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.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Ottawa injects another $36M into vaccine injury compensation fund
The federal government has added $36.4 million to a program designed to support people who have been seriously injured or killed by vaccines since the end of 2020.
'Secret report' or standard research? B.C. government addresses safe supply allegations
B.C.’s premier and one of his top lieutenants are pushing back against allegations by the Official Opposition that he covertly commissioned a report into the diversion of safe supply drugs onto the streets.
Video shows suspects waving weapons, smashing glass in Toronto jewelry store robbery
Arrests have been made after five men were captured on video rampaging through a jewelry store in Toronto, waving weapons and smashing glass display cases.
'My stomach dropped': Winnipeg man speaks out after being criminally harassed following single online date
A Winnipeg man said a single date gone wrong led to years of criminal harassment, false arrests, stress and depression.
She was too sick for a traditional transplant. So she received a pig kidney and a heart pump
Doctors have transplanted a pig kidney into a New Jersey woman who was near death, part of a dramatic pair of surgeries that also stabilized her failing heart.
What Canadians think of the latest Liberal budget
A new poll suggests the Liberals have not won over voters with their latest budget, though there is broad support for their plan to build millions of homes.
opinion Why you should protect your investments by naming a trusted contact person
Appointing a trusted person to help with financial obligations can give you peace of mind. In his personal finance column for CTVNews.ca, Christopher Liew outlines the key benefits of naming a confidant to take over your financial responsibilities, if the need ever arises.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Teacher shortages see some Ontario high school students awarded perfect grades on midterm exams
Students at a high school in York Region have been awarded perfect marks on their midterm exams in three subjects – not because of their academic performances however, but because they had no teacher.