Lansdowne Park

Lansdowne Park Ottawa: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Attractions Guide

Date: 2025-06-14

Discover Lansdowne Park, Ottawa — History, Attractions, and Visitor Essentials

Lansdowne Park in Ottawa is a vibrant urban park and entertainment district where the city’s rich historical roots meet contemporary culture. Since its establishment in 1847, Lansdowne has transformed from agricultural fairgrounds into a multifaceted hub for sports, culture, community gatherings, and major events. Its strategic location beside the Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—makes it a central destination for both locals and tourists.

Today, Lansdowne Park features architecturally significant landmarks like the Aberdeen Pavilion and the Horticulture Building, hosts exciting sports events at TD Place Stadium and Arena, and offers year-round festivals, markets, and family-friendly activities. This guide provides up-to-date information on visiting hours, ticketing, accessibility, and top attractions to help you plan an engaging and memorable visit. For the latest details, consult the official Lansdowne Park website and related resources (Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group).

Aerial view of Lansdowne Park in Ottawa Ontario Canada showing green spaces and sports facilities

Aerial view of Lansdowne Park stadium in Ottawa, Canada from 1950

Aerial view of Lansdowne Park stadium in Ottawa, Canada in 1950

Martin Burrell, Thomas White, Robert Laird Borden, Wilfrid Laurier and George Foster at 1912 Central Canada Exhibition in Ottawa

Ottawa football team group portrait in 1925

Thrilling ride at the 2005 Super-Ex in Ottawa with colorful amusement rides and excited visitors

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth arriving at Lansdowne Park in a state carriage

Quick Reference: Visitor Information, History, and Attractions

Visiting Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM (some venues and events may vary)
[Ticketing: Free access to grounds and most outdoor spaces; events and games require tickets (TD Place)](#ticketing:-free-access-to-grounds-and-most-outdoor-spaces;-events-and-games-require-tickets-(td-place))
Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible facilities, pathways, and restrooms
Location: Beside the Rideau Canal, adjacent to the Glebe and Old Ottawa South
Getting There: OC Transpo routes, O-Train, bike paths, and limited parking
Top Attractions: Aberdeen Pavilion, Horticulture Building, TD Place Stadium, Ottawa Farmers’ Market, Great Lawn

The Legacy and Evolution of Lansdowne Park

From Agricultural Fairs to Urban Landmark

Lansdowne Park has been Ottawa’s central gathering place for over 175 years, evolving with the city. Its origins as the site of Ottawa’s first agricultural fair in 1869 set the stage for a legacy of civic celebration, sports, and cultural milestones (anevenbetterlansdowne.ca).

The park’s redevelopment in recent years has preserved historic icons like the Aberdeen Pavilion—dubbed the “Cattle Castle” and recognized as a National Historic Site—while introducing modern amenities and green spaces (aicanada.ca). The careful integration of heritage conservation and urban renewal has made Lansdowne a model for city parks in Canada (ottawalife.com).

Top Attractions and Things to Do

Heritage Highlights

Aberdeen Pavilion: The glass-and-steel “Cattle Castle” hosts markets, exhibitions, and festivals, and is an architectural gem.
Horticulture Building: A restored heritage venue for cultural events, art shows, and community gatherings.

Sports and Entertainment

TD Place Stadium and Arena: Home to the Ottawa REDBLACKS (CFL), Atlético Ottawa (soccer), and Ottawa 67’s (OHL hockey). The venue also hosts concerts and major sporting events (Lansdowne Park Features).

Markets and Local Food

Ottawa Farmers’ Market: Held in Aberdeen Square and inside the Pavilion during winter, featuring 85+ local vendors with produce, crafts, and artisanal foods (Ottawa Farmers Market).
Aberdeen Square: The social heart of Lansdowne, bustling with market days, open-air events, and performances.

Recreation and Green Spaces

Great Lawn: A 13.8-acre green expanse for concerts, festivals, sports, and relaxation (MyPacer Lansdowne Park).
Skating and Basketball Courts: Outdoor rink in winter, basketball courts in summer.
Skateboard Ramps and Playgrounds: Family-friendly and accessible.
Walking and Cycling Trails: Paths connect to the Rideau Canal and city bike routes, with over 600 bike parking spots.

Art, Gardens, and Urban Wildlife

Public Art: Installations like “Uplift” and “Moving Surfaces” enliven the park (Lansdowne Park Features).
Heirloom Orchard: 800+ heritage apple trees, supporting local wildlife and biodiversity.

Seasonal Events and Festivals

Lansdowne Park’s calendar is packed with signature events:

Winterlude: Major winter festival with art, games, and community sports (ottawaisnotboring.com).
Fiesta Cubana Fest: Two days of Cuban music, dance, and food (todocanada.ca).
Escapade Music Festival: Popular electronic music festival on the Great Lawn.
Ottawa Craft Beer Festival: Showcasing local breweries inside the Aberdeen Pavilion.
Outdoor Movie Nights: Summer screenings on the Great Lawn (wonderingescapes.com).

Check the City of Ottawa’s event calendar for current listings.

Practical Information: Getting There, Accessibility, and Tips

Transportation and Parking

By Transit: Multiple OC Transpo bus routes and O-Train Confederation Line access.
Cycling: Dedicated bike lanes and ample racks; scenic routes along the Rideau Canal.
Driving: Paid parking available (limited during large events); consider arriving early.

Accessibility and Amenities

Barrier-Free Design: Wheelchair-accessible paths, restrooms, and seating.
Family-Friendly: Playgrounds, stroller-friendly trails, and family restrooms.

Visitor Tips

Arrive Early: Especially for events with large crowds or limited parking.
Dress for the Weather: Lansdowne is an all-season, mostly outdoor venue.
Photography: Capture the iconic Aberdeen Pavilion, festival scenes, and canal views.

Nearby Ottawa Attractions

Rideau Canal: Year-round recreation—canoeing in summer, skating in winter (Ottawa Tourism – Rideau Canal).
The Glebe: Trendy neighborhood with unique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
Dows Lake Pavilion: Boating and waterfront dining, just a short walk away.

Explore more Ottawa sites:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Lansdowne Park’s regular hours?
A: Daily from 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM; specific venues may differ.

Q: Is there a fee to enter Lansdowne Park?
A: General access is free; tickets required for events and games.

Q: Is the park accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
A: Yes, Lansdowne offers barrier-free paths and accessible amenities.

Q: How do I buy tickets for events?
A: Purchase tickets via the official Lansdowne Park website or event organizers (TD Place).

Q: Are pets allowed?
A: Pets are welcome on leashes and must be cleaned up after.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: Yes, seasonal guided tours are offered. Check the official website for current schedules.

Plan Your Visit: Tips and Final Thoughts

Lansdowne Park is a cornerstone of Ottawa’s cultural landscape, seamlessly blending heritage with modern amenities. Whether you’re cheering at a REDBLACKS game, browsing the farmers’ market, exploring heritage architecture, or attending a festival, Lansdowne offers something for every age and interest.

Pro Tips:

Check event schedules in advance to maximize your experience
Visit the official Lansdowne Park website for real-time updates and ticket information
Download the Audiala app for event notifications, guided tours, and exclusive offers

Extend your visit: Stroll along the Rideau Canal, explore the Glebe, or discover nearby Ottawa landmarks to enrich your Lansdowne experience.

Reliable Sources for Further Reading

Ready to explore Lansdowne Park? Download the Audiala app for event notifications, insider tips, and exclusive offers. Share your experiences with #LansdowneOttawa!