Welcome Spring in Ottawa! 🌸
As the snow melts and the days get longer, Ottawa starts coming back to life with the first signs of spring. From blooming flowers to outdoor markets and fresh green fairways, the city has no shortage of ways to welcome the season.
At Evans Family Wealth, we know that spring isn’t just a season—it’s a time of renewal. Whether it’s refreshing your financial plan or simply enjoying the outdoors, it’s a great opportunity to step into a new mindset. So, as you plan your spring outings, consider taking a moment to refresh your financial goals, just like you would refresh your home. But first, let’s explore the best places to soak in the beauty of spring in Ottawa!
Early Blooms and Walks Through Ottawa’s Best Green Spaces 🌷🌳
🌷 Best for: Tulip blooms & scenic city views
Located just behind the Fairmont Château Laurier, Major’s Hill Park is one of the best spots to see Ottawa’s first spring flowers. By late March and early April, you’ll start to notice green grass peeking through the melting snow, while crocuses and tulips begin to sprout. Plus, you can enjoy stunning views of Parliament Hill, the National Gallery, and the Ottawa River.
🔹 Pro Tip: Bring a coffee, take a relaxing walk, and snap some early spring photos with the city skyline in the background.
🌳 Best for: Blossoming trees & peaceful nature walks
If you’re looking for the earliest cherry and crab-apple blossoms, the Dominion Arboretum is a must-visit. Located beside the Rideau Canal, this historic garden is one of the first places in Ottawa to burst into color each spring. It’s a perfect spot for an afternoon picnic or a quiet nature escape.
🔹 Pro Tip: Bring your camera—this is one of the best places to capture spring’s arrival!
- Rideau Canal Pathways
🚲 Best for: Walking, biking & waterfront views
Once the ice melts, the Rideau Canal transforms from a winter skating rink into a scenic spring pathway. Whether you prefer walking, running, or cycling, this is a great way to enjoy the warmer weather while soaking in views of the water.
🔹 Pro Tip: Rent a bike and ride along the canal for a refreshing weekend activity!
- Fletcher Wildlife Garden
🦜 Best for: Birdwatching & native wildflowers
Hidden near the Arboretum, Fletcher Wildlife Garden is a peaceful retreat that’s perfect for spotting Ottawa’s early signs of spring. You’ll find migrating birds returning, wildflowers blooming, and plenty of quiet trails to explore.
🔹 Pro Tip: Bring binoculars to catch glimpses of rare birds returning for the season!
- Gatineau Park (Pink Lake & Sugarbush Trail)
🥾 Best for: Early spring hikes & forest landscapes
If you’re craving an outdoor adventure, Gatineau Park is a fantastic place to witness spring’s arrival. While it’s still too early for lush greenery, you can experience melting ice on Pink Lake or take a walk along the Sugarbush Trail, where maple sap begins to flow.
🔹 Pro Tip: This is a great time to visit before the summer crowds arrive!
Farmers’ Markets Reopening – Fresh Flavors for a Fresh Season 🥕🛍️
Spring in Ottawa means the return of farmers’ markets, where you can find everything from fresh produce to handmade goods. Some of the first to reopen include:
- Lansdowne Farmers’ Market (Opens early May): A favourite for local produce, baked goods, and flowers.
- Orleans Market: A great option for those in the east end.
- Parkdale Market: Known for its fresh-cut flowers and plants, perfect for a little spring colour.
Ottawa’s Early Cherry Blossoms 🌸
While Toronto gets most of the cherry blossom hype, Ottawa has several hidden gem locations where you can enjoy these delicate pink blooms:
- Dominion Arboretum (Central Experimental Farm)
- Andrew Haydon Park
- The Ottawa River Pathway near Westboro
These blossoms typically peak in late April or early May, making them one of the city’s most anticipated spring sights.
First Rounds of Golf—Ottawa Courses Opening for the Season ⛳
For golf enthusiasts, spring means one thing—getting back on the course! Many of Ottawa’s top golf clubs open in April, weather permitting:
- The Marshes Golf Club: One of the earliest courses to open each year.
- Loch March Golf & Country Club: A high-end course just outside the city.
- Eagle Creek Golf Club: Known for its stunning fairways and challenging course design.
Spring Festivals & Spring Cleaning (Your Home & Finances!) 🧹
Spring in Ottawa isn’t just about nature—it’s also a time for annual traditions and fresh starts!
- Maple Syrup Season! 🍁: Local sugar shacks like Fulton’s Pancake House & Sugar Bush and Proulx Farm offer some of the best maple experiences in the region.
- Ottawa PoutineFest (April): Celebrate spring with Canada’s favorite comfort food!
- The Great Glebe Garage Sale (May 24, 2025): A massive community event where you can buy, sell, and refresh your space.
- Spring Cleaning Events: Several local charities, like Habitat for Humanity, organize donation drives to help you declutter responsibly.
🌱 Spring cleaning isn’t just for your home—it’s also a great time to organize your finances. Are your investments optimized for tax efficiency? Are your financial goals still aligned with your life? If you’re unsure, it might be time for a second opinion from Evans Family Wealth.
Spring Into a Fresh Financial Start 🌷
Spring is a season of renewal, growth, and fresh opportunities. Whether you’re hiking in Gatineau Park, enjoying a sugar shack breakfast, or decluttering your home, it’s the perfect time to reset—and that includes your financial future.
At Evans Family Wealth, we specialize in helping clients create tailored financial plans that grow alongside their lives. Just like the changing seasons, your financial needs evolve over time. Whether you’re planning for a major milestone, optimizing your portfolio, or ensuring your estate plan is up to date, Evans Family Wealth is here to help.
If you’re ready to refresh your financial goals, now is the time to book a consultation.
📌 Ready to enjoy spring in Ottawa? Save this article & share it with friends who love the season as much as you do!
