Before the snow starts to fly, take advantage of the towns that are close to the city and the fun, family-friendly activities they offer. Gather up your gang this weekend and head out to one of these must-do adventures.

• Camp Fortune: Located in Chelsea, Camp Fortune is the ultimate year-round adventure destination. Offering an aerial park with zip lining, mountain bike trails to explore, a mountain coaster (monorail track) through the forest to ride, and slopes for skiing and snowboarding in the winter, there is so much for the whole family to do. Lessons are available for adults and kids to learn how to safely hit the slopes. 

• Parc Omega: This drive-thru park will have you face-to-face discovering some of Canada’s wildlife and it’s only a short drive to Montebello to check it out. Elk, caribou, bison, deer and more will greet you at your car in hopes of being fed carrots. Along the way, you can stop at the shops, picnic areas, hiking trails that weave through the forest, or check out the wolf sanctuary to see them in their natural habitat.

• Fallowfield Tree Farm: Heading west to Stittsville, you’ll find the perfect year-round farm with fun for the whole family. Whether you’re still shopping for a pumpkin to keep fall alive or ready to cut down your own Christmas tree, the Fallowfield Tree Farm can help you. Wagon and sleigh rides, fresh produce, cut-your-own Christmas tree farm, and event party rooms are just a few of the activities offered at this farm!

• Upper Canada Village: Discover how life was in the 1860s at Upper Canada Village, where you’ll find vintage buildings, farm life, trade work, mills and more. Learn about the site, experience the different transportation methods in the village and walk through a living history museum. Get ready to learn and explore.

• Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park: A little further away from Ottawa is Chutes Coulonge Adventure Park, located in Mansfield-et-Pontefract. This park has a mix of everything; obstacle courses, canyon zip-lining and more. Walking trails throughout the park will bring you to beautiful waterfall views and artefacts from their museum. Although now closed for the season, it opens again for the Festival of Lights in December with illuminated walkways, bonfires, hot chocolate and visits with Santa.