As spring arrives and weather warms up, many Ontarians are looking for a new adventure to shake off the post-winter blues. If you're searching for the perfect road trip destination or a fun-filled family attraction, look no further than the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa.
Taking place in May, the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa is a must-see event for Ontario residents looking for a little bit of springtime beauty. With its rich history, vibrant displays, and diverse activities, the festival is the perfect destination for anyone looking to celebrate the season and experience the best that Ottawa has to offer.
The Canadian Tulip Festival is not just a celebration of nature's beauty, but a poignant tribute to Canada's wartime history and its enduring relationship with the Netherlands. The festival is organized by the Canadian Tulip Legacy, a nationally registered charity that honours the 7500 Canadian soldiers who bravely fought for the liberation of the Netherlands. It also commemorates the birth of Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet, the only British royal to be born in Canada. The tulips that adorn the festival's gardens were a gift from the Netherlands, in gratitude for Canada's assistance in their liberation.
This cherished festival began in 1953, a few short years after World War II, when Canada received bulbs from the Netherlands and planted them in the capital region. From those humble beginnings, the festival has grown exponentially, becoming the largest tulip festival in the world and an enduring symbol of Canada's enduring friendship with the Netherlands.
The festival, which has grown into the largest public tulip festival on the planet, features a stunning display of over a million tulips in a variety of colours and styles, ranging from classic red and yellow blooms to more exotic varieties. The tulips are planted in flower beds throughout the city, creating a colourful and vibrant landscape that's perfect for a leisurely stroll or a picnic with friends.
The Canadian Tulip Festival marks its 71st anniversary in 2023, with a robust lineup of events. One of the highlights is a new “Tulips At Night” program. Solar-powered lighting will extend the viewing hours on select flower beds and free outdoor movies will play every night. Additionally, visitors will be able to explore a blacklight experience along the Dow’s Lake Boardwalk. The festival also offers a range of culinary experiences like local specialties BeaverTails and maple syrup taffy. Visitors can also explore the local arts and crafts scene at the Ottawa Artisans Market, where local artists and vendors showcase their wares.
But perhaps the biggest draw of the Canadian Tulip Festival is the sheer beauty of the tulips themselves. Walking among the stunning blooms is a sensory experience that simply can't be replicated, and it's the perfect reminder of the beauty and renewal that springtime brings.
This year's festival promises to be one of the best yet, with a full lineup of events, activities, and attractions that are sure to delight visitors of all ages.So if you're an Ontario resident looking for a little bit of springtime magic, be sure to add the Canadian Tulip Festival to your list of must-see destinations. The tulips are waiting!
Canadian Tulp Festival
- When: May 12th - 22nd, 10 am to 10 pm
- Where: Ottawa Commissioners Park
- Admission: Free
