Get ready to tiptoe through the tulips. Once the warm weather arrives, there are so many Ottawa flower gardens that will be bursting with blooms.
When it comes to blossoms, our city is famous for the Canadian Tulip Festival. But that isn't the only spot to see budding plants.
You can head to Dominion Arboretum to see hundreds of trees covered in fluffy pink buds or find lilac bushes in every shade of purple at the Ornamental Gardens.
Here are all the spots across town you will want to visit at least once.
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Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Price: Free
Address: Prince of Wales Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: It is a peaceful spot to walk next to flowering trees and a butterfly garden.
CF Rideau Centre Rooftop Garden
Price: Free
Address: 50 Rideau St., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Many locals don't realize that there is a public garden on the roof of the mall. Here you can not only see trees covered in tiny pink blossoms but also enjoy a fantastic lookout over downtown Ottawa.
Ornamental Gardens
Price: Free
Address: 75 National Capital Commission Scenic Driveway, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: From mid-May to mid-June this place is a sweet-smelling lilac wonderland. Within this garden, you can also find 350 peonies.
Dominion Arboretum
Price: Free
Address: Arboretum, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: It is the best spot to see crab apples in the city. Next to Prince of Wales Drive, there are 100 blooming trees, but you'll find many others scattered through the park.
Rideau Hall
Price: Free
Address: 1 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: There is a sprawling garden where you can explore the many trails that will take you to a bubbling fountain and budding trees.
Major’s Hill Park
Price: Free
Address: Mackenzie Ave., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Overlooking the Parliament Buildings, here you can see colourful tulips.
The National Gallery Sunken Garden
Price: Free
Address: 380 Sussex Dr., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Outside of the gallery, you can find a secret garden with 12 crab apple trees.
Commissioners Park
Price: Free
Address: Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: Every spring, this park has thousands of blooming tulips for the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Maplelawn Historic Garden
Price: Free
Address: 529 Richmond Rd., Ottawa, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you've stepped into a storybook garden. It is a beautiful spot to enjoy time outdoors away from the crowds.
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 adventure.