Commissioners Park
Dow's Lake, Ottawa, ON
Looking for a great place to relax that is close to water, beautiful flowers and has ample parking? Grab a blanket and head to Commissioner’s Park.
Category:
Recreation Location
Where:
| Neighbourhood | | Old Ottawa South |
| Getting There | | Carling O Train |
| Cross Street | | Carling Avenue and Queen Elizabeth Driveway |
Profile Last Updated: August 25, 2008
Ideal Setting in Any Season
In the spring Commissioner’s Park is the place to be for Ottawa’s tulip festival. This park boasts the largest number of tulips in one place with more than 300,000 on display. Winding paths allow visitors a close up view of the dazzling colors and scents. In summer, those same beds host a colorful assortment of blooming flowers that beautifully replace their spring cousins. Located adjacent to Dow’s Lake, visitors to the park can imagine they are far from the city while they enjoy the view of the lake and the boats using its waters. There is ample paid parking here and easy access from Preston Street or Queen Elizabeth Drive. The park is also accessible to bike paths.
Park Activities
Whether you are looking to take a stroll through the flowers or lounge on a picnic blanket to enjoy the sun, Commissioner’s Park can accommodate. Picnickers are welcome, as are leashed dogs. The park is relatively family friendly with mature shade trees and space to play. As one of the national Capital Commission’s green spaces, the park is well groomed and maintained.
On Lake or Land
Across the street at Dow’s Lake there are canoes, paddle boats and kayaks available for rental to those who can’t resist the draw of the water. There are also bikes available for rent for land lovers. Other features of Dow’s Lake are two restaurants and a gift shop for those needing refreshment or looking to enjoy a meal to cap off their park visit. Washrooms are available across the street at Dow’s Lake Pavilion.
In the spring Commissioner’s Park is the place to be for Ottawa’s tulip festival. This park boasts the largest number of tulips in one place with more than 300,000 on display. Winding paths allow visitors a close up view of the dazzling colors and scents. In summer, those same beds host a colorful assortment of blooming flowers that beautifully replace their spring cousins. Located adjacent to Dow’s Lake, visitors to the park can imagine they are far from the city while they enjoy the view of the lake and the boats using its waters. There is ample paid parking here and easy access from Preston Street or Queen Elizabeth Drive. The park is also accessible to bike paths.
Park Activities
Whether you are looking to take a stroll through the flowers or lounge on a picnic blanket to enjoy the sun, Commissioner’s Park can accommodate. Picnickers are welcome, as are leashed dogs. The park is relatively family friendly with mature shade trees and space to play. As one of the national Capital Commission’s green spaces, the park is well groomed and maintained.
On Lake or Land
Across the street at Dow’s Lake there are canoes, paddle boats and kayaks available for rental to those who can’t resist the draw of the water. There are also bikes available for rent for land lovers. Other features of Dow’s Lake are two restaurants and a gift shop for those needing refreshment or looking to enjoy a meal to cap off their park visit. Washrooms are available across the street at Dow’s Lake Pavilion.
