Looking for some best places to see the Cherry blossom in Ottawa? If so then here we have listed more than 12 locations where you can see and enjoy the view of Cherry Blossom.
During the Spring Season, the cherry trees in Ottawa transform themselves into a wonderland filled with tons of delicate pink and white blossoms which are also called sakura.
The city is home to over 100,000 cherry blossom trees, exploring it will give a perfect vibe as you are walking in Heaven. If you are a newcomer to the city then you should see this beautiful event by nature.
Walking in the parks and strolling around streets that are filled with Cherry blossom is one of my favorite things to do as the spring season arrives.
Major’s Hill Park, Confederation Park, the Dominion Arboretum, and the Botanical Garden are some of the best places to witness this beautiful natural event. Besides that, there are also a lot of places where you can see the Cherry Blossom in Ottawa.
To help you with that we have compiled a list of the 12 best places where you can see Cherry Blossoms in Ottawa.
Places to See Cherry Blossoms in Ottawa
Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau
Located on the banks of the Ottawa River, Jacques Cartier Park is the best place to witness this mesmerizing experience of Cherry Blossoms in Ottawa. From late April to early May is the perfect time to gaze at this beautiful natural event.
The park is a great spot for walking, cycling, and Camping Activities. During the winter season, it gets transformed into a winter wonderland, with skating rinks and snow sculptures. Plus, it also has a playground for kids where they can play in the snow.
The park is named after Jacques Cartier, a French explorer who was the first European to reach the St. Lawrence River in 1534.
Arboretum & Ornamental Gardens
It would not be wrong to say that the Arboretum and Ornamental Gardens are basically havens for cherry blossoms, during the spring season. The place has tons of different blossoms, in the spring which makes it a perfect location for a picnic trip.
Dominion Arboretum is home to more than 1,700 different varieties of flora and fauna. You are sure to find the cherry blossom tree of almost all sizes in every corner of the park.
It’s one of the most renowned places in Ottawa to witness the beauty of cherry blossoms. Besides that, the place is also home to several crabapple trees that blossom the same as the beautiful pink cherry blossoms.
Major’s Hill Park
Located in downtown Ottawa, Major’s Hill Park transforms into a scenic wonderland as the cherry blossom trees bloom during the spring season. The blossom trees are located right next to a colorful bed of tulip flowers, making the whole place even more beautiful and enjoyable.
Mackenzie Avenue is the best place if you truly want to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the cherry trees at Major’s Hill Park.
Along the Rideau Canal
The Rideau Canal in Ottawa is also a great place to gaze at the beauty of cherry blossoms. The trees bloom from late April to early May, watching it while being on a sailing boat is like a fairy tale comes true.
There are many places along the canal where you can enjoy the scenic view of cherry blossoms like Laurier Bridge, the Flora MacDonald footbridge, the Glebe neighborhood, near Waverley Street, the Bank Street bridge at Queen Elizabeth Parkway, and the Shaw Centre.
Confederation Park
Another great place in Ottawa to see the Cherry Blossom is Confederation Park which is located between the Rideau Canal and the Ottawa River.
There are a lot of cherry trees in the park but they are not as big as they should be. The place also has a lot of sculptures, monuments, and small fountains which make it worth visiting.
All these trees were planted in the park in the late 2000s under The Sakura Project. It was an initiative by the Consulate-General of Japan to plant thousands of cherry blossom trees across Ontario province to strengthen the friendship between Canada and Japan.
At Dow’s Lake
Dow’s Lake is also a great place to enjoy mesmerizing views of cherry blossoms plus it is also a popular spot for boating and picnicking. People really like to picnic under the trees while enjoying the views of natural beauty.
The lake along the cherry blossom tree becomes the ultimate destination for relaxing and escaping the bustle of life.
Canadian Museum of History
Canadian Museum of History is another one on the list of places to see cherry blossoms in Ottawa. The Ottawa River along the cherry blossom trees makes it a perfect spot for a picnic and selfies to post on various social media platforms.
The easiest way to reach the location is by biking along the Ottawa River to the Voyageur Pathway or if you are going with a car you can park it next to the museum.
Believe me, having a day out there in the open, enjoying the beauty of cherry blossom is really a great way to spend a day.
At City Hall
To be very frank, this particular place is not as famous as it Canada Museum of History and Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau.
So why I am recommending you to visit it because the place is less crowded which allows you to enjoy the scenic view of nature more peacefully.
If you are planning to explore Confederation Park then you can also visit the Ottawa at City Hall as it is not that far from the park.
Mooney’s Bay
Mooney’s Bay is a park in Ottawa, where you can witness cherry blossoms in the spring season. The park is located next to the Rideau Canal thereby making it a hub for a variety of recreational activities, like swimming, boating, and fishing.
Late April is the best time to visit and see the cherry blossoms at Mooney’s Bay. During this time, the park is transformed into an ocean of pink and white blossoms.
Visitors in the park can enjoy stunning views of the cherry blossoms by taking a walk or riding a bicycle through the park.
Hog’s Back Falls
Located on the south side of the Ottawa River, the park is home to a number of cherry blossom trees, as well as a waterfall. During the spring season, tree of cherry blossoms bloom which makes it a popular spot for picnics and camping.
Besides that, the place is also famous for the falls that are located just north of Mooney’s Bay and the point where the Rideau Canal splits from the Rideau River. All the falls are man-made and were created in the early 19th century.
Britannia Beach
Being located on the east end of the Ottawa River, Britannia Beach Park is home to a variety of cherry blossom trees. During the spring season, from late April to early May, the trees bloom with flowers of pink, white, and red color, which makes the place a real-life heaven on earth.
Visitors are allowed to swim, boat, fish, or camp in the park while enjoying the wonderful view of the Cherry blossom.
Lincoln Field
I know it’s a quite strange place to see cherry blossom trees in Ottawa. It’s a bus station with so many cherry blossom trees and as the trees bloom they look so beautiful and soothing that you can’t take your eyes off them.
It’s not a popular place which makes it a must-visit place for those who want to enjoy the scenic beauty of nature in a peaceful and calm atmosphere.
Best Route to See The Blossoms in Ottawa
It depends upon your plan whether you want to explore all the locations in one day or you want to explore one location in the day.
If you are planning to visit more than one place to see the Cherry Blossom in Ottawa then I highly recommend you begin by visiting the Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau first.
Next, you can visit the Arboretum & Ornamental Gardens which have hundreds of Cherry blossom trees, and exploring it in spring is like you are walking in heaven.
Don’t forget to take a bunch of photos while enjoying the scenic view of nature. If you are running short of time then try to visit both (Jacques Cartier Park & Arboretum & Ornamental Gardens) as these are the best locations in Ottawa to see the cherry blossom.
Best time to see the Cherry Blossom in Ottawa
The best time to see the Ottawa cherry blossom is from late April to early May. The blooming of the flowers may vary from year to year depending on the weather conditions. On the safe side, visit all the locations on the very first week of May.
If you want to see the Cherry blossoms at their peak, then you should plan your trip from the last week of April to early May. However, if you are interested in seeing the blooming of flowers at different stages, then you can visit Ottawa at any time during the blooming period.
Best hotels to stay during Cherry Blossom in Ottawa
Fairmont Chateau Laurier
Located right along Rideau Street, the Fairmont Chateau Laurier Hotel offers stunning views of the whole city. It’s within walking distance of many popular attractions in Canada, like the Parliament Buildings and the National Gallery of Canada.
All the rooms in the hotel are quite spacious and have all the modern amenities that you want. Guests can enjoy amenities like a spa, a fitness center, an indoor pool, a sauna, and a steam room.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
Located in the heart of downtown, The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is a modern and stylish hotel that you can choose to stay in if you want to explore the nearby popular attractions like the ByWard Market, Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Rideau Centre.
It is a great place to stay especially for travelers who are looking for a grand hotel in a convenient location.
SOHO Residences Champagne
SOHO Residences Champagne is a luxurious hotel located in the heart of Ottawa’s trendy Little Italy neighborhood, just steps away from Dow’s Lake.
It is a perfect place to stay for those who want to experience the best of what Ottawa has to offer.
ARC The Hotel
ARC The Hotel is a boutique hotel that is situated within walking distance from the Rideau Canal in downtown Ottawa.
The hotel has many amenities for guests to enjoy, like a rooftop terrace with stunning views of the city, a fitness center, a business center, and a lot more.
When can I see cherry blossoms in Ottawa?
Ottawa has tons of different locations where you can enjoy the Cherry Blossom. Some of the most popular places to see the cherry blossoms in Ottawa are Major’s Hill Park, Dominion Arboretum & Ornamental Gardens, and Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau.
Typically, Cherry blossoms bloom from late April to early May, but the exact timing may vary depending on the weather conditions each year. The best time to enjoy the scenic view of blossoms is usually in the middle of April to early May when the trees are filled with flowers.
What month do cherry blossoms bloom in Canada?
Usually, Late April to early May are the best months to see Cherry blossoms in Canada. Weather plays quite an important role here and can easily alter the timing of the blossom every year. In some parts of the country, such as British Columbia, the cherry blossoms can bloom as early as March while in other parts of the country, such as Alberta, the cherry blossoms may not bloom until late May.
Here is the timing of cherry blossom season in different provinces of Canada: (this is an estimation the exact time may vary)
- British Columbia: Late March to early April
- Ontario: Late April to early May
- Quebec: Early May to mid-May
- Manitoba: Early May to mid-May
- Saskatchewan: Mid-May to late May
- Alberta: Late May to early June
So the best time to see the cherry blossoms in each province will vary, so you are required to check the local forecasts and bloom predictions before planning your trip.
Which city in Canada has the most cherry blossoms?
Vancouver and British Columbia are generally considered to have the most cherry blossoms in Canada. The reason behind this is the generous gift of hundreds of cherry trees from Japan in the 1930s, as a thank-you to Japanese Canadians who served in World War I.
Today, Vancouver has over 40,000 cherry trees, which bloom in a variety of colors, including pink, white, and red every single year and makes the city more beautiful.
Are there cherry blossom trees in Ottawa?
Yes, there are thousands of cherry blossom trees in Ottawa. It’s home to a variety of cherry trees like Yoshino, Kwanzan, and weeping cherry trees. These trees typically bloom in late April to early May, making the city more beautiful with thousands of sweet little pink and white flowers.
Most of the cherry trees were gifted to Ottawa by Japan as a gesture of thanks to the Japanese Canadians who fought in WWI.
How long do cherry blossoms last in Ottawa?
Cherry blossoms in Ottawa typically last for about 7 to 10 days. However, the exact days of the bloom vary every year because of the weather conditions. In warm weather conditions, the blossoms may only last for a week, while in cool weather conditions, they may last for up to two weeks.
The best time to see the cherry blossoms in Ottawa is during the peak bloom, which usually occurs around the first week of May. Exploring famous destinations like Major’s Hill Park, Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau, and a lot more in Ottawa for cherry blossoms is like having a stroll in heaven.
Why did Japan give Cherry Blossom Trees to Canada?
Here’s the reason why Japan gave Cherry Blossom Trees to Canada, during WWI many Japanese Canadians were forced to relocate and faced discrimination. Canada was one of the few countries that welcomed them with open arms.
The first gift of cherry blossom trees from Japan to Canada was made in 1959. The Japanese ambassador to Canada, Toru Hagiwara, presented 2,000 Yoshino cherry trees to the city of Toronto. The trees were planted in High Park, and over the years the cherry trees have become a popular tourist attraction in the City.
Now, these cherry trees can be found in many cities across the country. They are a true reminder of the strong friendship between Japan and Canada.
Is there cherry blossom in Quebec?
Yes, there are cherry blossoms in Quebec and they typically bloom in the first 2 weeks of May. These trees can be easily found in many parks and gardens throughout the province. These are some of the best places to see cherry blossoms in Quebec:
- Montreal Botanical Garden:
- Westmount Park:
- Cimetière Notre-Dame-des-Neiges
- Parc-nature de l’Île-de-la-Visitation
- Quartier Petit-Champlain
Final Thoughts: Cherry Blossom in Ottawa
Ottawa has many wonderful places where you can see and enjoy cherry blossoms from the last week of April until the beginning of May.
The best places to see the sakura (Japanese term for Cherry Blossom) or Cherry blossom in Ottawa are Jacques Cartier Park in Gatineau, Arboretum & Ornamental Gardens, and Major’s Hill Park.
So, what are you waiting for head out to explore the free places to see Cherry Blossom in Ottawa.
Have a Safe Journey.
