Spring is in full bloom here in Ottawa! From delicate cherry blossoms to the iconic tulips, the city offers tons of picturesque spots to take in the beauty of spring. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast, a nature lover, or looking to plan a sweet afternoon date, these bloom locations provide a perfect backdrop for memorable moments.
Here’s a guide to some of the best places in Ottawa to spot spring flowers!
Commissioners Park
Commissioners Park is a picturesque urban park, located along the scenic shores of Dow’s Lake. Spanning approximately 8.95 hectares, the park features mature trees, rolling lawns, and winding pathways that offer visitors a tranquil escape within the city. Established between the 1920s and 1950s on the site of a former lumberyard, it has since become a cherished green space for both locals and tourists.
The park is perhaps best known for the annual Canadian Tulip Festival (happened May 9-19th this year), which features a vibrant tapestry of over a million blooming tulips, with approximately 300,000 tulips in a stunning display in the park. Beyond the floral splendor, the festival offers a rich array of cultural events, including guided walking tours, art exhibits, and family-friendly activities, all set against the backdrop of the city’s scenic landscapes. As a symbol of peace and international friendship, the Canadian Tulip Festival continues to enchant visitors from around the world, making it a highlight of Ottawa’s spring season.
Location: Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Driveway in Ottawa
Major’s Hill Park
Major’s Hill Park is Ottawa’s oldest public park, offering a blend of rich history and scenic beauty in the heart of downtown. Perched above the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River, the park provides panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as Parliament Hill, the Fairmont Château Laurier, and the National Gallery of Canada. Its well-maintained lawns, mature trees, and winding pathways make it a popular spot for leisurely strolls, lounging in the sun, and photography.
This is the perfect location for a sweet spring picnic by the colourful flower beds, tulips, and flowering trees.
Location: Corner of Sussex Drive and Mackenzie Avenue in Ottawa
Rideau Hall
Open to the public year-round, Rideau Hall offers free guided tours that provide insight into Canada’s political history, vice-regal traditions, and the role of the Governor General. In spring, the grounds come alive with blooming tulips, flowering trees, and carefully curated garden beds, making it a peaceful and picturesque destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.
Whether you’re exploring the wooded paths or admiring the ceremonial Changing of the Guard (during the summer months), Rideau Hall offers a unique blend of natural beauty and national heritage.
Location: 1 Sussex Dr, Ottawa
Dominion Arboretum
Originally created to test the adaptability of various tree species to the Canadian climate, the Dominion Arboretum now boasts over 2,000 varieties of trees and shrubs from around the world . Its diverse collections include magnolias, crabapples, lilacs, and a notable Bebb’s Oak, estimated to be over a century old.
The arboretum’s unique topography creates microclimates that support species typically unsuited to Ottawa’s Zone 5a climate, allowing for the cultivation of plants like magnolias and azaleas . Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the park’s lookouts, serene walking paths, and seasonal floral displays.
Location: Located on the grounds of the Central Experimental Farm
Maplelawn Historic Garden
Maplelawn Historic Garden is a hidden gem nestled in Westboro, offering visitors a glimpse into 19th-century horticultural elegance. Established between 1831 and 1834 by Scottish immigrant William Thomson, the estate features a beautifully preserved Georgian-style stone house and one of Canada’s rare walled gardens—a design inspired by British traditions.
The nearly one-acre garden, enclosed by original stone walls, was initially cultivated as a kitchen garden and later transformed into an ornamental space in the 1930s. It showcases a symmetrical layout with gravel paths dividing lush lawns and flower beds, reflecting meticulous landscape design.
Location: 529 Richmond Road, Ottawa
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