★★★★★ 4.6(500 reviews)6.5 km from hotel~11 min drive
Canada's oldest arboretum sits within the Central Experimental Farm — a 26-hectare living collection of over 2,000 trees and shrubs from around the world. The winding paths through old-growth canopy feel a world away from the city. Free, open year-round, and almost never crowded.
Most visitors to Ottawa never discover Dominion Arboretum — and that's part of its charm. Located 6.5 km from Adam's Airport Inn (11 minutes by car), it's the kind of place locals keep to themselves.
Our concierge team loves recommending this spot to guests looking for something beyond the usual tourist trail. It's the details like these that make staying at a locally-owned hotel worthwhile.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
11 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take Bank Street northbound — it's about 11 minutes by car. Free parking lot.
Why Guests Love This
The Dominion Arboretum is the antidote to airport stress. Over 2,000 trees and shrubs from around the world fill 26 hectares of winding paths, and because most visitors default to the nearby Rideau Canal or Parliament Hill, you’ll likely have the canopy trails to yourself. Guests with early check-ins or late checkouts use it as a peaceful morning walk — free, open year-round, and never crowded. The fall foliage is particularly striking, and spring brings one of Ottawa’s finest displays of ornamental blossoms. About 18 minutes from Adam’s Airport Inn via the Airport Parkway.
FreeNear HotelOff the Beaten Path
Details
AddressCentral Experimental Farm, Ottawa, ON, Canada
Yes. The Dominion Arboretum is completely free and open to the public year-round. There are no gates, tickets, or scheduled closures. You can walk in at any time during daylight hours.
How long does it take to walk through the Dominion Arboretum?
A leisurely loop through the main paths takes 45 minutes to 1.5 hours depending on your pace and how many specimen trees you stop to read about. The arboretum covers 26 hectares, so there is room to explore beyond the main circuit if you have more time.
What is the best time of year to visit the Dominion Arboretum?
Each season offers something distinct. Spring (mid-April to May) brings magnolias, crabapples, and lilacs into bloom. Summer provides full canopy shade on hot days. Autumn (late September to mid-October) is peak colour with maples, oaks, and exotic species turning vivid shades. Winter is quiet and beautiful after fresh snowfall.
Is the Dominion Arboretum stroller and wheelchair accessible?
The main pathways are paved and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs. Some secondary trails through the older tree collections are gravel or packed earth and may be less accessible after rain. The terrain is mostly flat with gentle slopes.
How do I get to the Dominion Arboretum from Ottawa Airport?
The Dominion Arboretum is located within the Central Experimental Farm, 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 exit at Heron Road. The total drive takes about 18 minutes. Free parking is available along Prince of Wales Drive.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 11 minutes from Dominion Arboretum. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.