★★★★★ 4.7(632 reviews)8.3 km from hotel~17 min drive
Botanical garden at the Central Experimental Farm featuring many plant collections, seating & paths.
Ornamental Gardens is a wonderful family-friendly attraction in Ottawa, located 8.3 km from Adam's Airport Inn (17 minutes by car). Kids of all ages will find something to enjoy here.
Strollers are generally accommodated, and most facilities have family restrooms. For the best experience with young children, aim for morning visits when energy levels are high and crowds are lower.
Quick Info
Duration1–2 hours
CostFree. No entrance fee or registration required.
Best TimeLate June through August for peak bloom. Open daily 7 AM–9 PM. Mornings are quietest.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
17 min
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 17 minutes by car. Free parking lot.
Why Guests Love This
The Ornamental Gardens are a hidden gem within the Central Experimental Farm — a meticulously maintained botanical garden that most Ottawa visitors never discover. The perennial borders, hedgerow collections, and heritage trees create an atmosphere closer to an English country estate than a government research station. At just 15 minutes from Adam’s Airport Inn, it’s an ideal morning walk before a flight or a peaceful break from a business trip. The gardens are free, uncrowded, and genuinely beautiful from late spring through early autumn.
FamiliesNear Hotel
Details
Address75 National Capital Commission Scenic Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1A 0Z2, Canada
The gardens feature curated collections of perennials, annuals, roses, ornamental grasses, hedgerows, and heritage trees spread across several themed beds. The Explorer Rose Garden showcases Canadian-bred cold-hardy roses. Interpretive signage identifies most plant species throughout the grounds.
Are the Ornamental Gardens part of the Central Experimental Farm?
Yes. The gardens sit within the 427-hectare Central Experimental Farm, a working agricultural research station operated by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada since 1886. You can combine a garden visit with the Farm’s other attractions: the tropical greenhouse, the farm animal barns, and the Arboretum along the canal.
When is the best time to visit the Ornamental Gardens?
Late June through mid-August delivers peak bloom across most collections. The roses peak in late June and early July. Spring bulbs (tulips, daffodils) appear in May. Autumn brings warm foliage tones through the heritage tree collection. Winter visits are peaceful but most beds are dormant.
Are the Ornamental Gardens accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
Mostly yes. The main paths through the gardens are paved or hard-packed gravel, suitable for strollers and most wheelchairs. Some secondary paths through garden beds are narrower and may have uneven surfaces. Benches are placed throughout for resting.
How do I get to the Ornamental Gardens from Ottawa Airport?
The Ornamental Gardens are approximately 10 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). From Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal), drive north via the Airport Parkway to the Central Experimental Farm entrance on Prince of Wales Drive — about 15 minutes. Free parking is available along the NCC Scenic Driveway near the garden entrance.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 17 minutes from Ornamental Gardens. Complimentary breakfast and up to 14 days of free parking included with every stay.
