Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: walk (28) trees (22) Beautiful (21) beautiful (17) park (16) parking (15) great (13) Great (13) nice (12) picnic (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Mai H. 9 months ago on Google • 1240 reviews
    Lovely park, nice paths, so quiet and peaceful. Big trees and beautiful lake. Not too large but good enough for walking, picnic, fishing,....
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Farhat J. 1 year ago on Google • 105 reviews
    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.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 George S. 6 months ago on Google • 329 reviews
    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. Today newlyweds still do! There's plenty to see (such as different kinds of tress for example). View of Dows Lake is great. The only drawback is people disobeying the posts about dogs on leash (many leave their pets roaming around which is no good). Also it is very difficult to find parking.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 David N. 1 year ago on Google • 98 reviews
    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.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andre D. 7 months ago on Google • 75 reviews
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Taylor La F. 1 year ago on Google • 72 reviews
    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!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Stephanie C. 10 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Love this free park… beautiful in all seasons. Many paths, look out points, free parking and dog-friendly.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oksana K. 3 years ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Catherine O. 2 years ago on Google
    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 🌟
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adriano R. 1 year ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shudip F. 10 months ago on Google
    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.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mitch S. 6 months ago on Google • 406 reviews
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Alex O. 3 weeks ago on Google • 20 reviews New
    This is one of my favourite places to celebrate the arrival of spring. My husband is especially fond of the wisteria trellis. It's perfect for a morning walk with a flask of coffee. The place is well-maintained. The trees are labelled, making this an ideal place to learn to identify trees.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Olgina 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place, especially now when it’s a spring time, everything is blooming. That was an amazing experience
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Yodaman S. 3 years ago on Google
    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. 👍☺️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kelly Ann C. 2 years ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Suzanne C. 2 years ago on Google
    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!!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Fatih M. 2 years ago on Google
    Another great huge green space. Highly recommend to visit and see here. Don’t forget to bring your bicycle and meals
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Rosemary O. 1 year ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Humayoon A. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful natural area. Some construction going on at the moment. Bring food for picnic, no food available nearby. Limited parking.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Em 2 years ago on Google
    Amazingly large area for a nice stroll. I just wish they had a few more spaces for parking!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason S. 3 years ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mel B. 7 months ago on Google
    Nice place to walk and have a picnic in summer, and sled in the winter
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dilhani K. 10 months ago on Google • 4 reviews
    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
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Simran K. 10 months ago on Google
    Beautiful park. Great views by the lake. Got to see the cherry blossoms trees this season.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shermeen K. 7 months ago on Google
    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.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Justin W. 1 month ago on Google • 40 reviews New
    Beautiful place to come in may and watch all the blossoming trees. Going for a nice walk and taking in the scenery is a great day trip.

  • 5/5 Kesha P. 4 months ago on Google • 10 reviews
    Beautiful place to visit in fall and summer. Very scenic and picturesque. Amazing fall colors

  • 5/5 Sylvie-Anne S. 1 year ago on Google
    One of my all time favorite outdoor places to visit, hang out at, or take a stroll. Dog friendly areas mean the whole family can go. Took my 10 and 12 year old niece and nephew there and they couldn't wait to get out of the car to go exploring. Centuries old trees, beautifully maintained grounds and trails that run along side the canal or over ponds and streams.

  • 5/5 Lynne K. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful walking trails and biking paths easy parking. Beautiful and clean

  • 5/5 gomez k. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely place. Hard to find parking.

  • 5/5 Gilles L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place for wedding photography and family gatherings. Plenty of green space.

  • 5/5 Karen S. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely walks, not too crowded. Lots of dogs

  • 4/5 Samir A. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice peaceful place. It is also a place where geese congregate. So look out for them and their... Leftovers. Be careful during wasp season. They are almost everywhere and can interrupt your picnic. The views are excellent. There are bike paths. The parking was a bit packed, but you may be able to find some at the experimental farm.

  • 5/5 Arlene R. 2 years ago on Google
    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!

  • 5/5 Büşra Nur N. 2 years ago on Google
    It was an amazing time I spent with my husband. I recommend it for sure 👌

  • 5/5 Aron F. 1 year ago on Google
    This morning we decided to walk through the dominion Arboretum, and were unprepared for how beautiful and large the space was. You see, for several decades I have assumed that the Arboretum was the simple area at the bottom of the slopes near the east end of the experimental farm. However, right next to the Arboretum is the Fletcher, ornamental garden, and just passed that one constr right onto the locks of the Rideau canal. Spend a few extra minutes here and you will be rewarded.

  • 5/5 Sam P. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful central-Ottawa spot with lots of variety in nature. Trees (with ID plaques), the canal, gardens, etc. no shortage of pretty locations! Parking goes quickly in the parking loops. At the building, make sure you only park in visitor parking. There’s a steep hill to descent (not recommended if you have accessibility needs) but there are stairs in the forest (weather dependent). If you enter from Carleton, you can cross the locks. If you enter from Dow’s Lake, there is a paved path throughout the arboretum.

  • 5/5 Oldstrommer 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing diversity of trees and foliage. Great place to toboggan in the snowy months.

  • 5/5 Dave L. 1 year ago on Google
    Intake my dog here every day. It is her favourite place on earth. She swims in the creeks (not always the cleanest water, but she loves it) and runs around with other dogs. Great spots to picnic, too!

  • 4/5 pradeepkumar B. 2 years ago on Google
    Good falls colors ..Covered in large area.

  • 5/5 Sheena Dalal B. 1 year ago on Google
    Best place to hangout and click memorable pictures with family...A great place to walk beside Dow's lake.

  • 5/5 yves p. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Calm and majestic (Original) Calme et majestueux

  • 5/5 Youssouf D. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the most scenic place in ottawa!!!

  • 5/5 Ron Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to take a walk on a sunny day with your wife and sonand his family.

  • 5/5 Ron M. 3 years ago on Google
    My neighbourhood park

  • 5/5 Srikanth S. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely place to visit in fall weather.

  • 5/5 James G. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful expansive area for everything. Right off of canal, open area to walk, walk dogs, look at nature( ponds, lil bridges, sitting areas) etc... On the other side is Dows Lake where you can enjoy all sort of aquatic activities. Winter, for skating.

  • 5/5 Phil M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, majestic, spectacular, peaceful, panoramic, I love it. It is NOT an off leash dog park, please keep your canine companions in check. They have been fining people.....

  • 5/5 Éricka L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to come walk your dog.

  • 4/5 Eli L. 3 years ago on Google
    Great sledding!

  • 5/5 Janice N. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful little spot in the middle of the city.

  • 5/5 Manon D. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful

  • 5/5 Nicholas L. 3 years ago on Google
    Just don't expect to find parking...

  • 5/5 Doug B. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful park in Ottawa along the canal. Great for walking, biking, running, skiing, sledding, picnics, etc.

  • 5/5 Emeline T. 3 years ago on Google
    Most beautiful park in Ottawa. Go only once, and you will hooked. Every day I want to go back. Serene, peaceful, restful and very accessible, smack in the center of Ottawa, accessible by car and buses. Agriculture Canada is doing a beautiful job to maintain it. Kudos to them!!

  • 5/5 Caroline L. 3 years ago on Google
    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.

  • 5/5 Divye D. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this place. Good for long walks

  • 5/5 Z. C. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful, especially during fall. A spectacular place to take a walk, well maintained and meticulously sculpted landscapes. A great variety of tree species to identify for botany enthusiasts, and excellent location for photography. Probably one of my favourite places in Ottawa, which is in my opinion the most beautiful metropolis in Canada.

  • 5/5 Monica F. 3 years ago on Google
    Enjoyed a beautiful walk. Was nice to read the names on the tree tags, wish they were in Latin and English, as many were just in Latin. Was also nice to read the ones that were dedicated to people... Was a nice afternoon, thank you.

  • 5/5 jaspreet s. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a great place to visit with family and friends. You can get down on the snowy slopes or skate on the canal. I took my dog along and he had a lot of fun too. Dogs are allowed with a leash although most people were enjoying with their dogs without it.

  • 5/5 Vitaliy 3 years ago on Google
    Surprisingly nice park

  • 5/5 jaspreet w. 3 years ago on Google
    It is beautiful scenery and open space for kids to run and play

  • 5/5 Cyber Security & C. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place to take couple photos!

  • 5/5 Mike K. 3 years ago on Google
    Great green space in Ottawa. Beautiful park. Lots of trees. Great for picnics and engagements ;)

  • 5/5 Tim S. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to spend an Intermountain.take a Walk, have a picnic, spend time with your family. The Arboretum is near and dear to my wife and I as this is where we had our wedding photos taken last year!

  • 5/5 Ian M. 3 years ago on Google
    Cool

  • 4/5 Ruth P. 3 years ago on Google
    Pretty park and nice for a walk.

  • 5/5 Jye Y. 3 years ago on Google
    A beautiful park full of nature to explore and trails to walk and bike. The Fall colors during this time are splendid!

  • 5/5 Thomas E. 3 years ago on Google
    always a good place for a walk. even more now because there's lots of room to spread out. and it's beautiful

  • 5/5 Suzie E. 3 years ago on Google
    We're so lucky to have this park in our town.

  • 5/5 River H. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best look out place in the city

  • 5/5 Kurtis A. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice place to go for a run or bike ride.

  • 5/5 Joyce R. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful place to take pictures and hiking.

  • 5/5 Taegeun K. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place to walk

  • 5/5 Gerald S. 3 years ago on Google
    Lovely in any season and so colorful in fall.

  • 5/5 David C. 3 years ago on Google
    Very beautiful! My grandmother has a bench there. Very nice memorial to go see her.

  • 5/5 Ron Y. 3 years ago on Google
    Wonderful colors on the trees and great place to walk the dogs. Very busy but found a good parking spot and the weather.

  • 5/5 Oliver W. 3 years ago on Google
    Excellent trails for running,walking cycling, great connection to Fletcher Gardens as well as the experimental farm. Easy to get to from Dow’s Lake

  • 5/5 Stanimir C. 3 years ago on Google
    Very lovely place for a walk.


Call +1 613-759-1982 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible entrance
    • ✓️ Wheelchair accessible parking lot

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