dancing with classics from the 70s and 80s. Dress up to add an even more festive touch to this free evening. On October 31, the municipality of Saint-André-Avellin invites you to spend a mysterious evening designed for the whole family at the Haunted House & Fantasy Trail for Halloween event. The Grande salle 117 will be transformed into a real haunted house for thrill seekers, while rooms 122 and 123 will host a fantasy trail specially designed for toddlers. 

Nestled in the heart of Gatineau Park, Auberge Le Trésor Caché is an ideal haven of peace for an autumn getaway. In the morning, indulge in a healthy breakfast served with care. In the evening, enjoy a fondue or raclette dinner in the medieval-style dining room. Chat with friends around the outdoor fireplace, play a board game in the Zen lounge, and share quality moments.  At SmoQue Shack, fall takes on the air of a comforting feast around an authentic barbecue. Here, the meat is cooked slowly, infused with smoke and passion. The menu is sure to make barbecue lovers' mouths water with its tender beef brisket, juicy pulled pork, and iconic ribs. Sit back, let the aromas envelop you, and enjoy generous portions in good company.  +  For even more suggestions, check out the official Outaouais 2025-2026 tourist guide! Discover all the activities the region has to offer and plan your itinerary based on the area you want to explore.