Fall Rhapsody starts!

Typical fall colours photo in Ottawa. Photo: Peter Dudley

You know it’s autumn in the Ottawa - Gatineau area when the National Capital Commission (NCC) announces the annual Fall Rhapsody celebrations are starting up again.
This year features a varied program of family activities in partnership with local communities, over the three weekends, from October 1 to October 16.

WEEKEND 1: Sounds of the Fall, October 1, noon to 4 pm at the Mackenzie King Estate and 10 am to 5:30 pm at Maison Charron, in Jacques-Cartier Park

 Shows and presentations from local authors and musicians, including performances from members of the Orchestre symphonique de Gatineau at the Mackenzie King Estate.

 WEEKEND 1: Folk Picnic and Kites, October 2, 10 am to 3:30 pm, Cross Loop Road, Meech Creek Valley

·         Traditional folk music by Jam Trad of Outaouais

·         Kite-making workshop and flying demonstrations

·         Exhibit of old kites

·         Guided walk to Baldwin Cemetery

·         Community picnic

WEEKEND 2: Pontiac Country Fair, October 8 to 10, 10 am to 4 pm, Luskville Falls

·         Merchant and craft kiosks

·         Nature interpretation near the Luskville Falls Trail

·         Demonstrations and obstacle courses with horses

WEEKEND 3: Nature Days, October 15 and 16, 11 am to 4 pm, at Breton Beach, Philippe Lake

·         Demonstrations with small mammals and with birds of prey

·         Guided hikes with nature interpreters

·         Self-guided tour of Lusk Cave

The Greenbelt

Canada’s Capital Greenbelt offers spectacular views of the fall landscape, along with 150 kilometres of trails. Trails at Shirleys Bay (7 km), Stony Swamp (40 km), Pine Grove (18 km), Green’s Creek (6 km) and Mer Bleue (20 km) offer hikers plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery.

The NCC will also be holding a photo contest. Share your best fall photo of the capital by tagging your photo #FallRhapsody before October 31, 2016 and you could win an overnight stay in a four-season tent this winter.

So lace up your hiking boots and hit the trails! For more information click here.