Parks and Gardens

Overview

There are literally hundreds of parks and gardens in the Ottawa area… plenty of spots to relax, hike, play, soak up the sun, stroll through gardens or enjoy one of the many outdoor festivals in the summer months. The National Capital Commission (NCC) is responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of many of the major parks in the National Capital Region, including massive Gatineau Park, which is spectacular in the autumn and boasts several walking and hiking trails and the impressive Mackenzie King Estate. Also noteworthy are Hog’s Back Park and the Rideau Falls, which boast beautiful river views and falls.

Major’s Hill Park, Lebreton Flats and picturesque Confederation Park often host many of the major outdoor music and entertainment festivals in the summer. Also in Centretown are Minto Park, home of the Women’s Right Monument, and the lovely Garden of the Provinces and Territories.

If life’s a beach for you, check out Mooney’s Bay in the south, Westboro Beach just west of the centre, Petrie Island Park in the east and Britannia Park in the west. For flower lovers, you simply must visit the Experimental Farm and the nearby Arboretum. The rose, perennial, water and rock gardens are lovely and can help you select plants you might be interested in growing in your own back yard.