Gatineau Park Spring Wildflowers Are Almost Here
Ottawa might still be getting slapped by freezing rain this week, but the National Capital Commission has a reassuring message: winter is making one last push, and spring is coming.
The NCC is encouraging Ottawa residents to start looking forward to one of the region's best seasonal experiences: the bloom of spring wildflowers across Gatineau Park and the Ottawa Greenbelt.
What Blooms First Near Ottawa
In the Ottawa region, the forest floor comes alive in stages as snow melts and sunlight reaches the ground through the bare tree canopy:
Trout Lily - one of the first spring ephemerals, with mottled leaves and nodding yellow flowers that emerge before the tree canopy closes.
Hepatica - small, delicate flowers in shades of white, pink, or purple that push up through dead leaves in early spring.
Spring Beauty - tiny white and pink flowers that form dense carpets on the forest floor in April.
Wild Ginger - a ground-level plant with heart-shaped leaves and a hidden flower at the base.
Where to Go
Both Gatineau Park across the river in Quebec and Ottawa's Greenbelt offer great wildflower viewing. The NCC maintains a guide to regional spring wildflowers on its website. The best time to look is typically mid-April through early May. Bring a camera, wear waterproof boots, and stick to the trails.
Source: @ncc_ccn on Instagram
