Fall family photos in Ottawa capture the stunning colours of the season, creating timeless memories. I’ve always felt there’s something truly magical about fall in Ottawa. When it comes to family photos, the crisp air, the golden light, and the fiery hues of maple leaves create a breathtaking backdrop for your family’s story. These are the moments you’ll cherish for years to come. There are so many opportunities to capture this magic during the few weeks of peak fall. So here are some golden tips on how to make the best of the season in the coming months!
Mid to late October is historically the optimal time for fall family photos in the Ottawa area, when our foliage reaches peak color intensity. Here’s the peak trends I’ve noticed through my archives of family photos over the past several years:
Gatineau Park’s Fall Rhapsody typically peaks between October 1–15, with maple-dense areas showing vibrant reds and oranges earliest (often early October) and beech trees maintaining golden hues into late October.
Ottawa’s urban parks (e.g., Arboretum, Andrew Haydon Park) often peak slightly later, around mid-October, with colors holding up through our Canadian Thanksgiving weekend (second Monday of October).
But of course, these patterns depend on the weather. There have been some years where a single day or two of strong winds have shed most of the bright colours. Nonetheless, October 10th-20th have been peak weeks for most trees and other foliage for fall family photos in Ottawa
There are countless locations that span the entire Greater Ottawa Area. Here are my favourite, from east to west and south of the Ottawa area:
Mer Bleue Bog offers a unique bog landscape with its low, colourful vegetation and wide sky, which creates a different look than a typical forest or park. The boardwalk provides easy access to picturesque views of golden reeds, rare plants, birds and other wildlife. It is a quiet and lovely escape from the city.
The Dominion Arboretum offers a vast, collection of trees and shrubs from a lookout that roll down the hill towards Dows Lake. They blaze with reds, yellows and purples each fall, creating a timeless, colourful backdrop for family portraits. Its well-kept tree-lined paths, open lawns and ornamental gardens are managed as part of the Central Experimental Farm make it an accessible, family-friendly spot with free parking. Perfect for Fall family photos within central Ottawa.
Walter Baker Park in Kanata offers a warm, family-friendly fall setting with tree-lined trails, a large pond and a charming gazebo that make for a variety of picturesque backdrops. With accessible paths, open lawns and nearby playgrounds, it’s easy to move between colourful foliage, waterside reflections and relaxed picnic-style shots.
Kids love this space and it’s a convenient choice for families looking for variety close to home!
Manotick Village is a charming community in the rural south part of Ottawa with historic architecture and riverside scenery. Its iconic Watson’s Mill and the Rideau River create a timeless, picture-perfect backdrop of colourful trees and quaint streets. Its walkable village centre, heritage buildings and scenic riverbanks offer varied, compact settings for family photos make it an easy, picturesque choice for autumn sessions.
For families seeking small-town charm with postcard worthy backdrops, Manotick delivers storybook-worthy fall scenes from golden riverside reflections to heritage-lined streets.
There are lots of recommendations for ideal outfits, all of which can make you look and feel your best. Here are a few of my favourite outfit related tips for your next fall family photos in Ottawa:
Earthy neutrals blend beautifully with our autumn foliage. More specifically creams, tans, soft browns, and even greys! Rich autumn tones like mustard yellow, deep burgundy, or olive complement Ottawa’s fall landscapes. In addition to these great outfit colour tips, be cohesive as a family, but not overly matchy. Coordinate 2-3 base colours with subtle patterns/textures.
Depending on how cool the temperatures get, layers definitely help for warmth and comfort on a chilly day! Corduroy, wool, or faux fur also add to some depth and textures to your photos. Light boots, loafers or even dress shoes are a nice touch too.
… and it’s ok if some (or none) of these suggestions suit your style. What is more important is wearing an outfit that is comfortable and best reflects YOU! Everyone has different preferences. These should be photos that make you smile each time you look at them today, months or a decade from now. Show your colours!
If I could choose my biggest tip of all, this would be it. Book your next family photos well ahead! There are still some peak fall dates available for your next family photos on my calendar:
Or reach out directly to me via info@boyophoto.ca with any questions you may have!
