★★★★★ 4.6(2,953 reviews)8.8 km from hotel~18 min drive
Tranquil park along Dows Lake, home to a famed spring Tulip Festival, offering paths & picnic areas.
Commissioners Park is one of Ottawa's most beloved green spaces, located 8.8 km from Adam's Airport Inn (18 minutes by car). With a 4.6-star rating from 2,953 visitors, it's consistently praised for its natural beauty and well-maintained trails.
Ottawa's parks are stunning in every season — vibrant fall foliage in October, pristine snow-covered trails in winter, and lush greenery from May through September. Pack layers and comfortable walking shoes.
Quick Info
Duration1–2 hours
CostFree year-round. Tulip Festival admission free; food vendors $5–15.
Best TimeMid-May for peak tulip bloom. Summer mornings for quiet walks along Dows Lake.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
18 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 18 minutes by car. Paid street parking.
Why Guests Love This
Commissioners Park is where Ottawa’s famous Tulip Festival comes to life each May — over 300,000 tulips transform the Dows Lake shoreline into one of the most photographed landscapes in the country. Outside tulip season, the park offers peaceful walking paths, picnic areas, and unobstructed views across the lake. It’s an 18-minute drive from Adam’s Airport Inn, making it an easy half-day outing for guests with a few hours between flights or meetings.
FamiliesNature LoversNear Hotel
Details
AddressPreston Street and, Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N7, Canada
When is the best time to see tulips at Commissioners Park?
Peak bloom typically occurs between May 10 and May 20, though exact timing varies with spring temperatures. Early-to-mid May offers the widest variety of colours. Arrive before 10 AM on weekdays to avoid crowds during the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Is there parking at Commissioners Park?
Limited street parking is available along Queen Elizabeth Driveway. During the Tulip Festival, NCC lots near Dows Lake fill quickly — arrive before 9 AM or use the paid lot at Dows Lake Pavilion. Outside festival season, parking is generally easy to find.
What is there to do at Commissioners Park outside tulip season?
The park is a year-round destination. Summer brings picnics, cycling along the canal path, and paddleboard rentals at nearby Dows Lake Pavilion. Autumn colours are striking along the waterfront. Winter transforms the adjacent Rideau Canal into the world’s longest skating rink, accessible from the park.
Is Commissioners Park suitable for children?
Yes. The flat, paved paths accommodate strollers easily, and the open grassy areas give children room to run. During the Tulip Festival, family-friendly activities include face painting and live music. The nearby Dows Lake Pavilion has washrooms and a restaurant.
How do I get to Commissioners Park from Ottawa Airport?
Commissioners Park is approximately 12 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive north via the Airport Parkway and Queen Elizabeth Driveway — about 18 minutes. The park entrance is along Preston Street at Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 18 minutes from Commissioners Park. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
