Super gorgeous green space in Ottawa (there arent many here). I went for my birthday and it was so nice to be able to do something for my second lockdown birthday (where virtually everything is closed). The space is maintained very well and there was not a piece of litter on the ground. People were distancing for the most part, some odd people here and there entered other peoples personal bubble despite the mass open space. And although masks arent required outdoors it is nerve wracking when people are walking around without one. It's one thing if there is no one around or very distanced away but if you're crossing paths with people it is appreciated to place it on until you exit their space. One little thing, it would be nice if some of the info plaques on the trees were replaced since they are worn down. And perhaps placing them out in front instead of attached on the tree. The bush and leaves prevents people from reading it. A stand up plaque in front of the trees may help people with low vision and accessibility issues to read it. Overall though, its an amazing nature area nestled centrally within the city right by dows lake and with minimal noise pollution. A great choice for relaxation like picnics (once that's allowed again), studying, bird watching. As well as a gorgeous setting for photoshoots like weddings, pregnancy and modeling shoots, just be considerate of photographers and people doing these (ex: staying out of the frame, walking around the space being used)

The Dominion Arboretum is a great place to walk around and connect with nature. There is a multitude of different plants and environments within the grounds that offer different feels depending on where you want to hang out. For instance, you have heavily wooden areas, ponds, and open grass. Located near the Rideau Canal, the Arboretum offers a pleasant walk, and is friendly to dogs that are leashed. The trails are well maintained and fairly level. There is free parking, but it is limited. I will be back to explore more!

Huge park with beautiful trees, lakes, green spaces and wild animals. We walked there for hours, it was very nice we took a break under a big tree, took out our sandwiches to eat when a chikadee landed on a branch next to us. I took out the seeds on top of the bun and put them in my hand, i never thought in a million years that he would actually land on my hand and eat the seeds and that's what he did. What a magnificent creature. You can get lost for hours in that park and every time you would see something new.

Update on Dominion Arboretum Sept. 1, 2022 Lovely walk on a cooler day. Walked along the canal & saw ducks on the Rideau Canal (Northern Shovelers). Near Heart island, I saw a blue heron & a black-crowned heron. They seem quite used to people. Walked to the locks, then up through Fletcher's Gardens. Lovely walk through the Arboretum. Most of the leaves have fallen now & lots of berries on some of the tress. Food for the birds this winter. You can stroll along the Rideau Canal towards Dows Lake.

Probably one of my favourite places in Ottawa. I love walking by the canal, reading the ID tags on the trees, and of course visiting the spring blossoms and fall leaves. I also love how easy it is to access from the Carleton campus and public transit. So far, we've seen raccoons, cormorants, a hummingbird, turkey vultures... and there's a great blue heron who lives in the little pond with the bridge, often showing up around dusk. Worth visiting over and over.

Truly my favourite place in the city. I've been here so many times for picnics and walks and it is so serene, beautiful and peaceful. I especially love it in the spring time while the blossoms are out. The views of the weeping willows and the pond and river are so mesmerizing and magical. Parking can be tricky/busy on weekends or nice days but definitely worth it.

What a wonderful place for a summer stroll. Between tall trees there is a nice shaded path that is nice and quiet and free from cyclists. There are lots of little benches that can be found in most random places so you can always find a secluded place to sit down and rest. Arboretum is also great as you can learn more about different trees and vegetation.

I met wonderful trees there.. Absolutely gorgeous ones.. Plus it's a nice place to chill.. I recommand that place especially during sunny days.. As a tree lover, I felt at home.. There is a nice lake too and you can reach the Arboretum by cycling.. The cycling path cross the parc.. So peaceful ! …

Really nice quiet big parks with lots of trees and plants all around. There's also another city garden nearby that's just walking distance from this place. Tip: there are bugs around so have some bug repellent with you going here
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

in my home city! I had no idea! what a nice place to bike or walk and check out some wickedly awesome Canadian trees and flowers! I thought trees this big were only out west. I think it would take 4 grown adults linking arms to get around the biggest one there. love it. go check it out if you like nature.

Beautiful spot for a socially distanced walk. Great spot to view some nature within the city. You can walk around and explore the trees...many of which have tags so that you can learn tje species or walk down to the water by dows lake. Lots of trails and space. Great for picnics or a game of frisbee too.

Beautiful area for a relaxing walk. The arboretum offers stunning views of the Rideau Canal and beyond. With paths that are easy to access on foot and with mobility aids, it’s a great spot for taking visitors to Ottawa, and taking a stroll through whenever you need some fresh air.

Nice, clean and well maintained. Busy on an weekday evening. Again, the problem is parking. I can understand that you will have a lot of cars and people if you have a big parking lot, but the parking is so small and packed. It will not encourage people from visit from far away.

This is such a lovely place to stop in for a walk or find a quiet corner to sit and reflect on life. Beautiful trees and plants and many birds and scampering animals.
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Huge and beautiful place to visit for a day picnic or some good photography. I visited this place for the first time to see cherry blossom. There were few trees not much but it's a beautiful park to relax and read and just sit and inhale the beauty.

Beautiful place for everybody whether you are strolling, walking alone, jogging, dog walker and have kids fun place to go! Beautiful scenery. Lots of beautiful trees and flower good for hiking too. Fresh air peaceful and quiet and not too crowded!

Great open space for a stroll along the Canal. A bit rundown now. Walking and biking paths are mixed. Not too nice. Lots of old oak trees. Lots of walkers.
Visited on
Weekend
Wait time
No wait
Reservation recommended
No

Part of the national historic site, the Central Experimental Farm, the Dominion Arboretum has over 2,000 species of trees and shrubs on 86 acres of rolling land. Some species date back to the first plantings in 1889. The Arboretum is cared

We enjoyed the many gardens full of Peonies and Roses that were very pretty. Had a picnic under the trees but with the infestation of tent caterpillars this year it was a bit discouraging as their droppings were falling on us like rain!!

Such an awesome place to visit Fresh air, greenary surroundings, birds singing, sounds of the lake are refreshing your mind You cannot take off your eyes of seeing this wonderful creations of nature

This is an under-visited gem of Ottawa. Beautiful open spaces with old trees by the canal, great for playing frisbee, walking the dog, having a picnic, taking wedding pictures, you name it.

This place is absolutely one of Ottawa’s gems. The rows of blossoming crabapple trees are wonderful. And on top of that, there is never really too big of a crowd unlike Toronto’s blossoms.

This is one of our favorite places to take a stroll. Many trees to see and great for bird watchers too. Sit and have a picnic, take a bike ride or just take in the scenery. 5 …

Nice Park For A Walk I believe we came here 3 times (in 1995, 2008, and 2023). The latter my wife and I wanted to indulge in fond memories where we had our wedding pictures taken.

The entire Dow’s Lake area is very beautiful! The Arboretum is no different. It’s a joy to walk through the area and breath in the energy of the trees. ☺️ …

Lovely park, nice paths, so quiet and peaceful. Big trees and beautiful lake. Not too large but good enough for walking, picnic, fishing,....

Beautiful park with so many different varieties of trees and pretty ponds. We are so lucky to have this place close to downtown. More

Love this place. Great trails and awesome to just sit and relax back in nature. You can have a nice picnic and just lounge all day.

Nice place to walk and have a picnic in summer, and sled in the winter
Visited on
Weekday
Wait time
No wait

Very serene and clam garden. Must visit in spring and summer. A lake side view will be perfect for a summer picnic.

Beautiful natural area. Some construction going on at the moment. Bring food for picnic, no food available nearby.

Beautiful place, especially now when it’s a spring time, everything is blooming. That was an amazing experience

One of my favourite spots year round. The paths and views are so lovely. Highly recommend to everyone! More

Love this free park… beautiful in all seasons. Many paths, look out points, free parking and dog-friendly.

Best place to hangout and click memorable pictures with family...A great place to walk beside Dow's lake.

Beautiful place to visit in fall and summer. Very scenic and picturesque. Amazing fall colors

Beautiful park. Great views by the lake. Got to see the cherry blossoms trees this season.

Such a beautiful, peaceful place to walk in the morning.

Fantastic walking or jogging place in the nature.

It's super pretty :)