Fall Fun in Ottawa

There is something to be said about the beautiful transition of fall in Ottawa. Every year from mid-to-late August I get the itch for all things fall. I’m such a creature of change and as much as I love the summer, by the end of it I’ve had enough of summer dresses and hot days. Call me crazy, I know!

This spring, I took up running (among other forms of exercise) and now I realize that running in the fall is really the most pleasant time of year to run outside. Especially on those early September days where it’s crisp for your morning run but by noon it’s still warm with summer not quite ready to leave yet. We were able to squeeze in some patio lunches in September knowing that those were probably our last for a while.

One of my favourite things about fall is… of course, a pumpkin spice latte from Starbucks (half sweet) as a special treat on the weekend. And what’s fall without strolling through apple orchards and pumpkin patches with a pumpkin spice latte in hand!

This year we tried a new pumpkin patch, which I’m certain is not new to several Ottawa residents, Miller’s Farm & Market located in the little town of Manotick. I’m surprised it took me this long to check them out but we will go again now for sure. They had tons of pre-picked pumpkins in the front field for convenience but for a small fee of $2 per person you can ride the tractor down to the pumpkin patch.  Of course, the boys wanted to ride the tractor, so we hopped on to pick our perfect pumpkins. Jax wanted a white one because he wants to carve Jack Skellington from The Nightmare Before Christmas. Hudson had his eye on a traditional orange one.

Miller’s Farm had so many cute things to do including fun play structures and an Instagram-worthy pumpkin house for posing in. They have the most amazing selection of fall mums … I really wish I hadn’t already bought my arrangements but now I know where I’m going for next year! You can also have loads of fun just watching the bunnies and chickens around the grounds. We left with delicious goodies including cherry pies, apples and gourds on top of our perfect pumpkins.

Next up was our annual apple picking tradition at the one and only Mountain Orchards! This is the third year in a row where we get together with the same group of friends and their kids. The grounds are beautiful and there is so much to do for the adults and kids! The kids absolutely love the hay barn which is literally bails upon bails of hay. They jump, climb and pretty much get hay in almost every crevice of their body. All part of the fun! They also have a corn maze, forest trails and wagon rides to the apple orchards! You must end your visit with their famous donuts baked fresh by the minute right on site.

Next on the list, we plan to visit Proulx Farm for their Pumpkinfest, Pumpkin Inferno, and of course Saunder’s Farm for daytime haunting season.

What activities are you excited for this fall? And is it too soon to be thinking about Christmas?