Dominion Arboretum, Ottawa: what to see and when to go

Dominion Arboretum is a 26-hectare collection of trees and shrubs within Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm. Visitors can explore a wide variety of plants, including magnolias, azaleas, and a notable hedge collection, all set among rolling grounds near Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal.

Share on WhatsApp

Home to over 1,700 species and varieties of trees and shrubs
Features a hedge collection planted in the 1960s
Located within Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm
Open daily from dawn to dusk with free admission

What is Dominion Arboretum?

Dominion Arboretum covers 26 hectares of gently sloping land within Ottawa’s Central Experimental Farm. The grounds feature a large assortment of trees and shrubs, with over 1,700 kinds represented. Visitors will find areas dedicated to magnolias, azaleas, and rare species such as Metasequoia and Liriodendron. The Ornamental Gardens include displays of annuals, perennial borders, lilac walks, rose beds, and a hedge collection. Paths wind through open lawns and shaded groves, offering a peaceful setting for plant enthusiasts and casual walkers alike.

The history of Dominion Arboretum

Established in 1889, the arboretum was created as part of the Central Experimental Farm to test which trees and shrubs could withstand Ottawa’s climate. Its location benefits from a slightly warmer microclimate than the surrounding city, which has allowed the successful growth of species not typically hardy in Zone 5a. Over time, the collection has expanded to include a wide range of both native and introduced plants, making it a valuable resource for research and public enjoyment.

What there is to see

The arboretum’s plantings are arranged to showcase a variety of species and cultivars. The hedge collection, added in the late 1960s, demonstrates different plants suitable for hedging. The Ornamental Gardens offer seasonal displays, with annuals and perennials planted in beds and borders. Visitors can explore on foot from dawn until dusk, moving between themed areas and open lawns. The site is maintained by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

When to go

Open daily and free to the public, the arboretum is a popular spot for walking, photography, and learning about trees and shrubs. The Ornamental Gardens attract visitors during the growing season, especially when lilacs and roses are in bloom. The site is also used for plant research and educational programs, and provides a green space for relaxation close to downtown Ottawa.

Parts and collections

Within the arboretum, plantings include a wide range of species and varieties, from cold-hardy trees to more delicate magnolias and azaleas. The hedge collection features multiple species chosen for their suitability as living fences. The Ornamental Gardens change with the seasons, offering different displays of annuals, perennials, and flowering shrubs throughout the year.

Why Dominion Arboretum matters

Dominion Arboretum is recognized as an important public garden in Canada, valued for its plant diversity and historical significance. It serves as a living reference for gardeners and researchers interested in cold climate horticulture. The site is also a well-loved destination for locals and tourists, contributing to Ottawa’s reputation for green spaces and botanical collections.

Questions people ask about Dominion Arboretum

Where is Dominion Arboretum located?

Dominion Arboretum is in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, as part of the Central Experimental Farm near Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal.

What can visitors see at the arboretum?

Visitors can explore collections of trees and shrubs, ornamental gardens with annuals and perennials, lilac walks, rose beds, and a hedge collection.

When is the best time to visit?

Spring, summer, and autumn are ideal for visiting, as many plants are in bloom and the gardens are at their most colorful.

Is there an entry fee?

No, entry to Dominion Arboretum is free and the grounds are open from dawn to dusk.

What is special about the arboretum’s climate?

Although Ottawa is in Zone 5a, the arboretum’s landscape creates a warmer microclimate, allowing a wider range of plants to thrive.

Good reading and sources

Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

Where this page comes from

The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Dominion Arboretum", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.

It may contain mistakes. Opening times, prices and bloom dates change: check with the place before you travel. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.

Photo credits on this page

The small pictures above come from Wikimedia Commons under free licences. Some are cropped to fit.

Sim's Park, Coonoor: Thangaraj Kumaravel, CC BY 2.0, source

Tropical Botanical Garden and Research Institute: No machine-readable author provided. Shyamal assumed (based on copyrig, CC BY 2.5, source

Baldha Garden: Muntasir du, Public domain, source

Hakone Botanical Garden of Wetlands: 663highland, CC BY 2.5, source

VanDusen Botanical Garden: Stan Shebs, CC BY-SA 3.0, source

Abkhazi Garden: Grnpolk, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden: No machine-readable author provided. Bobanny assumed (based on copyrig, Public domain, source

Allan Gardens: Diego Silvestre, CC BY 2.0, source

Dominion Arboretum