Ottawa is well-known for its magnificent tulip displays during the annual Canadian Tulip Festival, but the city’s charm doesn’t stop there. Ottawa Name shares a list of the city’s most beautiful gardens and a glimpse into their history.
Central Experimental Farm
The Central Experimental Farm, located south of downtown Ottawa near Dows Lake, offers free entry to visitors. This unique site includes the Dominion Arboretum, Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and other decorative gardens.
Founded in 1886 by the Canadian government, this farm is much more than its name implies. It features historic buildings, century-old trees, diverse wildlife, and vibrant plant beds in every colour of the rainbow. The Canada Agriculture and Food Museum is also located here.
The farm is a National Historic Site, recognized for its contributions to Canada’s agricultural development.
Historical Highlights:
- The first director, William Saunders, and botanist James Fletcher planted 300 trees and shrubs in the Arboretum in 1889.
- Researchers at the farm developed the hardy, early-maturing wheat variety known as Marquis Wheat.
- The farm introduced the Preston lilac and the renowned Explorer rose series.
- Volunteers from “Friends of the Farm” maintain its beauty.
- Spanning over 400 hectares, the farm preserves its 19th-century landscape.
Dominion Arboretum
Covering over 35 hectares, this arboretum boasts a vast collection of more than 4,000 trees and shrubs, grown to test their resilience to the Canadian climate.
Highlights:
- A green oasis in central Ottawa, offering stunning views from its northern and southern lookout points.
- Home to a variety of tree species, including magnolias, weeping willows, and the Bebb oak, considered one of the most beautiful specimens.
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
This atmospheric site features a unique collection of plants, divided into two sections: native species and wild plants. The garden includes a wildflower meadow, rock gardens, forest trails, and perennial flower beds, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Maplelawn Historic Garden
Located in Westboro on the western side of Ottawa, Maplelawn is one of the city’s few surviving 19th-century gardens. Established between 1831 and 1834, it reflects the legacy of three families—Thomsons, Coles, and Rochesters.
The rectangular garden, spanning 0.4 hectares, was initially planted alongside the estate. Over the years, it transitioned from a fruit and vegetable garden to a perennial garden under the ownership of Lloyd B. Rochester.
In 1989, Maplelawn was designated a National Historic Site, cherished by locals as a floral oasis. The garden is now lovingly maintained by the Maplelawn Garden volunteers.
Parc des Portageurs Gardens
Situated in Gatineau along the north shore of the Ottawa River, this tranquil spot once served as a crossing point for Indigenous peoples and fur traders.
Nearby green spaces include:
- Francophonie Park
- Ruisseau-de-la-Brasserie Gardens
- Theatre de l’Île Gardens
A leisurely stroll through these areas takes about 20–30 minutes and is well worth the time.
Confederation Park
This picturesque location is both a park and a botanical garden. Located south of the National Arts Centre and near the Rideau Centre, Confederation Park is one of Ottawa’s “capital” sites, maintained by the National Capital Commission.
Historically, this area housed industrial buildings and elite apartments along Elgin Street. The 1949 Gréber Plan transformed the space into the serene park it is today.
Garden of the Provinces and Territories
Adjacent to Confederation Park, this 1.16-hectare site opened on September 25, 1962, and was renamed the Garden of the Provinces and Territories in 2005. Known for its vibrant tulips and other flowers, the garden also features walking and biking paths and a pedestrian tunnel under Wellington Street.
Designed in a modernist style in the 1960s, the garden celebrates Canada’s unity, even appearing on a 6-cent commemorative stamp featuring Queen Elizabeth II.
Rockcliffe Pavilion
Popular for outdoor wedding ceremonies, Rockcliffe Pavilion spans 2.65 hectares, surrounded by a park filled with daffodils and flowering trees. Built in 1917, the pavilion is located in Rockcliffe Park, which dates back to 1890.
Visitors can enjoy picnics at the park’s tables or simply admire its serene beauty, beloved by locals and tourists alike.
Ottawa’s Gardens: A Blossoming Retreat
Ottawa’s gardens are picturesque spaces perfect for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, a bike ride, or a photoshoot. Whether you explore one or all of these spots, each promises a unique experience and a tranquil escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.