Fall is an amazing time, it is the season when leaves change to blue, golden, brown, scarlet ; when you add a mix of a scenic back drop with golden streak of sunlight shining through branches fall earns the undisputed title as “the romantic season of the year”.
Canada’s capital city has a wide range of trees from Maple, Oak to birch with leaves that change to brilliant oranges, red and yellow in September through to October. These fall foliages tends to peak towards the end of September.
We took the opportunity to visit two great fall local attractions – the Gatineau Park and Mackenzie King Estate which is located in the Gatineau Park.
Our drive started from BBI Ottawa **, we drove about 15 minutes on the highway heading north west to a small town named Chelsea in the province of Quebec. From the centre town we navigate to a huge parking lot where we grab our running shoe and off we when to a great adventure. “Wow”!! Was the most common expression from the hundred of visitors to this national treasure: if you haven’t seen the leaves change colour during the autumns’ months, then you’re missing out on a true Canadian experience. Species of trees transform into gold, red and everything in between it was absolutely beautiful.
The Gatineau Park
Located 15 minutes across the Ottawa River in Gatineau is the Gatineau Park –The Park offers a whole range of attractions and activities. It is particularly beautiful in the fall, when the trees put on an impressive show of colour. The park has 361 Kilometres of natural wilderness crisscrossed with forest, lakes, cycling, natural trails and stunning lookout which makes it a destination for romantic hangout.
Four of these lookouts offer spectacular views, including Champlain Lookout atop the Eardely Escarpment, with amazing views of two major Canadian geological formations - the Canadian Shield and the St. Lawrence Lowlands
The Mackenzie King estate
The Park is home to Mackenzie King Estate, the beautiful country home of Canada's 10th Prime Minister, William Lyon McKenzie King. The estate consists of a number of cottages, a tea house, farm house and main buildings and remains a colourful part of Canadian history.
The estate had great English gardens, trails including my personal favourite the waterfall trails. You can learn about the famous ruins and even watch films on the life of Mackenzie King. This is great family getaway spot.
I wonder how many pictures are taken during this time in the Gatineau Park…..If only leaves could talk…..
Until then……
** While there are thousands of options for Romantic getaway , BBI offers the most intimate stay weather you are looking for a romantic stay or to rekindle your romantic fire – located in Central Ottawa and voted by numerous guests as the place to fall in love again and again.
