Visiting Ottawa in September

Silicon Valley of the North and famous for Parliament Hill and Rideau Canal, Ottawa is rich in culture and fun to visit in September. You can find lots of green trees, parks, beaches, and gorgeous views of Gatineau Hills from across the Ottawa River. With its many historic sites, landmarks, art galleries, green spaces, and natural beauty, this is a must-see place. 

Is September a Good Time to Visit Ottawa?

The weather is really nice, and with autumn in its full glory, you’ll see lots of tourists visiting this place in September. You can enjoy the Fall Rhapsody, which is a sort of festival that can be enjoyed from September to October. It’s a time when tree foliage with various colors of yellow, red, and orange is in bloom, which lasts only for a short period. So, make sure to witness this one-of-a-kind beauty. 

Reasons to Visit Ottawa in September

The best reason to visit Ottawa in September is to enjoy the PumpkinFest and Fall Rhapsody. There are also many other festivals to enjoy in September including Canadensis Garden Fall Celebration, Ottawa Cat Show, Palmer River Fest, The Taste of the Valley-Killaloe, and more.

Besides festivals, the city is rich in history and culture with many great sites to visit. Another significant feature of this city is the Alexandra Bridge, which connects the two cities. You can walk to Gatineau from Ottawa on this bridge. Also, enjoy BeaverTails at the Byward market and delicious poutine with cheese curds and rich, brown gravy. 

Things to do in Ottawa in September

You can enjoy lots of activities when visiting Ottawa—here are some of the famous places in Ottawa that you must visit: 

National Gallery of Canada

When you’re in Ottawa, you don’t want to miss this place. If you're a fan of Canadian art and European art, then this place is it! Established in 1880, you can find Maman here, the very famous colossal spider sculpture by Louise Bourgeois. On the first level of the building, there are many paintings by Canadian artists and indigenous artists. You will also find the works of early Canadian Painters like Paul Kane and Krieghoff. On the second level, you will find European and Contemporary paintings. There are benches if you want to rest for a little bit. Additionally, you will find some sculptures in some of the rooms on this level. The floor space of both levels is the same with views of the courtyard featuring ferns and a water fountain. 

What’s more? There’s also a gift shop with many lovely things on display, including art books, fabric pieces, and beautiful pottery. And if you’re hungry, there’s a cafe, where you can find sandwiches, burgers, soups, sweets, and many drinks. Also, on your way to the gallery, you can stroll through Major Hill Park featuring beautiful tulip beds in bloom. You can also stroll around Parliament Hill and marvel at the PM statues.

Rideau Canal

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, rich in history, preserving most of its original structures and routes intact. Now, Parks Canada acquires it to preserve the natural site. From diverse landscapes to Great Museums such as the Railway Museum of Eastern Ontario in Smith Falls, there is something for everyone in this place. Enjoy the local foods, cafes, bakeries, and afternoon tea. Go hiking on many great hiking trails in this place with many conservation sites. Also, you’ll find the world’s one of the friendliest lockstaffs that operate the locks of the Rideau Canal. 

You can do lots of activities here including boating, canoeing, or kayaking. Go to any of the locks and enjoy views and boats passing through. There are also many natural paddling areas including rivers, wetlands, and lakes—which showcase the beauty of this diverse system. Also, you can book any of the available historic homes for staying and it will be perfect for you, especially if you have family. 

Parliament Hill

Home to the country’s federal government, you are welcome to visit this place all year long. In downtown Ottawa, the neo-gothic buildings stand tall on the hill and overlook the Ottawa River. You can find the Parliament of Canada in the middle, the House of Commons on the left, and governmental offices on the right. September is a great time to visit this place because the weather is very nice and you can enjoy the sun and relax on the lawns. 

There are also many outdoor activities for you to enjoy including outdoor events which showcase Canadian culture and heritage. And you can witness the daily Changing of the Guard Ceremony. Also, in September, you can enjoy the Northern Lights Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill, which showcases Canada’s history and is all in all spectacular! There is always something happening on these grounds and you can take a guided tour for more knowledge and information about the place. 

ByWard Market

If you’re visiting Ottawa in September, you must not miss this amazing place. It’s the best time of the year to visit the Market because you’ll be struck by its unique vibrancy! You can also hear music playing throughout the market making it an enjoyable experience. The market is open every day, and it has over 600 businesses in the district—meaning there is something for everyone. 

For food and drinks, this is your stop. You can find some excellent poutine here with rich brown gravy. The main highlight of the Byward Market is delicious BeaverTails, also known as Canadian donuts. With that, you can find tons of options to choose from for your appetite, from sandwiches to burgers to cheese boards, there will be something for you that you like. 

There are also specialty food shops in the area that sell Canadian cheese and maple-infused chocolates. The place is especially busy in the evening, perfect for you if you enjoy the nightlife of the city. There is Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club if you’re in for a good laugh. You will also love The Rainbow in the area which is a great live music venue. 

Ottawa September Weather 

Ottawa is known to be one of the coldest capital cities in the world. Be it summer or winter, this city experiences extreme temperatures all around the year, also known as seasonal lag. In winter, the temperature drops to -30 degrees Celsius, and in summer, it reaches over 30 degrees Celsius. But the spirit of this place is vibrant all around the year—especially in winter, there are tons of outdoor activities and various winter festivals to enjoy. 

The weather in September reaches an average temperature of 24 degrees Celsius and drops to an average low of 12 degrees Celsius. The weather makes it an excellent time to visit Ottawa in September. Pack light clothing for the daytime and some jackets for the night. 

Conclusion: 

To put it all, September is a great month to visit Ottawa. From Fall Rhapsody to PumpkinFest to the Sound and Light Show on Parliament Hill, there are plenty of places to visit, and the list is endless! So plan your trip now and enjoy your time in Ottawa.