I think we can all agree that fall is a wonderful time in Ottawa. I have been trying to make the most of the nice September weather by organizing a group of baby-wearing moms to go hiking once a week in Gatineau Park. Every week I pick a new trail, and it has been really wonderful seeing the colours in the park start to change from week to week. So, I wanted to write this to encourage you all to try and get out in Gatineau Park sometime over the next month, and in particular to enjoy the Fall Rhapsody programming that will be starting soon.

During Fall Rhapsody, you can explore the park’s 361 square kilometres by vehicle on the parkways, or on foot and by bike on the trails. Fall Rhapsody officially runs from October 5 to 27. After the 27th the roadways in Gatineau Park are shut down for the winter season.

On the weekends during Fall Rhapsody you can expect it to be pretty busy throughout the park. That is why the NCC has brought in a free shuttle service. You can leave the car behind and instead ride the bus from downtown Ottawa into the park, or park at Camp Fortune and take the shuttle bus to some of the most scenic viewpoints and trails around Gatineau Park. In the past, I have really enjoyed parking at Camp Fortune. From there you just hop on the shuttle bus (which my kids always think is really fun), and ride it up to the Champlain Lookout (one of the most scenic views).

On the weekends at Camp Fortune you can also ride a scenic chairlift over the treetops to see all the fall colours. Tickets are $10 per person, or $30 for a family of four (note: you can not ride the lift with an infant in your arms or a carrier). An exciting zip lining option is also available! Could be really awesome if you have slightly older children.

Camp Fortune also serves a Sunday brunch at their chalet and restaurant during Fall Rhapsody. I haven’t tried that one yet, but it is on my to-do list for this year.

I want to share some of my favourite (and kid friendly) hikes in Gatineau Park. Expect some of these to be busy on the weekends, so it’s not a bad idea to get an early jump on things in the morning, or if there’s any way to hit them up on a weekday I highly recommend it.

• Pink Lake – a picturesque loop trail that takes you around a stunning lake. Expect it to take between 45 mins to 1 hour. There are a lot of stairs, which makes it great for a baby wearing workout, or to do with slightly older kids. I’ve done it with toddlers, but had to piggy back them a lot of the way. It is not stroller friendly. This is a VERY popular spot, expect crowds on weekends.
• Lauriault Loop/Waterfall Trail from the Mackenzie King Estate – the Mackenzie King Estate is a beautiful summer residence of the former Canadian Prime Minister. On the weekends a cafe and tea room are open on the grounds. It is worth it to wander the grounds and take in the ruins and gardens. At the bottom of the garden you can access the waterfall trail. This is a great 30 min walk that everyone in the family can do. It takes you to a waterfall (small at this time of year), and through a tunnel (really fun for little kids). You can do the hike to the waterfall and back or if you want a longer walk head off on the Lauriault loop, which adds another 1.5 km to the walk.
• Carbide Wilson Ruins – possibly my favourite hike to do with my kids (they love it too). Park at the O’Brien Beach parking lot at Meech Lake and head uphill towards the ruins and falls. It takes around 30 mins to hike to the ruins. I’ve taken a stroller before and just abandoned it in the last 100 m (left it on the trail), as it gets very rocky on the last bit of the path. Young kids 3 years old and up should be able to do the hike though. It is incredibly scenic at the old mill ruins with lots to explore and a stunning waterfall. We like to pack a small picnic and enjoy it there before heading back.
• Luskville Falls Trail – the toughest hike of any of these I have listed. Worth it with slightly older children. A 290-metre climb up the rocky slope of the Eardley Escarpment leading to a fire tower, it will give you a stunning view of the Ottawa Valley. 
• If you are looking for a very easy stroll and stroller friendly, I recommend either the Sugarbush trail (which leaves right from Visitor Centre at the village of Old Chelsea), or the Pioneers Trail (which has lots of interpretive plaques explaining the types of trees along the trail).

There is also a bunch of special programming scheduled for Fall Rhapsody throughout Gatineau Park including:

• October 6: Folk Picnic and Kites in Meech Creek Valley
• October 5, 6, 19 and 20: Nature Day at Phillippe Lake
• October 12-14: Pontiac Country Fair
• October 12-13: Anishinabe Nibin (Algonquin Summer)
• October 19: Fairbairn Heritage Harvest
• October 5 and 19: Special Activities at the Relais de plein air du parc de la Gatineau

I hope that I have given you a starting point to getting out there and making the most of Gatineau Park during this time of year. I really think that Fall Rhapsody is not to be missed!