A quiet neighbourhood in Ottawa’s east end is hiding a beautiful little secret, and it might be one of the prettiest spots to explore on a fall getaway!
Princess Louise Falls is a cascading waterfall tucked into a wooded ravine in Orléans, about 20 minutes east of downtown Ottawa. It may not be the largest waterfall in the region, but it’s surrounded by gorgeous forest trails, offering a peaceful escape from the suburban streets just beyond the trees.
It’s a dreamy spot to visit at any time of the year, but it’s very picturesque in the autumn, when the surrounding foliage turns shades of gold, orange and red, creating a beautiful backdrop for the rushing water.
The waterfall is nestled off St. Joseph Boulevard and flows down a series of layered limestone ledges into a rocky pool below. Visitors can access the area from Brookridge Crescent, where walking trails lead through the woods toward the falls. Along the way, you’ll find winding woodland paths leading to different viewpoints near the top and bottom of the cascade.
The waterfall apparently has a royal connection, too. It’s named after Princess Louise, daughter of Queen Victoria and wife of John Campbell, Canada’s fourth Governor General. According to local legend, the princess occasionally visited the area to sketch the falls.
According to Capital Gems, the waterfall is part of a watercourse that was partially buried underground to make way for home construction (the original stream can even be seen on Google Maps!).
Just be sure to wear proper footwear, as some of the paths are steep and the rocks can become slippery, particularly after autumn rain.
Ottawa is just under a 4.5-hour drive from Toronto, and Orléans is another 20 minutes east of the downtown core, so there’s lots to explore if you’re planning a longer fall getaway.
For a quick coffee stop, head to Beyond Café on St. Joseph Blvd. The vintage-inspired café has a charming 1950s atmosphere and serves specialty coffees, homemade treats and breakfast faves, so a perfect spot to warm up after a walk through the woods.
For brunch, head to St. Martha’s Brasserie for French-inspired dishes and flavoured mimosas made with Nua Brut from Milan.
Afterward, visit the Mer Bleue Bog in Ottawa’s Greenbelt for more fall scenery. Experts estimate that it’s over 7,700 years old, and it’s the largest natural ecosystem in the Greenbelt! The site’s wooden boardwalk winds through a gorgeous wetland landscape, so you’ll experience another scenic walk surrounded by pretty autumn colours.
End your trip with a visit to downtown Ottawa to explore the historic ByWard Market, which is known for its indie boutiques and chic cafés, before taking a stroll through nearby Major’s Hill Park for stunning views of Parliament Hill and the Ottawa River.
If you’re looking for more scenic views, this Ontario town is home to a picturesque bridge that looks straight out of an autumn postcard.