Dominion Arboretum

About the Dominion Arboretum

The Dominion Arboretum is a 26-hectare (64-acre) collection of trees, shrubs, and gardens on the Central Experimental Farm, stretching between Prince of Wales Drive, Dow's Lake, and the Rideau Canal. Established in 1889, it's maintained by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to evaluate the hardiness of tree species in the Ottawa climate.

It's one of Ottawa's quietest and most beautiful green spaces — a place for unhurried walks through mature tree canopy, rolling lawns, and seasonal gardens. It's free, open year-round, and rarely crowded.

What to See

• Tree Collection — Over 1,700 species and varieties of trees and shrubs from around the world, many with identification labels
• Hosta Garden — A shaded garden between the North and South lookouts, in bloom from mid-summer
• Magnolias and Rhododendrons — The northeast corner of the arboretum features magnolias, rhododendrons, and wisteria — especially striking in late spring
• North and South Lookouts — Scenic viewpoints over Dow's Lake and the surrounding area
• Spring Blooms — Crabapple trees, lilacs, and ornamental cherry trees make the arboretum one of Ottawa's best spots for spring colour

Visiting

• Hours: Dawn to dusk daily, year-round
• Cost: Free
• Accessibility: Paths are wheelchair accessible with several rest areas throughout
• Note: The arboretum is adjacent to the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum and connects to the Rideau Canal pathway network

Getting There

• On Foot/Bike: Connected to the Rideau Canal multi-use pathway. A short walk from Dow's Lake Pavilion or Commissioners Park
• By Car: Street parking along Prince of Wales Drive. The Agriculture Museum parking lot is nearby ($4/hour)
• By Transit: OC Transpo bus routes along Prince of Wales Drive