Fall is officially here. Today, September 22, marks the autumnal equinox, and the National Capital Commission (@ncc_ccn) says its colour meter is already reading "early-season" across the downtown core, the Greenbelt, and Gatineau Park.
If shorter days feel like a bit of a bummer, the NCC points out the silver lining: fading daylight is exactly what Ottawa's trees need to put on their annual show. As sunlight decreases, the chlorophyll in leaves starts to break down, revealing the yellows and oranges that were hiding underneath all summer.
Where to Watch the Colours Change
The NCC shared a preview of the spots expected to look their best as the season progresses, based on photos from local photographers. The list is a solid starting point for anyone planning a fall walk or photo outing around the capital:
- Confederation Park, downtown
- Rideau Canal Pathway, a classic for a reason
- Major's Hill Park, with its views toward the Ottawa River
- Rideau Hall, the Governor General's grounds
- Sussex Courtyards, in the ByWard Market area
- Alexandra Bridge, spanning into Gatineau
- Pine Grove, in the Greenbelt
Across the river, Gatineau Park remains one of the region's most popular fall destinations, with its network of lookouts and trails drawing crowds every October.
What's Next
The NCC tracks the changing colours through the season with regular colour meter updates on its social channels, giving residents a sense of when different areas are likely to hit peak. Early season now means the brightest displays are still a few weeks off, typically arriving across the region through the first half of October, though the exact timing shifts year to year depending on temperature and rainfall.
For now, the message is simple: get outside and start watching. The transformation from green to gold happens fast once it gets going, and Ottawa-Gatineau's mix of urban parks, riverside pathways, and forested park land means there's no shortage of places to catch it up close.
Source: Instagram @ncc_ccn
