9 Best Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Ottawa 2024
Are you looking for the best places to see the Ottawa cherry blossom?
You are not alone!
Every year in spring, countless cherry trees around the city stand in full bloom, which is also called sakura. They can be hard to find if you are unfamiliar with the city.
Since I moved to Ottawa in 2021, seeing the cherry blossoms has been one of my favorite things to do in spring each year.
To make the experience easier for you, I have created a list of the 9 best places to see the Ottawa cherry blossom. Let’s dive right in!
1. Blossoms at the Canadian Museum of History
The Canadian Museum of History is my favorite place to see the cherry blossom in Ottawa. It offers a fantastic view of the cherry trees with the Ottawa river in the background.
Depending on the angle, you can also marvel at the beautiful Parliament building. Combine your visit with a picnic next to the scenic river and make the most of your day.
The Canadian Museum of History is easy to reach. You can bike along the Ottawa River Pathway or park your car next to the museum. The cherry blossoms are only a couple of steps away from the museum.
2. Blossoms in Confederation Park
Another amazing place to see cherry blossom trees in Ottawa is Confederation Park. The park is nestled between the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River.
You can find a small but beautiful collection of cherry trees on the park’s eastern side. Apart from the trees, there are nice sculptures, monuments, and a fountain to also admire.
These trees were planted in the 1990s as part of The Sakura Project, an effort to celebrate the 125th anniversary of Canada’s confederation.
3. Blossoms in Ottawa at City Hall
This spot to see cherry blossoms in Ottawa is not quite as famous as Confederation Park or the Canadian Museum of History. Very few trees decorate the area around the city hall.
The upside to this cherry blossom destination is that it is typically less crowded since the area is not as popular.
It is also close to Confederation Park, so why not stop by if you are already in the area?
4. Blossoms in Ottawa at Major’s Hill Park
The cherry blossoms in Ottawa’s Major’s Hill Park are worth a visit. The trees are located right next to a beautiful bed of colorful tulips, making the atmosphere even more colorful and enjoyable.
You can also see the Notre Dame Cathedral in the background of the cherry trees. The best view of the cherry trees at Major’s Hill Park is along Mackenzie Avenue.
Major’s Hill Park is truly an oasis in the middle of Ottawa’s downtown and perfect for cherry blossom lovers.
5. Blossoms in Ottawa Along the Rideau Canal
The cherry trees alongside the Rideau Canal in Ottawa belong to the most magnificent cherry blossoms in Canada.
Here, you can walk along the canal or ride your bike and enjoy a lovely display of cherry blossom trees.
There are many spots where you can admire them along the Rideau Canal. The Laurier Bridge and the Flora MacDonald footbridge are my favorites.
You can also see them in the Glebe neighborhood, near Waverley and the 5th avenue footbridge.
6. Blossoms in Ottawa Arboretum & Ornamental Gardens
The cherry blossoms in the Arboretum Ornamental Gardens were planted as part of The Sakura Project.
The Dominion Arboretum is a National Historic Site of Canada and houses over 1.700 different plants and species. Among them are beautiful cherry trees of all sizes.
Along the Prince of Wales drive, you can find plenty of trees all in a row. This is one of the most popular places to see the cherry blossom tree in Ottawa.
There are also some crabapple trees in this area. They offer equally beautiful pink blossoms for you to marvel at as well.
7. Blossoms in the Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau
Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau is right next to the Alexandra bridge. You can find it right next to the Ottawa river.
The park is a fantastic area for cycling, walking, and hosting activities. It is known for hosting the annual Winterlude Festival.
You can enjoy the sakura while walking along Jacques Cartier Park’s river.
8. Blossoms in the Lincoln Field Stadium
The Lincoln Field Stadium is an odd place to see a cherry tree in Ottawa. Despite being a bus station, the cherry blossoms at Lincoln Field Stadium are super beautiful.
The trees are scattered out on a small strip of lawn and look quite scenic. This spot is enjoyable for people that prefer exploring off the beaten path.
9. Blossoms at Mooney’s Bay
Mooney’s Bay is one of the most unique places to see the sakura bloom in Canada.
You can see the beautiful cherry trees and dip your toes into the canal on a small beach at the same time.
Many people enjoy a picnic at Mooney’s Bay while marveling at the soft pink and white cherry blossoms.
Best Time to See the Cherry Blossom in Ottawa
The best time to see the Ottawa cherry blossom is between April and May. It depends a little bit on the weather each year. To be on the safe side, visit at the end of April or the very beginning of May.
Another perk of visiting at the very end of May or the beginning of April is that magnolia blossoms and crabapple blossoms will also bloom during this time.
Best Routes to See the Cherry Blossoms in Ottawa
If you plan to visit more than one site in Ottawa to see the cherry blossoms, I suggest starting at the Canadian Museum of National History.
Next, walk or drive over the Alexandra Bridge to see the cherry blossoms at Major’s Hill Park. Continue down the scenic route along the Rideau Canal toward Confederation Park.
End the scenic walk/drive at the Dominion Arboretum and enjoy the Oriental Gardens with one the most beautiful collection of sakura trees in Canada.
Be sure to take your time and enjoy the scenery. If you don’t have enough time to see more than one location, maybe make the most of your short trip by packing a picnic!
Where to Stay During Cherry Blossom Season in Ottawa
Ottawa has lots of charming neighborhoods that are ideal to stay in during cherry blossom season. Here are some of my favorite hotels in Ottawa:
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
This exquisite, historical hotel is all you need and more! It is located right next to the Parliament and only a few steps away from Major’s Hill Park and Confederation Park.
SOHO Residences Champagne
These luxurious apartments are located close to the Dominium Arboretum and Commissioners Park. The fully furnished apartments offer everything you need for a nice stay in Ottawa.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
The fabulous Ottawa Marriott Hotel is located in Downtown Ottawa. Not only is the hotel located right in the heart of Ottawa, but it also has a swimming pool and a great restaurant.
FAQs About Cherry Blossoms in Ottawa
Are there cherry blossom trees in Ottawa?
While Ottawa might not be very famous for its cherry blossoms, there are a few locations where you can see the beautiful Ottawa cherry trees in full bloom. Most of the cherry trees were gifted to Ottawa by Japan as a token of gratitude. They can be spotted in most major parks and close to tourist sights.
Where can I see cherry blossoms in Ottawa?
There are many different locations where you can see the cherry blossoms in Ottawa. The most famous spots to see the cherry blossoms are Major’s Hill Park, along the Rideau Canal, and at the Dominion Arboretum & Ornamental Gardens. Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau and Mooney’s Bay are also great spots to see the sakura in Ottawa.
What month is the cherry blossom in Canada?
The best months to see the cherry blossom in Ottawa, Canada, are April and May. This largely depends on the weather, so it might be slightly different every year. To be on the safe side, I suggest going at the very end of April or the beginning of May.
When can I see cherry blossoms in Ottawa?
The best time to see the cherry blossoms in Ottawa is at the end of April or the beginning of May. It largely depends on the weather each year. Once the flowers are open, they last between four and ten days.
Do cherry blossoms grow in Ottawa?
Yes, cherry blossoms grow in Ottawa. In many major parks and next to important monuments, visitors can enjoy the blossom of the cherry trees in Ottawa each year in spring. The most famous site to see the cherry blossoms in Ottawa are the Dominion Arboretum & Ornamental Gardens.
Why did Japan give Canada Cherry Blossom Trees?
The Japanese have celebrated for centuries the blooming of the cherry blossom. As a token of appreciation, cherry trees have been given to various Canadian cities by Japan since WWI. Trees were given to thank Japanese Canadians for serving in WWI or as a token to celebrate the Confederation of Canada.
Conclusion
There are many amazing places to see the cherry blossom trees in Ottawa in full bloom each year from the end of April until the beginning of May.
The best locations to see the cherry blossom or sakura in Ottawa are along the Canadian Museum of National History, at Major’s Hill Park, and alongside the Rideau Canal.
The Confederation Park and, of course, the Dominion Arboretum with the Oriental Gardens are spectacular spots to see the cherry blossom in full bloom.
Read More Fun Things to Do in Ottawa this Spring!
- A Local’s Guide To Pink Lake in Gatineau Park
- 13 Best Gatineau Park Hiking Trails for Summer
- 47 Best Hiking and Walking Trails in Ottawa (Including Dog Friendly Hikes)
- 33 Best Brunch Spots in Ottawa by Neighbourhood (Local’s Guide)
- 6 Best Ottawa Wine Tours & Tastings
- 26 Spots for the Best Ice Cream in Ottawa
- 5 Best Drive-in Theatres Ottawa (A Local’s Guide)
- 25 Day Trips From Ottawa (Within a 2 Hour Drive)
- 4 Best Places for Go Karting in Ottawa (Local’s Guide)
- 12 Best Ottawa Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room
- 35 Best Things to Do in Ottawa in Spring From a Local
Read More Fun Things to Do in Ottawa this Spring!
- A Local’s Guide To Pink Lake in Gatineau Park
- 13 Best Gatineau Park Hiking Trails for Summer
- 47 Best Hiking and Walking Trails in Ottawa (Including Dog Friendly Hikes)
- 33 Best Brunch Spots in Ottawa by Neighbourhood (Local’s Guide)
- 6 Best Ottawa Wine Tours & Tastings
- 26 Spots for the Best Ice Cream in Ottawa
- 5 Best Drive-in Theatres Ottawa (A Local’s Guide)
- 25 Day Trips From Ottawa (Within a 2 Hour Drive)
- 4 Best Places for Go Karting in Ottawa (Local’s Guide)
- 12 Best Ottawa Hotels With Jacuzzi In Room
- 35 Best Things to Do in Ottawa in Spring From a Local
Ottawa Travel Planning Guide
🚑 Should I buy Ottawa travel insurance?
100% YES! — There’s a misconception that Canada has “free healthcare” for everyone. Nope! Only Canadians. So you’ll need to get travel insurance to visit Ottawa. I recommend this one.
💧Can you drink the tap water in Ottawa?
Yes – ish — While you can technically drink the tap water in Ottawa, as a local I don’t recommend it. Old hotels especially can have some nasty things in their pipes. Instead, get a filtered water bottle. (Read more)
🚙💨 Do I need to rent a car in Ottawa?
Yes — Renting a car in Ottawa is one of the best ways to get around! You’ll be able to see more of the city and beyond, like the epic hiking trails. I recommend Discover Cars for the cheapest rates possible.
📲 Do I need to know French in Ottawa?
Nope! — The primary language of Ottawa is English. While French is also spoken and on some signs, you can easily get by without knowing any French. (Read more)
🏩 What’s the best way to book my Ottawa accommodations?
For Ottawa hotels, Booking is the best site. If you’re considering an Ottawa Airbnb, don’t forget to also check VRBO, which is often cheaper than Airbnb. My #1 hotel recommendation in Ottawa is the Fairmont Chateau Laurier.
✈️ What’s the best site to buy Ottawa flights?
For finding cheap Ottawa flights, I recommend Skyscanner. You can even set a price alert to find out when flights are on sale.
🎫 Do I need a Visa for Ottawa?
Likely Not — U.S. and most European Passport holders don’t need a Visa to visit Canada.
📍 Where is Ottawa? And what’s nearby?
Ottawa is the capital city of Canada, located in Ontario. It’s right on the border of Quebec. It’s about 2 hours from Mont Tremblant, 3 hours from Montreal, or 5 hours from Toronto. You can take a road trip to get to other places or fly.
