What’s on in the Outaouais in October
October brings the peak of autumn colours, but it also includes a particularly magical event for young and old: Halloween. Enjoy the fall colours before they fade, get out your best costumes and enjoy a variety of treats!
Embrace the colours
Get out your walking sneakers or hiking boots and pack a ton of snacks, because autumn is the perfect time to get outside and play with your family. Take advantage of the cooler weather to admire nature’s beauty from new vantage points while introducing your kids to the joys of hiking. From short, impromptu outings to more organized adventures, the region is full of hiking trails that will satisfy your desire to spend time with the family outdoors.
Fall is a beautiful season: the trees’ vibrant colours make you want to try something different and discover the region from a new angle. Take a helicopter tour with Héli-Tremblant and get a bird’s-eye view of the beauty of the Outaouais.
For an experience that’s part climbing, part hiking, tackle the Via Ferrata at Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park. Stroll through a multi-century-old pine forest and zip line through the canyon high above the Coulonge River. Break out of your comfort zone!
Get right up among the colourful leaves on Arbraska Laflèche‘s treetop aerial course. Admire the fall colours as you navigate the course’s suspension bridges, ropes, swings and zip lines.
After this adrenaline rush, head to the Wakefield Mill Hotel & Spa and book the Romantic Fall Getaway package to relax as a couple. Take a well-deserved break in the hot tubs, unwind in the sauna, and share a bottle of sparkling wine before settling in for the night in a Heritage Room. Wake up to a gourmet breakfast at La Muse restaurant (reservation required). The package includes a $20 credit for Holtz Spa en Nature.
Before you leave Wakefield, stop in at L’eau du ruisseau farm and take a walk in the orchard. Join a guided tour and meet the animals, or bring a cozy blanket and pack an autumn picnic. Visit the farm shop to buy meat to cook on the grill for one last barbecue. You can also stock up on local meat to freeze and cook later for comforting meals to keep you going when the cold weather arrives.
Just for Halloween
From October 7 to 9, come and enjoy the great outdoors at Éco des champs Farm. At the Autumn on the Farm event, try to find your way through a giant maze made of more than 200 hay bales, and let your children burn off some energy in the giant inflatable games. You’ll also get a bag of feed for the free-range chickens, a mini pumpkin, and a bag of delicious homemade candy. Get your tickets online.
On October 14 and 15, children are invited to the Little Witch Tea Party at Moore Farm. The activity includes a storytelling session, a glass of apple juice, small pastries and a loot bag. Book online now. Join us at the Moore Farm barn for the Witches’ Market, a craft market featuring about 30 vendors. (Note: Linked information is in French only.)
On October 21, the Marché des sorcières (Witches’ Market) returns to the Larose Flea Market. Browse through the craft market, with its decorated booths and vendors dressed in costume. Discover your new favourite local fall-themed products. Rumour has it that there will be treats for the children!
On October 28, feast your eyes on Aubry Lane and Kent Street as part of Halloween in Old Hull, an event featuring horror films. During the day, let your kids pick out their treats from the candy pool, and join in the family costume contest. In the evening, entertainment is aimed at a more discerning audience. Enjoy cocktails in the specially designed bars and vote for your favorite establishment.
On October 31, visit Champboisé de L’Ange-Gardien and join its famous traditional Halloween party! Admire the site beautifully decorated for the occasion, take a stroll along the illuminated trail, and, most important, collect a tonne of sweets with your family at the 14 themed stalls in a safe environment. Bring a donation of Halloween treats instead of a ticket. Don’t forget your flashlight!
Discover the haunted places of the Outaouais with friends. Wander down gloomy corridors, hear spooky stories, or spend the night in places where unexplained phenomena occur. Learn about local legends and the ghosts who never left. We only hope you’re not afraid of the dark.
Hop aboard the Aventure Outaouais minibus for an all-inclusive Pontiac Haunted Tour. Accompanied by a local storyteller, visit four historic locations known for their ghost stories, and enjoy a slice of pie and a drink of hot cider. Goose bumps guaranteed!
Find out who’s lurking in Ottawa’s buildings on a haunted walk through the heart of Canada’s capital. Feel the chill as you tour the cells of a former prison, and meet the ghosts who inhabit the grounds of the Mackenzie King Estate.
It wouldn’t be Halloween without candy! Stock up on chocolate and other delicacies at the ChocoMotive shop, and take the opportunity to tour the Economuseum and learn about the history of chocolate and how it’s made. Don’t forget to pick up a little something sweet to enjoy at home.
Take a trip back in time in the Wakefield Confectionery‘s old-fashioned candy section. Introduce your kids to your childhood favourites, or give them as gifts to friends you used to sneak them with in your misspent youth. During your visit, be sure to try the fudge and the sponge toffee!
Fall in love with the colourful chocolate delights that Rochef Chocolatier has created especially for Halloween: pumpkins, monsters, ghosts, owls, cats, skeletons and more. Order your gluten-free and peanut-free chocolates now! Limited quantities available.
Events not to be missed
From September 30 to October 22, make the most of the NCC Fall Rhapsody by planning family outings on the region’s bike paths, enjoying a last picnic on the beach, and lacing up your boots for a hike along one of the many trails in Gatineau Park.
On October 7 and 8, come to Mont Cascades Resort and take part in Cascades Colourfest, a gathering event that lets you contemplate the fall colors from the summit of the mountain. Climb aboard the ski lift and take in the dazzling views. Enjoy an Oktoberfest-style menu and the music of the chansonniers. And pick up your winter season pass at a special price.
From October 7 to 9, bring the whole family to the Thanksgiving Festival of Colors at Mont Ste-Marie. Climb aboard the chairlift and admire the vivid colors of autumn. Attend musical performances, discover the crafts exhibition, see vintage cars at the on-site exhibition and enjoy the Tiki bar.
The 16th edition of the Symposium Gatineau en Couleurs art show and sale will take place from September 30 to October 1 at the Maison du citoyen. Meet over 70 Quebec and Ontario artists at this colourful exhibition.
From October 13 to 15, put on your favourite walking shoes and participate in the inaugural Maple Leaf March, a world-class international walking festival taking place in the Gatineau–Ottawa region. Explore the region on foot at your own pace, on urban and rural routes ranging from 5 to 42 kilometres. The event is non-competitive, so take the opportunity to make new friends while strolling through Canada’s capital. Get your tickets online!
From October 27 to November 2, discover the traditions of the Day of the Dead Celebration at Maison du citoyen. Commemorate your deceased loved ones by placing colorful offerings on the Day of the Dead altar, and take the opportunity to learn about a traditional Mexican event. Take a free guided family tour or take part in workshops.
For even more suggestions, consult the full listings on our Events page.
More things to discover in the Outaouais
Discover Le Rond-point milieu de jeux, an indoor amusement park for infants and children up to 12 years old. The centre is divided into five different zones, ranging from foam structures to video games. The carefully decorated party rooms are designed to make your children’s birthdays unforgettable. There are monthly workshops and themed evenings, including Baby & Me morning activities, book exchanges, dance workshops and more. Check out the full program for more information.
If you enjoy fine food, you’ll love the Oiseau Bleu Marché-Café. Pick up a new recipe book and browse the impressive selection of fine chocolates. Buy an artisan candle to set the mood in your home, choose from a range of relaxing bath salts, or inhale the intoxicating scent of handmade soap. While you’re there, stock up on cocktail-hour items such as olives of all kinds and local spirits.
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Book an Experience Outaouais package and discover what the Outaouais has to offer in October
