Thanksgiving typically involves families and friends coming together to eat turkey and celebrate the fall harvest and blessings of the past year. However, there are lots of ways to celebrate that don’t include eating! And thankfully, in the Nation’s Capital, there is no shortage of fun activities for our Osgoode Properties Residents to enjoy the many splendours of fall during the holiday weekend.

Hiking in Gatineau Park

First thing that comes to mind is hiking in Gatineau Park and enjoying the fall colours in the hills. Fall Rhapsody is happening now. This spectacular show lasts only a few weeks but attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors to the parks and natural spaces in the National Capital Region. There’s a free shuttle with one pickup location at the Canadian War Museum, and another at the Canadian Museum of History.  The shuttle will transport you to Pink Lake, the Mackenzie King Estate and Champlain Lookout. It’s so easy to get out and give thanks to Mother Nature and all her beauty!
 

Photo by @wong.jessica88 on Instagram

Saunders Farm Fun

For more than 30 years, Saunders Farm has been a must-do during pumpkin season. They have their FrightFest and CiderHouse for the more mature audience. There are also lots of outdoor attractions suited for the whole family, including pumpkin picking, hedge mazes, a hayride, a zipline, play structures, a puppet show, a parade and so much more – oh, and jumbo bouncy-castle! It’s great fun for everyone. Bounce over and grab your tickets online.
 

Photo by @saundersfarmfun on Instagram

Light Up Your Night

It’s the perfect way to spend a night on Thanksgiving weekend! The award-winning Pumpkininferno is in its eleventh season at Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg and is worth the drive. An impressive 7,000 hand-carved pumpkins light-up the nighttime walk through the charming Village. Be sure to grab your camera. People light-up Instagram with this one – #PumpkinInferno
 

Photo by Upper Canada Village

Enjoy the Fall Harvest at the Farm

There is no shortage of farms, markets and festivals on Thanksgiving weekend that celebrate the bountiful fall harvests.

La fête au village at Parc Omega features producers, beekeepers, artisans and gastronomes with the added bonus of live folk music, not to mention 12 kilometres of nature paths set alongside lakes, meadows, small valleys and hills near Montebello.

Log Cabin Orchard in Osgoode is open for apple and pumpkin season. Saturday and Sunday, Campfire and the Cantina are open with delicious churros, candy apples, and fresh apple cider.

Proulx Farm is transformed into Pumpkin Fest with a fall playground, haunted houses and a hayride through the “Mysterious Forest”. In addition, you can pick your own pumpkin from the patch.
 

Photo by @fermeproulxfarm on Instagram

Get in the Seasonal Spirit

Patio season isn't over yet. Hidden inside the sunken garden at the National Gallery of Canada, you can find the Tavern At The Gallery. They have heaters and fire pits to keep you toasty, but don’t forget the extra layers!

Grab your favourite people and join the Sip Axe and Relax Tour. This tour will take you to two breweries and then you can rel-AXE with your friends. You’ll want to break out your lumberjack suit for this – nothing says fall like plaid!
 

Photo by @tavernatthegallery on Instagram

There’s something fun for everyone; no group is too big or too small – or too young or too old. Fall's cozy atmosphere and changing weather make it a solid candidate for the best season. The milder weather makes it perfect for exploring the outdoors, take in the beautiful foliage and find the best picture-perfect backdrops. Stay tuned for our top spots to capture your best Instagram-worthy photos! Take advantage of this awesome season and wrap yourself up in a warm scarf, grab a jacket and get outside this Thanksgiving weekend. With so many things to do it couldn’t be easier!