NCC's Fall Rhapsody in full swing

The Ottawa and Gatineau region is one of the best locations in the country to see the fall colours. The National Capital Commission is now running weekend shuttles to Gatineau Park to help with crowd control during Fall Rhapsody.

Cooler weather, along with bright colours everywhere you look in the Gatineau forest. A scene that attracts thousands of visitors including Patti and Jim Leclair from Belfast, Maine.

"We lucked out," Patti says. "We totally lucked out."

And one of the best spots for leaf watching, Champlain Lookout.

"For us in Maine it’s more mountainous," says Jim. “So you don’t actually get the scenic views. Here we can see for miles and miles.”

"Every year, it becomes magnificent again," says Orleans resident Don Collar. "So you never get tired of the creation. And we marvel at it."

Many travel to Gatineau Park for the NCC’S Fall Rhapsody. For the next few weekends, the best way to get to the park is with their free shuttle bus.

"It goes and makes a number of stops throughout the park," says Allison Eagen, NCC Manager Public Programs and Communications. "It’s a hop on, hop off system. So people can just board, get off at the stop of their choice, get back on, go to another stop if they wish. And it runs every 15 to 20 minutes."

Some seeing this colourful view for the first time.

"I think we got it just around the peak time, so it’s really, really nice," says Lee Wah-Shee Anawak. "You can see all the colours popping really nicely. And we couldn’t have picked a better day."

Raven Firth is at Champlain Lookout visiting from Inuvik, Northwest Territories.

"I love most the escape from the city," says Firth. "Because when you’re there it’s like this concrete world. And being able to step out of it an hour away is really nice."

Despite the crowds, the Fall Rhapsody in an annual tradition for many locals. 

"Gorgeous as usual," says Jo-Ann Ferguson. "We always come up here this time of year. Beautiful."

PJ Pigeon with owner Julie Vung in Gatineau Park. (Dave Charbonneau/CTV News Ottawa)

This view, even spectacular for local Instagram star PJ Pigeon. 

"We go everywhere with her," says bird owner Julie Vung. "They’re amazing pets, they’re just like dogs. She just never wanted to go with the wild and ended up coming home every night."

For Patti and Jim Leclair, they say this most likely won't be the last time they visit the Fall Rhapsody.

"We love to explore," says Patti. "We just find everything we can find and usually it’s by accident. This was a big accident that was amazing."

The NCC’s Fall Rhapsody runs until Oct. 23.