The golden season is upon us and winter is already on the horizon. If you want to avoid the seasonal chill, these scenic drives near Ottawa will allow you to enjoy the changing colours from the comfort of your car. O-Town and the surrounding areas are seriously pretty all year round, but theyâre particularly extraordinary during the fall and winter months. From golden foliage and bright-red trees to twinkling lights and icy waterfalls, thereâs no shortage of awe-inspiring sights to enjoy during the colder seasons. That said, pulling on your hiking boots and trudging through the slush can get pretty difficult. If youâre looking for a way to enjoy all the sights, with none of the hard-work, these incredible scenic drives are sure to hit the spot! Editor's Choice: Canada's New Graphs For COVID-19 Show How Un-Flat The Curve Is Champlain Parkway Address: Champlain Pkwy, Gatineau, QC Why You Need To Go: This route is currently closed until noon every day, due to COVID-19. That said, itâs still perfect for a cozy afternoon adventure! The uphill drive will take you alongside the rolling Gatineau Hills and beyond, leading you to the wonderful Champlain Lookout. View this post on Instagram â˘Fall road tripsđđ§Ąâ˘ A post shared by Tasfia Sakura HossainđŠđťâđ¨đ¸ (@tasfia.s) on Oct 18, 2019 at 5:28am PDT Website Meech Lake Road Address: Meech Lake Rd, Gatineau, QC Why You Need To Go: This drive, located within Gatineau Park, will lead to the largest lake in the area. The route features all kinds of show-stopping views, including that of Meech Lake, the Gatineau hills, the golden slopes of Camp Fortune and so much more. View this post on Instagram Glad to live in a world where there are Octobers. . . . . . #tourismequebec #quebecoriginal #quebec_travelers #quebecregion #quebecadventures #ottawatourism #beautifuldestinations #gatineaupark #meechlake #fall #virtualmeet613 #fallrhapsody #insidecanada #explorecanada #canada #raw_canada #beautifuldestinations #tourcanada #imagesofcanada #paradisecanada #sharecangeo @weathernetwork #canada_photolovers #igersottawa #facesottawa A post shared by theRADicalC (@theradicalc) on Oct 4, 2020 at 6:46am PDT Website 1000 Islands Parkway Address: Thousand Islands Pkwy, Lyn, ON Why You Need To Go: An hour or so outside of the city, this scenic route runs parallel to the St. Lawrence River. Built in 1947 and located within a national park of the same name, the drive is 40 kilometres long and thereâs one lane in each direction. While many of the routeâs usual stops are closed right now, you can still enjoy amazing water views, rocky lookouts and local camping spots. View this post on Instagram Autumn days đđ . . . . . . đ¸: @mitchdbeattie #1000Islands #Gananoque #SouthEasternOntario #Travel #Canada #Travelgram #Islandlife #DiscoverON #ExploreCanada #YoursToDiscover #VisitCanada #Ontario #BestOfOntario #OntarioTravel #LifeOnTheRiver #GetOutside #Autumn #LeafPeeping #FallColours #Fall A post shared by 1000 Islands, Ontario đ¨đŚ (@1000islandscan) on Oct 13, 2020 at 10:40am PDT Website Gatineau Parkway Address: Gatineau Pkwy, QC Why You Need To Go: This is a local bucket-list drive that is perfect for anybody whoâs totally obsessed with fall colours. The route will take you to Pink Lake and Camp Fortune, and youâll be able to enjoy views of rolling hills, orange and gold foliage and vast stretches of aqua-coloured water. View this post on Instagram Well....the lake is actually blue. But damn, the colors were incredible! â- â - â- ââ ââ- ââââ ââââââ- #ottawaphoto#raw_canada#myottawa#igersottawa#imagesofcanada#myottawa#explorecanada#facesottawa#imagesofcanada#canadianphotography#ottawa#ottawaphotography#sonyalpha #gatineau #gatineaupark #pinklake A post shared by JDH (@juanda.lens) on Oct 13, 2020 at 3:01pm PDT Website Wakefield (Via Highway 5) Address: Hwy 5, Wakefield, QC Why You Need To Go: If you want somewhere special to stop during your journey, this is an adventure to consider. En-route, youâll be able to discover sights like Morrisonâs Quarry and the Vorlage Ski Resort and youâll be able to stop at Wakefield Covered bridge to take photos, soak up the scenery and grab a coffee, too! View this post on Instagram Orange you glad itâs Saturday!! 𧥠. Itâs a perfect Fall day here - warm and sunny and great weather for checking out the Fall colours. We are trying to visit different areas on weekends, rather than the Gatineau Park, to avoid the crowds. Luckily, there are plenty of beautiful places like this pretty spot at Morrison Quarry! A post shared by Bella the Goldendoodle (@bellathedooodle) on Sep 26, 2020 at 12:40pm PDT Website Rockcliffe Parkway Address: Sir George-Ătienne Cartier Pkwy, Ottawa, ON Why You Need To Go: If you just want to spend an hour-or-so in the car, this route is super close to the city. From the comfort of your vehicle, youâll be able to spot iconic O-Town landmarks such as Rideau Hall and the Ottawa River, as well as one of the most expensive neighborhoods in the city, Rockcliffe Park. View this post on Instagram A post shared by @molin_nn on Oct 13, 2020 at 7:24pm PDT Website Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.