NCC’s Fall Rhapsody is encouraging residents to admire natures colours

As part of their Fall Rhapsody program, the National Capital Comission (NCC) is making it easy for residents and tourists alike to enjoy the full display of autumn colours. 

According to an NCC memo, several options are available from Sept. 24 to Oct. 23, including a free shuttle to Gatineau Park.

Free NCC Gatineau Park Shuttle 

With one departure location at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa, accessible via the Pimisi LRT station on the Confederation Line, and one at the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, the free shuttle goes to Pink Lake, the Mackenzie King Estate and Champlain Lookout.   

A shuttle service with accessible vehicles is also available to people with reduced mobility, with departures at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. on weekends.

For more information about availability, contact the Gatineau Park Visitor Centre at 819-827-2020 or 1-866-456-3016. 

Starting the Oct. 1 weekend and ending Oct. 23, the shuttle will bring people to the Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., every 15 to 20 minutes, with the last departure from Champlain Lookout at 4 p.m.

More details about the free NCC shuttle routes, stops and schedule during Fall Rhapsody can be found online. 

Ride to the Meech Creek Valley and Philippe Lake area for free 

The NCC is offering stops along the 924 line during Fall Rhapsody weekends, including Thanksgiving Monday. 

“From Oct. 1 to 23, you can hop on the 924 line at many stops, including the Galeries de Hull and Gatineau Park Visitor Centre, and head to the Meech Creek Valley (from P16) and Philippe Lake (from P20 at Breton beach) areas free of charge,” the memo states. 

Gatineau Park parkways: Fall schedule  

The Gatineau Park parkways fall schedule comes into effect this Saturday, Sept. 24, and continues until Sunday, Oct. 23. The parkways will be open for active use on weekdays until noon.

During weekends in October and on Thanksgiving Monday, the Fall Rhapsody shuttle will use the Gatineau and Champlain parkways after 9 a.m. Motor vehicles will have access to the parkways from noon until 30 minutes after sunset. Check the schedule for more information. 

NCC says that due to the increased use of Gatineau Park during Fall Rhapsody, expect temporary closures and lineups. Visit the Gatineau Park traffic updates web page for updates. 

Downtown 

Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau offer spectacular vantage points for viewing the shades of ochre, orange and red. Explore the many parks, shorelines and gardens on foot, by bike or by bus. 

The Capital Pathway 

The Capital Pathway offers over 200 kilometres of multi-use pathways, extending from Gatineau Park, through Ottawa–Gatineau and into the Greenbelt.

According to NCC, the best feature of the pathway network is its setting. Located mainly in natural environments, it offers a fun way to spend time outdoors, and provides some of the best vistas for fall photography.  

Parkways  

As part of the NCC Weekend Bikedays, presented by Nokia, active users will continue to have exclusive access every weekend (including Thanksgiving Monday) to the Sir John A. Macdonald and Sir George-Étienne Cartier parkways, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Oct. 10, 2022 (Thanksgiving). The Queen Elizabeth Driveway is also accessible to active users on weekends until Oct.10, from Saturday at 8 a.m. through to Sunday at 8 p.m. 

National Capital Greenbelt 

Experience nature in the Greenbelt, host to several natural protected areas — including forests, sand dunes, wetlands and 100 km of natural trails and built pathways — where you can enjoy year-round recreation. The National Capital Greenbelt is also home to many NCC farms.

“Add some flavour to your day by visiting one these farms for unique experiences and special fall activities,” the memo states.  “Make sure to get the latest updates on the reopened trails, while NCC crews continue to work hard to secure and clear affected sectors of the Greenbelt following the derecho.”

Allison Eagen, the manager of public programs and communications with the NCC, told The Sam Laprade Show on Oct, 3 what hidden games are worth noting while avoiding the large crowds 

“You can explore some parts like Philip Lake,” she said. “There's other NCC sites to check out as well.”

Listen to the full interview with Allison Eagen below: