Thanksgiving Weekend in Ottawa

Canadian Thanksgiving falls on the second Monday of October — in 2026, that's October 12. It's a statutory holiday in both Ontario and Quebec. The long weekend coincides with peak fall colours in Ottawa, making it one of the best times to enjoy the outdoors.

Fall Colours at Their Peak

Thanksgiving weekend typically aligns with peak fall foliage in the Ottawa region. The NCC's annual Fall Rhapsody celebration runs from late September through October 31.

Where to See the Colours

Gatineau Park — Champlain Lookout is the most popular spot, with panoramic views over the Ottawa Valley. Peak colours at the lookout usually hit around mid-October — right on Thanksgiving weekend.
Dominion Arboretum — a quieter option with diverse tree species and brilliant fall colour
Rideau Canal pathway — a flat, scenic walk or bike ride lined with colourful trees
Mer Bleue Bog — boardwalk trail through a unique bog ecosystem in autumn tones

Important: Gatineau Park reaches capacity frequently on fall weekends. Parking lots in the south sector fill up by mid-morning. Options:

Take the free NCC shuttle — it runs on weekends and holidays through late October, with frequent service to popular lookouts
Visit on a weekday if possible
Go early (before 9 AM) on weekends

See the full guide: Fall foliage in Ottawa →

Pumpkin Patches and Harvest Farms

Thanksgiving weekend is prime time for farm visits. Pumpkin patches, apple picking, corn mazes, and hayrides are all in full swing. See the guide: Pumpkin patches around Ottawa →

Thanksgiving Dinner Out

Several Ottawa restaurants offer traditional Thanksgiving dinner — both dine-in and takeout. Past options have included:

The Keg — traditional 3-course turkey dinner with all the fixings
Deacon Brodies — turkey dinner with stuffing, mashed potatoes, cranberry sauce, and pumpkin pie
Brookstreet Hotel — roasted turkey takeaway for 8–10 people
ALE Ottawa — 3-course prix fixe meal

Restaurants that offer Thanksgiving specials typically announce them in late September. Reserve early — popular spots fill up for the holiday weekend.

Farmers Markets

Several markets are still running in October:

Ottawa Farmers' Market at Lansdowne — Sundays 9 AM–3 PM (outdoor season through October)
Parkdale Market — open daily through October
Westboro Market — Saturdays through end of October at Byron Linear Park

Thanksgiving weekend is a great time to pick up local squash, apples, fresh turkey, and apple cider.

Outdoor Activities

The weather is ideal for outdoor activities — cool enough for comfortable hiking, warm enough to enjoy being outside:

Hiking in Gatineau Park — peak colours + cooler temps = perfect hiking conditions. Try the Luskville Falls trail (4.2 km) for cliff-top views.
Cycling on NCC pathways — the fall riding season is at its most scenic
Rideau Canal waterway — the last few weeks of boat season before the canal closes for winter

What's Open and Closed

Thanksgiving Monday is a statutory holiday in Ontario:

Closed: Bayshore, Place d'Orléans, and St. Laurent malls. All Ottawa Public Library branches. LCBO stores. No curbside garbage/recycling collection (delayed one day for the rest of the week).

Open: Rideau Centre and Tanger Outlets (hours vary). National museums (Gallery of Canada, Museum of Nature, War Museum, Museum of History, Aviation Museum, Agriculture Museum, Science & Tech). Select grocery stores including Whole Foods (Lansdowne), Farm Boy (Rideau Centre), Loblaws (Isabella St), Metro (Rideau St).

Transit: OC Transpo runs on a Sunday schedule.

Tips

Weather: Mid-October averages are highs of 12–14°C and lows of 3–4°C. Comfortable for daytime activities but bring warm layers — mornings and evenings are cold. About a 38% chance of rain.

Gatineau Park tip: If you want to see peak colours without the crowds, go on the Friday before Thanksgiving (it's a regular workday) rather than the Saturday or Monday.