Ottawa’s Most Scenic Viewing Spots: Where to See the Tulips in the City
One of the most popular annual events in Ottawa is Canada’s Tulip Festival, attracting over 600,000 attendees, according to TulipFestival.ca.
If you want to be one of those people in the crowd savoring the delightful views of the colorful spring landscape in Ottawa, you’ve come to the right place.
Today, we’re guiding you in the right direction to discover the best places to see the tulips in the city. Bring your cameras and practice your poses because you wouldn’t want to miss out on this picture-perfect adventure!
1. Commissioners Park

Website: https://ccn-ncc.gc.ca/endroits/parc-des-commissaires
Address: Preston Street and, Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N7, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Commissioners Park is a peaceful reprieve from the bustling Ottawa. Sprawling over 8.95 hectares, it remains an enchanting location where one can indulge in an array of activities.
During the Canadian Tulip Festival, it transforms into an even more charming spot, which is why the festival is held here. The vivid colors of the flowers paint a picturesque landscape that will have you mesmerized.
Expect to see a delightful color variety ranging from soft tones to bright, eye-catching palettes.
For a comprehensive guide on how to best enjoy the Canadian Tulip Festival, read all about it in our guide.
2. International Peace Garden

Website: https://gardensottawa.ca/gardens/international-peace-garden/
Address: 50 Sussex Dr, Ottawa, ON K1M 2C9, Canada
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Did you know that in Ottawa, tulips are a symbol of gratitude and friendship?
The International Peace Garden is a famous attraction created as a way to celebrate the world’s undefended border between America and Canada. This important significance is why the tulip displays in this garden have an added layer of importance.
It’s greatly known as an ideal destination for those who want to see the tulips in full bloom in the city. That said, it’s beautiful here any time of the year.
3. Olympic Garden

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4GCNCKekeLfH9jhR9
Address: Ottawa, ON K1S 5M5, Canada
Olympic Garden is a lesser-known spot to appreciate the tulips during spring and we consider this a hidden gem for a delightful reason – fewer crowds are guaranteed compared to the bustling Commissioners Park.
Another reason why this is a beloved spot of ours is because of the enchanting view of the bronze statue holding an Olympic torch. Imagine this captivating sight surrounded by a bed of tulips, mostly red and yellow in color – a strong image as if bursting in flames.
4. Maple Lawn Garden

Website: https://www.maplelawn.ca
Address: 529 Richmond Rd, Ottawa, ON K2A 0G3, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7 AM to 10 PM
Maple Lawn Garden is a well-preserved historical attraction dating back to the early 1800s. Here, you’ll be transported back in time thanks to the 19th-century architecture and landscaping that adorns the garden.
During the tulip season, expect to see dazzling homegrown varieties like the Blushing Belle and White Chocolate.
5. Confederation Park

Website: https://ccn-ncc.gc.ca/endroits/parc-de-la-confederation
Address: Elgin St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5J2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-239-5000
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Located in Downtown Ottawa, Confederation Park is a prominent urban park, offering a beautiful display that seamlessly blends city and nature.
During the Canadian Tulip Festival, the Confederation Park becomes one of the key locations where people can enjoy a kaleidoscope of hues. The vibrant tulip displays here are stunning, to say the least.
6. National War Memorial

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/X4oYavUjJSi72wBn6
Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1P 5A4, Canada
Contact details: +1 866-522-2122
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Adding to the architectural grandeur of the National War Memorial, it transforms into an even more exciting destination during spring because of the tulips.
Imagine seeing the grand monument encircled by a variety of tulips! If you think it’s beautiful in the photos, wait until you see it up close.
It certainly adds to the overall aesthetic appeal of the location.
7. 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
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Nestled in the middle of the dynamic downtown, Major’s Hill Park is an unexpected oasis that features picturesque river views and perfectly landscaped gardens.
It’s a unique viewpoint of the city’s famous tulips during May because the flowerbeds are located in a spot that makes the river its scenic backdrop.
Though they have a lesser collection of tulips, it’s undeniable that it’s still an enchanting location.
8. Rideau Canal National Historic Site

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/LLNdyGHDRNjHEpDH7
Address: 1 Second Ave, Ottawa, ON K1S 2H2, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-283-5170
Rideau Canal is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with scenic landscapes and a blend of urban charm and natural wonders.
Spanning almost 8 kilometers through the heart of the city, this famous waterway boasts a multifaceted adventure any type of explorer will enjoy.
As you travel through the enchanting pathways, the allure of the beautiful flower beds filled with colorful tulips will call out to you, as if inviting you to savor its beauty.
9. Parliament Hill

Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/4rZfuWLBcSykr4KVA
Address: Wellington St, Ottawa, ON K1A 0A9, Canada
Contact details: +1 613-992-4793
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- Friday – 8:30 AM to 5 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
Parliament Hill paints the Ottawan skyline with a unique revival of Gothic architecture – a nod to the city’s rich history.
During spring, it becomes an even more vibrant attraction to appreciate the beauty of the famous flowers in Ottawa.
The meticulously landscaped gardens this historical structure boasts of features a dazzling variety of tulip varieties, creating an even more enthralling visual display.
Another reason why we love this spot is that it’s accessible and easy to get around on foot. You can get lost in its beauty for hours. We know because we have!