Ottawa’s Prime Spots For Cherry Blossom Viewing (2024)
For Japanese people, hanami is a cherished tradition centered around enjoying the beauty of cherry blossoms. The term hanami (花見) in Kanji literally means ‘flowers’ and ‘to see’, ‘to watch’, or ‘to observe’.
In Ottawa, you can also engage in this custom by just knowing where the prime locations are to witness its unparalleled beauty.
Let us be your hanami buddy in this article that spills all the secrets about this beautiful Ottawan gem! We bring the list and you bring the picnic blankets.
1. Major’s Hill Park
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VhwB9RAYAuXaT1Nz9
Address: Mackenzie Ave, Ottawa, ON K1N 1G8, Canada
Contact details: +1 800-465-1867
In the heart of Downtown Ottawa, there lies a charming park nestled around lush trees and picturesque landscape. Introducing Major’s Hill Park, a lovely testament to Ottawa’s efforts in making the urban jungle affluent in green spaces.
Sometime between March and May, this well-known park transforms into an enchanting destination painted with soft pink hues, thanks to the lovely cherry blossoms.
Wanna know the best part? It’s located beside an equally beautiful bed of vibrant tulips, adding to the already striking views.
2. Dominion Arboretum
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/CXEo5HtAXYGN1SK26
Address: Arboretum, Ottawa, ON K1A 0C6, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-759-1982
Dominion Arboretum continues to be one of the best spots to see the spectacular sights of the cherry blossoms. Spanning about 26 hectares, there are about 10,000 different kinds of plants in this vast expanse, including today’s star of the show, of course!
You can find cherry blossoms sprinkled around this vibrant fortress, but the prime location to view them is along Prince of Wales Drive, which is situated at the rim of the arboretum.
3. Rideau Canal
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/uNA3hwbrjr3q7BXK6
Rideau Canal is a popular attraction that attracts those looking for canoeing opportunities in the city. Additionally, it’s the only UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ottawa!
But of course, what also adds to its ever-growing popularity is its status as a prime location for cherry blossoms viewing. While the cherry blossoms here are less condensed, it’s still a beautiful sight to see.
Another way to enjoy the views is to paddle your way through the area. To know more about biking in the city, we wrote all about it in this article.
4. Confederation Park
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RPkrqXv6JsumVzM26
Address: Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Confederation Park is a peaceful oasis found in the busy Elgin Street, seamlessly blending the urban landscape with the city’s natural wonders. Poetically speaking, it’s a spot where worlds meet, producing a lovely haven.
Albeit on a smaller scale, the eastern quarter offers a mesmerizing throng of beautiful pink flowers.
Oh, and by the way, this location is just Rideau Canal’s neighbor, making a visit to both places a breeze.
5. Lincoln Fields 4B
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/T7pLRMtSwzm2ikCUA
Address: Carling Ave, Ottawa, ON K2B 7Z2, Canada
Earning a spot on our list of favorites is the Lincoln Fields 4B, an unamusing bus station along Carling Ave.
However, it transforms into a picturesque scenery during cherry blossom season, making it an unexpected, yet charming location to witness its ephemeral beauty.