Central Experimental Farm
A 427-hectare National Historic Site in the heart of Ottawa, home to ornamental gardens, a free tropical greenhouse, the Fletcher Wildlife Garden, and the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum. Active agricultural research farm since 1886 with year-round free access to grounds.
Features
About the Central Experimental Farm
The Central Experimental Farm (CEF) is a 427-hectare (1,055-acre) working research farm and public green space in the heart of Ottawa — one of the only working farms inside a national capital. Established in 1886 and designated a National Historic Site in 1998, it's bounded by Carling Avenue to the north, Baseline Road to the south, Fisher Avenue to the west, and the Rideau Canal to the east.
The grounds and gardens are free to visit year-round, from dawn to dusk.
What to See and Do
Ornamental Gardens
The Ornamental Gardens cover approximately 3.2 hectares (8 acres) and have been a favourite spot for wedding photographers since the 1880s. Collections include:
- Heritage Rose Garden and Explorer Rose Garden — the Explorer series was developed here by Felicitas Svejda, renowned for winter hardiness
- Preston Lilac Collection — 125+ varieties, including several developed by Ottawa researcher Isabella Preston
- Peony and Iris Collections — the largest collection of peonies bred by A.P. Saunders
- Macoun Sunken Garden, Rock Garden, and perennial beds
A free self-guided walking tour with descriptions and map is available.
Tropical Greenhouse
Built in 1928, the Tropical Greenhouse features tropical plants, cacti, and succulents. Free admission, open Monday to Friday 9 AM–4 PM, Sunday 10 AM–4 PM (closed Saturday).
Fletcher Wildlife Garden
Managed by the Ottawa Field-Naturalists' Club, this free garden features a butterfly meadow, amphibian pond, bird habitat, and native plantings. Open dawn to dusk.
Canada Agriculture and Food Museum
Located on the farm and operated by Ingenium, the museum features farm animals (cows, sheep, pigs, horses, chickens) and exhibits on food science and agriculture. Paid admission — check ingenium.ca for current hours and prices.
Dominion Arboretum
The 26-hectare Dominion Arboretum with over 1,700 tree and shrub species is part of the Central Experimental Farm, stretching toward Dow's Lake and the Rideau Canal.
Seasonal Highlights
- Spring: Cherry blossoms, magnolias, Preston Lilac Walk (200+ varieties), Friends of the Farm Annual Plant Sale
- Summer: Peonies, irises, roses in full bloom. Guided garden tours offered
- Fall: Spectacular foliage in the arboretum, late-season asters and chrysanthemums
- Winter: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and tobogganing on the grounds
Getting There
- By Transit: O-Train Line 2 (Trillium Line) Carling station. OC Transpo bus routes 6, 55, 85, 86, 88
- By Car: Access from Carling Avenue, Prince of Wales Drive, or Baseline Road. Free parking at several locations on the grounds
- By Bike: Connected to the Rideau Canal multi-use pathway. The Experimental Farm Pathway runs through the grounds
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Contact Us →Information may change. Please verify details on the official website before visiting.