A Fall Day along the Ottawa River
Fall is still lovely here and I’m enjoying the cold, crisp air after all the humidity this summer. But the true perk of the season is the stunning fall foliage.
On a beautiful fall day, we headed to the Ottawa River—cooler temperatures by the water usually bring the best fall features, including interesting clouds and vibrant tree colours.
We started on Bate Island, halfway between Ottawa and Gatineau, on the Ottawa River. While the trees weren’t as colourful as I had expected (still green in October!), the sky was amazing and there were several rock sculptures standing on the shallow water, similar to the ones in Remic Rapids a bit further. We also spotted a flock of geese, kayak enthusiasts (the water must have been super cold!) and about a hundred squirrels chasing each other and being generally too quick for me to even attempt to snap a pic.
Our second stop was Lemieux Island, off Mecanicsville. From there, we had a good view on Nichols Island, Young Island, Bell Island and Fury Island—small islands that are off-limits but are no doubt bird sanctuaries.
Finally, we stopped in Gatineau, Quebec, by the famous Museum of Civilization. This spot offers one of the best direct views on Parliament Hill and Ottawa, across the river, and for once it wasn’t crowded—we had the place to ourselves.
You can see all the Fall pictures on the Ottawa (Fall) set on Flickr.
Downtown Ottawa from Bate Island
The Ottawa River from Bate Island
The Ottawa River from Bate Island
Two Cyclists Taking a Break, Bate Island
Kayaking Lesson on Bate Island
Geese on Bate Island
Geese on Bate Island
 Caught in the Wire, Bate Island |
 Geese on Bate Island |
 Sculptures on the Ottawa River, Bate Island |
 Cloud Reflection in the Ottawa River, Bate Island |
Fall Colours on Lemieux Island
Fall Colours on Lemieux Island
Fall Colours on Lemieux Island
Parliament Hill from the Museum of Civilization, Gatineau
Reflection in the Museum of Civilization, Gatineau
Alexandra Bridge from Gatineau
The Parliament from Gatineau
Downtown Ottawa from Gatineau
Painting the Sky?
36 Weeks Pregnant Belly, Gatineau
Related articles:
- Skyline of Ottawa – By the River
- Fall Colours Around The Pink Lake
- Fall Colours at Vincent Massey Park
- Smells Like Fall…
- Fall Colors In Québec
- By The Flooded River
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It’s crazy how thin you were even when pregnant!
I used to love the Civilisation museum, I would always bug my parents to visit it when we were in Ottawa! I haven’t been in for years!
And trust me, I felt huge!! I guess no matter how big/small you really are, it’s a huge body change. The Museum of Civilization is indeed an awesome place, I spent hours there but I haven’t visited in a while either.
Hi Zhu,
These are lovely colors and textures. There is so much serenity in Autumn. Hoping that everything is fine with you.
Bises.
Hi Barbara,
Everything is fine (well, I could do with more sleep!) and we are enjoying an amazing fall
So true! We went to the Gatineau Park last fridays and from the lookout, you could see the whole Ottawa valley painted in red, yellow, brown and green. Fall is beautiful in Ottawa (I’m not biased ;p )
I find it’s extra special this year, lots of rusty colours and the leaves stayed on for longer than usual.
I love fall’s colors. They are my favorite.
Your pictures are full of textures, they are impressive.
Thank you! Next time, you should visit in the fall