35 Best Things to Do in Ottawa in Spring From a Local
Ottawa is often seen as a winter destination, but that’s because most people don’t talk about all the cool things to do in the spring.
I grew up visiting Ottawa most winters to see my aunt, but my favourite was when we’d come out in the spring. Not only was it not -20°C anymore, but the flowers were blooming everywhere!
Spring (March – May in Ottawa, but locals consider it April – June since it’s still snowy in March) is a great time to visit if you enjoy being outdoors, wildlife watching, and tulips. Beyond the Ottawa Tulip Festival in May, I recommend visiting to meet the baby cows at the Experimental Farm, and going hiking at Gatineau Park with the waterfalls in full force.
If you prefer to eat, head to the Fairmont Chateau Laurier for a Mother’s Day High Tea or to the numerous patios around town – my favourite is at Mill Street Brewery.
Want to know more? Let’s go through all the best things to do in Ottawa this spring.
1. Visit the Canadian Tulip Festival
My favourite spring activity in Ottawa is visiting the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Every year Ottawa is home to the largest tulip festival in the world! Blooms overflow around Dow’s Lake all the way up to the Ottawa River Walkway.
I go multiple times a year, and take my dog (it’s a great spot for dogs and kids!).
It’s free to attend, but you should bring some cash if you’d like to grab some souvenirs or get some food from the food trucks around Dow’s Lake.
The tulips typically are in full bloom by May, but it varies every year. You can get the full details on the dates and the best spots to see the tulips here.
Cost: Free
2. Hike in Gatineau Park
Spring means warm-ish weather in Ottawa (it takes about until mid-spring for the jackets to finally come off) and that means it’s time for some hiking.
In spring, the Gatineau Park trails all start to reopen for visitors, while many still have free parking until mid-May.
Take the short 20 minute drive to admire the ruins of the Mackenzie King Estate or see Luskville Falls in all its glory.
The park fills up by summer, so spring is a great time to get the trails when they’re pretty empty. But if it’s recently rained, I recommend rain boots or waterproof hiking boots to keep your toes dry. Bring a change of shoes to drive cause they will be muddy!
Cost: Free until May, then some parking fees
3. Spot Cherry Blossoms at the Dominion Arboretum
There’s nothing quite like the serene beauty of cherry blossoms at the Dominion Arboretum to mark the arrival of spring in Ottawa.
We had them growing up in Toronto, but I rarely got out to see them. In Ottawa, I always make it a point to go to the Arboretum late April to early May to catch the blossoms at their full peak.
It’s a great bike ride from downtown if you don’t have a car.
Learn more about where to spot the cherry blossoms.
Cost: Free
4. Visit a Sugar Shack
Canada is the world’s capital for maple syrup – and in spring you can enjoy it fresh!
Sugar bushes or sugar shacks are places where they tap the maple trees for sap and distill it into the yummy syrup we all love.
In the spring, they often offer pancake breakfasts where you can taste the fresh maple syrup and get to either explore their trails with a guide or just see them out the window.
My favourite one is at Parc Omega (runs until end of March).
If you can, find one with maple taffy. It’s my favourite – although it’s more commonly a treat on the Rideau Canal in winter.
Cost: Price of a meal at most sugar shacks or entry fee and cost of meal at Parc Omega
5. Walk Along the Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal isn’t just a winter thing to do!
In spring and summer, the Rideau Canal Walkway is open. It follows the canal all the way around the city, going further than the ice rink.
When I got my dog, Theo, and he needed a ton of exercise in his teenage years, we would walk the full loop of the Rideau Canal Walkway, up to where it meets the Ottawa River Walkway (well, you have to cross some city streets to make it connect), and then along the river until we got to my apartment near Parliament. It took a couple hours, but it was such a gorgeous walk.
You can stop on the way at a coffee shop like Happy Goat Coffee Co on Elgin if it’s a cooler day. If it’s warmer, you can duck in to Bank St for Moo Shu Ice Cream. I recommend their black sesame flavour.
Cost: Free
6. Cycle Through the City
My roommate was really into cycling during the pandemic, so we started going on forced cycling adventures every day (well, forced on my part) when we were allowed outside again.
There are lots of gorgeous trails you can take. My favourite is on Saturdays when they close the Kichi Zībī Mīkan (formerly the Sir John A Macdonald Parkway) for cyclists. You can get all the way from downtown Ottawa to the edge of Kanata!
I usually stop around Wellington Street to get some brunch and then head home.
Cost: Free
7. Enjoy the Warm Weather on a Patio
Spring means the return of patio season in Ottawa.
I love sitting outdoors, especially cause most places only allow dogs outside and I like to take my golden retriever everywhere with me.
My two favourite patios are Hidden at Whalesbone on Elgin Street (it fills up fast so go early) and Mill Street Brew Pub (it’s very dog friendly).
The exact date they open vary every year, but usually the first start to open up towards the end of April when the snow has mostly melted.
Cost: Price of a meal
8. Take A Tiki Hut Boat Tour
A new addition during my time living in Ottawa, the Tiki Hut Boat Tour quickly became a city favourite!
Locals and tourists love this floating tiki bar that takes you on a guided tour of the Ottawa River. It’s a fun twist on the usual boat tours through the canal. You’ll learn something and get to feel like you’re on a tropical getaway without the expensive plane tickets.
I took my roommate who is obsessed with all inclusive vacations in the Caribbean, and he said it really felt like his trips to Mexico. So if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, you can get it without ever heading to Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier!
Cost: $80+ per person, not including drinks
🤩 Book your spring Tiki Boat Tour here!
9. Book Camping in Gatineau Park
Campsites in Gatineau Park book up very quickly each year, especially for the summer.
If you plan to visit in summer, start booking in early spring. But if you’re a last minute girlie like I am, you can book campsites short notice throughout the spring.
May is a great time to book a stay. Gatineau Park will just have opened for the “summer season” (starts mid-May). So you can get in before the crowds.
Or you can winter camp until the end of March.
There are campsites all throughout the park, and many are right on lakes so you can wake up and head to the water each morning to fish, swim, or just go for a tranquil walk.
I love the hikes in Gatineau Park, and getting to wake up right next to them is an amazing treat.
Check out the best campsites here.
Cost: Start at $20 for a tent site, yurts start at $100.
10. Get Fresh Produce at a Farmers Market
Local markets seem to spring up around every corner in Ottawa during the spring. It’s an amazing opportunity to support local farmers and get delicious fruits and vegetables at the same time.
When I lived downtown, I’d head over to Wellington Street for their farmers market during the spring. Or I’d go over to Byward Market – although I usually went there for more prepared foods and fish.
Once I moved to Kanata, it turned out there was a farmers market every weekend right beside my local Sobeys.
You can basically find a farmers market anywhere in the city. But if you fancy a day trip, you can also drive out to Perth for the best local cheeses you’ll find anywhere in Ontario – and trust me, I’ve eaten a lot of them!
Cost: Free
11. Picnic at Major’s Hill Park
Major’s Hill Park is an amazing place to enjoy the warming weather without needing a car. Located right behind the Chateau Laurier, you can sprawl on the grass or enjoy views of Parliament and the Art Gallery of Ontario.
I would take my puppy here when he was still a little menace to work on his socialization and just being calm in public. I’d pack a lunch or grab some snacks from Byward Market, then spend a few hours on the grass just enjoying the weather.
In April, you’ll even see the tulips blooming throughout the park!
Cost: Free
12. Spot Birds at Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Fletcher Wildlife Garden offers a tranquil retreat where I can immerse myself in birdwatching.
The diverse habitats here attract a variety of species, making it an ideal spot for both amateur and seasoned birders.
Keep an eye out for colorful warblers, chirping chickadees, and even some birds of prey like hawks.
Bring a pair of binoculars, a birding guidebook, and your patience to spot the most birds.
I’m not great at bird watching, so I skip the guidebook and just go to enjoy whatever I can see without caring what specific species it is.
It’s located at the same place as the Experimental Farm, so you can combine the two for a lovely day around wildlife.
Cost: Free
13. Visit Cows at Experimental Farm
We always visited the Experimental Farm when I was a kid. It was my favourite thing to do in the city.
Kids and adults get to visit cows and other farm animals at the working farm. You really get immersed in how the farm functions, and you’ll quickly fall in love with the giant cows that act more like puppies than farm animals.
The farm is pretty small so you can get around the whole thing in about an hour and a half, making it an easy addition to your itinerary.
Cost: Tickets start at $11.25 for kids and $13.50 for adults
14. Rent a Kayak or Paddleboat at Dow’s Lake
Getting outdoors doesn’t mean you need to rent a car to go to Gatineau.
You can canoe, kayak, and paddleboat on Dow’s Lake in the heart of Ottawa.
There are rentals along the lakefront that you’ll spot the moment you arrive. By midday in summer, all the rentals are booked up. But in spring, you can usually arrive any time until the last couple days of June and find some openings to go paddling.
Rentals start at different times every year, as it’s all dependant on when the lake thaws. Usually they’re open by mid-May.
Cost: Starts at $25 for a 1 person kayak, varies by item and time
🚣 I love this 1 day tour to kayak from Ottawa!
15. Have High Tea at the Fairmont Chateau Laurier
I am obsessed with high tea, so this experience at Zoe’s Lounge is one of my favourites in Ottawa.
It’s perfect for celebrating an event, like Mother’s Day. Or just enjoying an indoor activity.
Book ahead to ensure there’s room – and let them know ahead of time if you have dietary requirements.
I went with my dad and sister, and my friends have been many times with their families. The tea is delicious, but the finger sandwiches are the real star! They’re so yummy.
I recommend getting a bit dressed up. I felt weird in jeans, even though they’re the nicest thing I owned at the time.
Cost: $70+ for an adult, $35+ for a child
16. Get Pampered for Mother’s Day at Holtz Spa
I unapologetically call myself a dog mom, especially when it means I can justify buying myself a mother’s day gift like this one.
Holtz Spa across the street from the Rideau Center is my favourite spa in all of Ottawa. They do the best facials and massages for a reasonable price.
The spa offers a tranquil atmosphere that provides a peaceful escape from the bustling city.
You’ll find a range of treatments catered to well-being and beauty that promise to leave you feeling refreshed and ready to enjoy the rest of the spring season in Ottawa.
Cost: Varies by treatment
17. Meet the Babies at The Log Farm
May and June are spring at the Log Farm, where you can meet all sorts of baby animals.
If you come in March, they have their own Sugar Bush you can enjoy.
I’m a sucker for baby cows and chicks, so that draws me in every year to wander the barns and pens to meet all the new additions to the farm.
Before you leave, stop by their market for some fresh produce and yummy tarts.
Cost: Varies, but usually starts at $10 per person depending on the season/event
18. Go Wine Tasting
Most people think of Niagara on the Lake when they are looking for great Ontario wine. While I love it out there, Ottawa has some amazing local vineyards you should check out!
I wrote up a full list of tours through all the vineyards.
Whether you prefer whites or reds, you’ll find a great tour to go on this spring! I especially love the ones with cheese boards and nibbles.
Cost: Varies by vineyard and tour
19. Take a Biplane Tour Over Downtown
Riding in a biplane wasn’t something I expected to be a bucket list adventure, but after doing it I can tell you it is incredibly thrilling!
I’ve been in hot air balloons, helicopters, seaplanes, and normal planes before, but nothing is quite like a vintage biplane.
You’ll feel like you’re a part of Canadian history as you soar over the Ottawa River and Parliament Hill!
This isn’t a tour in the sense of getting to learn about things – it’s hard to hear with the engines on. It’s more getting to see the whole city from the air.
Cost: Starts at $95 per person
20. Zip Between Provinces with Interzip Rogers
Zip between provinces in the world’s only interprovincial zipline this spring!
I took my roommate the summer it opened, and he still raves about it to this day.
You’ll zip from Ontario to Quebec, getting a rush from the wind and the cool views! It’s such a fun experience to do with friends.
Read all about how you can do this once in a lifetime experience here.
Cost: $45.98 per person
21. Spot Wild Orchids at Purdon Conservation Area
Just a 1 hour drive from downtown Ottawa in Lanark County is the Purdon Conservation Area.
You’ll be able to enjoy the wetlands on a 1.7km accessible boardwalk that’s safe for wheelchairs. The main attraction are the Show Lady’s Slipper Orchids which tend to bloom the third weekend in June.
I recommend visiting mid-end of June to enjoy the wetlands. There’s free parking.
I know spring is technically March – May, but March really feels more like winter so I count June as spring, personally.
Cost: Free
22. Take a Day Trip to Perth for Cheese
Perth is probably my favourite town in Ontario. It’s just an hour away from Ottawa – in Lanark County (you can pair it with a visit to see the orchids!).
The town is best known for the Mammoth Cheese – a giant wheel of cheese that the town created for some reason. Now you can see it’s legacy in the Perth Cheese Shop which has the most delicious cheddars.
I also recommend stopping by North Folk Cafe for delicious sandwiches and ice creams. I always get mine to go so I can eat it by the Tay River.
If you’re on a longer road trip to Kingston or Toronto, Perth is a great stop over along the drive to get some yummy snacks and stretch your legs before the highway gets pretty barren.
Read my full guide to Perth here.
Cost: Free to visit
23. Take a Day Trip to Almonte for Chocolate
Another great day trip just 30 minutes from Kanata, or 1 hour from downtown Ottawa, is Almonte on the Ottawa River. This small town is best known for Hummingbird Chocolate Maker who have the best chocolates. I always visit in spring to grab their homemade ice cream bars.
You should also stop by the Dairy Distillery – they make this really unique vodka out of dairy vapours. My Russian grandma said it’s great, even though she prefers the original stuff more. If she didn’t know it was made with dairy, she would never have guessed!
Cost: Free to visit
24. Go Chasing Waterfalls
Spring in Ontario always means waterfalls. So it’s time to ignore TLC, and go chasing!
Some of my favourites include:
- Hog’s Back Falls
- Luskville Falls
- Chutes De Plaisance
- Bonnechere Falls
- Meech Creek Ruins and Falls
- Rideau Falls
Cost: Most are free. Some have paid parking
25. Walk the Boardwalk at Mer Bleue Bog
One of the easiest but still enjoyable trails in Ottawa is Mer Bleue Bog. It’s located a short drive west of the city near Orleans.
The trail is a boardwalk over the wetlands and is easily accessible for all ages – but dogs aren’t welcome for conservation reasons.
The trail gets really crowded in summer, so I recommend visiting in spring when it’s not as condensed around the informational panels.
It’s regularly voted one of the best hikes in the city for beginners.
Cost: Free
26. Look for Birds at Beaver Pond
When we moved to Kanata, I became obsessed with this Beaver Pond. It’s the perfect place to go for a walk and watch the sunset. Although I’ve never seen beavers in the pond, it’s a great spot for bird watching!
The trail around the pond is about 3 km around and has lovely dense forest that really feels like you’re miles from the city.
Mountain bikes come out in summer, so spring is best for getting to enjoy the trails without hearing bells dinging for you to move aside.
Cost: Free (park on side streets)
27. Get Spring Flavours at Merry Dairy
My favourite ice cream shop in Ottawa is Merry Dairy – and their seasonal flavours are a big part of that. I love that they change them up so often to get fresh ingredients.
In spring, they have a whole host of new fruit flavours that always make me feel like summer is coming. You can get a scoop or a pint when you visit.
And they have gluten free and dairy free options of basically everything!
Cost: Pints start at $10, single scoops start at $4
28. Catch the Sunset Over the Ottawa River
When I lived downtown, I’d spend every evening walking along the Ottawa River to catch the sunset. The best spot is on the Ottawa River Trail just by the Locks.
Another great spot is on the opposite end of the river by the War Museum.
I’d take my then puppy with me to get his energy out, and we’d sit on a bench to watch the clear sky get painted different colours.
It’s such a gorgeous, calm spot that you don’t often find in a downtown setting. And in spring, the colours always seem most vibrant – maybe just because the path is so empty so it’s all yours.
Cost: Free
29. Go for Brunch at Ottawa’s Best Restaurants
Warm weather means brunch time! It’s especially good because it’s now warm enough that you can line up at popular spots like Chesterfield’s without getting frostbite.
I’m a big fan of a spring brunch, especially because the ingredients always taste better when they’re fresh.
Check out my guide to all the best spots for brunch in Ottawa.
Cost: Price of meal
30. Attend Festival of the Maples
We talked about Sugar Bushes earlier and about visiting Perth, but did you know Perth is home to a maple syrup celebration?
Even year in April, Perth’s downtown closes to cars and becomes a massive maple syrup celebration.
It includes maple taffy, live music, antique cars, a petting zoo, and sap tapping competitions!
Check out Festival of the Maples.
Cost: Free
31. Attend PoutineFest Ottawa
Poutine is a Canadian classic, and you can celebrate it at the annual Ottawa PoutineFest in spring (typically end of April).
The event is a celebration of poutine, including vegetarian and gluten free options. So you can eat your way through this Canadian delicacy in all its forms!
They call it the “Canadian Salad” and I think that’s epic in and of itself.
Cost: Free to attend, poutine costs vary by vendor
32. Cheer on the Ottawa Senators
April is the end of the Ottawa Senators regular season, so catch the hockey team in a final game. My roommate attends a few times a season and always has a great time cheering on the team with his family.
You don’t need to know the sport to get into the fun of a hockey game.
Check out their current game schedule here.
Cost: $25+ per person
33. Taste the Best of Ottawa
TasteOttawa is an annual festival celebrating the best restaurants in Ottawa. The third week in May, they’ve been running a spring event tied in with the Ottawa Tulip Festival.
Restaurants put on a special menu with pre-fixed features at lowered prices so you can try a variety of cuisines. I recommend checking out Westboro – it’s got some of the best eateries that participate!
Learn more here.
Cost: Price of meal
34. Watch May Two Four Fireworks
May Two-Four, or the Victoria Day long weekend (usually falling around May 24th), is a holiday across Canada. We get the Monday off to celebrate the past queen, but we usually just spend it enjoying the newfound warmth and letting off fireworks.
You can catch a display over the Ottawa River usually, and in many suburbs as neighbours join together to set them alight.
Cost: Free
35. Go Whitewater Rafting
Spring means the beginning of rafting season! Most places, like OWL Rafting, open back up in May when the rapids are rushing.
I highly recommend going rafting while you’re in Ottawa. Outside of Alberta, it’s the best place I’ve ever experienced rapids in Canada. And Alberta was honestly a bit too intense when I went as a kid.
Check out the best rafting tours here.
Cost: Varies by tour, around $200 per person
Is Spring a Good Time to Visit Ottawa?
Yes, spring is a great time to visit Ottawa. I recommend skipping March when it’s still pretty frozen, and coming in April or May to enjoy the blooms around the city.
Everyone just seems lighter in Ottawa in the spring – probably because we’re literally thawing out after a winter of -20°C. I know I always celebrate finally being able to walk my dog with just 1 pair of pants on instead of 3!
Spring is a great time to do things downtown. You’ll do best staying in the core of downtown to be able to easily access everything. Here are my recommendations for the best hotels to stay at.
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.
