When traveling around Canada, one of the most important things to consider is the time of year. When it is snowing in Calgary, it can be balmy in Halifax. Pouring rain in Vancouver? Catch some rays in Saskatchewan. It is all about timing.
For me, there is no better time to visit Ottawa than October. While many cities are starting to bundle up for a long winter, Ottawa’s warmth – both from its people and temperature – makes it the ideal time to visit one of Canada’s most bike-friendly cities.
And I haven’t even mentioned the fall colours. They are spectacular. Being in Canada’s historic capital, while the leaves change brilliant shades of red and yellow, is something that you will not forget. Even now, I find myself looking back at the photos and thinking about how lucky I am that I chose to visit Ottawa in October.
Best Western has a few great properties, but to me the top Best Western Is just a quick stroll across the Ottawa River, where you will find the Best Western Plus Gatineau-Ottawa Downtown. The two border cities of Gatineau and Ottawa get along like peanut butter and jelly. My favourite feature of the hotel is its big patios. It is the perfect place to take in some of Ottawa’s iconic views like Parliament Hill. If you are looking to capture the sunrise and set on the fall colours, I cannot imagine a more perfect place.
To me, one of the most important aspects of a hotel is its location. I need it to be central enough that I can explore without being saddled without a car. Still, I do not want to be right in the middle of the action.
Beyond offering unforgettable views from the patio, within seconds of stepping out of the front door you can walk, bike, or scoot along the pathways that open up the city to exploring and picture taking. If you follow these pathways across the bridge, you will be in Ottawa’s main commercial district. Byward Market is often celebrated for its shopping, but in recent years, it has become a hub for some of the city’s most delicious restaurants and pubs. There is great shopping and many fun places to sit and watch the world go by – all within a 15-minute walk of your hotel.
To me, that is the perfect distance.
But if you have a car, or want to grab a taxi, 20 minutes away is North America’s largest Nordic spa. I spent the entire day there. It is one of the most magical things that I have done, especially in October when the steam from the spa’s countless pools and hot tubs weaves its way through the bright red and orange leaves. The colours just would not be the same at any other time of year. Ah, who am I kidding? I will always love a place that has heated hammocks.
The ease of getting to and from the hotel was a major benefit.
To fully capture the magic of Ottawa in the fall, consider renting an e-bike. I rented an e-bike for two hours and biked along the city’s famous canals. The e-bike makes it easier to cover a long distance, ensuring that you can capture much of Ottawa’s fall colours. Like every city, its bike infrastructure could definitely be more robust, but from a tourist perspective, there are plenty of incredible pathways to enjoy in Ottawa without feeling like you have to go into traffic. Biking is a great way to see the city.
If cool morning walks along stunning canals and late evening patio drinks are your idea of a nice vacation, then it does not get better than Ottawa in the fall.
