The Ultimate Guide to the Ottawa Tulip Festival 2025
If you are a fan of tulips, or even just spring in general, then you will definitely want to head over to the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa. Also known as the Ottawa Tulip Festival, this annual event features over a million tulips in bloom, with gardens and displays throughout the city.
In addition to the tulips, the festival includes live music, food, and a variety of family-friendly activities. It is a popular tourist attraction and a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike.
The festival typically takes place in May and attracts hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. We have made the trek from Toronto to Ottawa many times, and the Tulip Festival is definitely one of my favourite times to visit.
In this blog post, we’ll take you on a tour of the Tulip Festival in Ottawa, highlighting the best places to see the tulips, the history behind the festival, and some tips for making the most of your visit.
🌷 When is the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa?
The Ottawa Tulip Festival is a seasonal event that runs for 11 days and coincides with the blooming of the tulips in May. This year, the festival will run from May 12 – 22, 2024.
🌷 Is the Tulip Festival in Ottawa Worth Visiting?
Yes! The Tulip Festival in Ottawa is definitely worth visiting.
Whether you just love flowers and horticulture or maybe want to do some sightseeing in the nation’s capital, visiting Ottawa in May really is a magical time. And even if you have kids in tow, there really is something for everyone at the Tulip Festival.
Of course, if you would rather visit Ottawa in the winter, you really need to check out our Winterlude Guide and Itinerary for everything you need to know about Ottawa’s biggest annual festival!
🌷 Ottawa Tulip Festival History
The story behind the Ottawa Tulip Festival is actually pretty interesting. During World War II, Princess Juliana of the Netherlands, along with her two daughters, sought refuge in Ottawa for three years.
In fact, the Princess even gave birth to her third daughter during their stay in Canada. In order to ensure the newborn Princess Margriet’s future right to the throne, the Canadian government went so far as to declare part of the Ottawa Civic Hospital to be Dutch Soil.
When the war ended in 1945, the Princess and her family returned to the Netherlands, which had been liberated in part thanks to Canadian troops. As a gesture of gratitude and friendship, the Dutch royal family sent a gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs to Canada.
In 1953, Ottawa held its very first Canadian Tulip Festival. Today, the tradition continues, with Ottawa receiving incredible tulip bulbs from the Netherlands every year.
🌷 Where are the Best Places to See Tulips in Ottawa?
Ottawa’s Tulip Festival boasts an impressive display of tulips across the city, and you won’t want to miss out on any of these picturesque locations.
🌷 Fun Fact: Did you know that Ottawa boasts the LARGEST public tulip display in the world?
Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake
If you’re a tulip enthusiast, then Commissioners Park is the place to be during the Ottawa Tulip Festival. With over 300,000 bulbs and about 100 different varieties, it’s a true showstopper and the main site for showcasing these stunning blooms.
In fact, there are 30 different tulip beds to explore, each one more breathtaking than the last. From stunning colours to incredible ruffled varieties, you really won’t know where to look first!
But be sure to check out the Queen Juliana Gift Bed, which is home to the very bulbs donated by the Netherlands all those years ago. This stunning bed is sure to provide you with all the Instagrammable photos you could want!
And if you’re interested in seeing what’s new and exciting in the world of tulips, make your way over to the test bed, where Ottawa’s landscape architects are constantly experimenting with new varieties before planting them en masse.
Commissioners Park is a feast for the eyes and a true testament to the beauty and diversity of tulips.
🌷 Fun Fact: You will find a small tulip bed located at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, just a short distance from Commissioner’s Park. The small bed also contains tulips which are part of the annual donation. In fact, Princess Juliana made it a condition that a tulip bed be planted at the hospital as part of her initial gift in 1946.
In addition to Commissioners Park, there are also tulip displays and planters at Dow’s Lake and the Garden Promenade. There is actually a pretty cool Black Light display here, but more on that later!
Along the Rideau Canal
If you’re in Ottawa during the Canadian Tulip Festival, make sure to add the Rideau Canal corridor to your must-visit list. This iconic route is not only a great way to take in the beauty of the city, but it’s also a prime spot for catching some amazing tulip sightings.
Whether you prefer to take a leisurely stroll or a bike ride, the Queen Elizabeth Driveway and the Rideau Canal Western Pathway are both excellent options for tulip viewing. And with over 100,000 tulips lining the picturesque canal, you won’t be disappointed!
The best part? This route conveniently connects two of the top tulip hotspots in the city: Commissioners Park and downtown Ottawa. So why not make a day of it and explore all the tulip wonders that Ottawa has to offer?
🌷🚲 Why not take a Tulip Festival Guided Bike Tour? Check rates and availability here.
Major’s Hill Park and Downtown Ottawa
If you’re looking for a more historic view, head over to Major’s Hill Park, where you can see tulips alongside Parliament Hill. The combination of the brightly coloured tulips and the impressive government buildings makes for a truly Canadian experience.
Plus, Major’s Hill Park even has a special “tulips of thanks” bed that honours all the hardworking frontline workers out there.
And if you’re still itching for more tulip magic, be sure to check out the planters along Sparks Street, in the ByWard Market, along Confederation Boulevard and the displays at the National War Memorial. You won’t be disappointed!
And don’t forget to stop by the gorgeous little tulip bed at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church. Because this church was where Princess Margriet was christened, to this day, they still receive 100 bulbs from the Dutch embassy every year.
Downtown Gatineau
Did you know that the Quebec side of the river also has some spectacular tulip displays? Yep, it’s true! Head on over to the areas near the Alexandra Bridge, Jacques-Cartier Park, and the Canadian Museum of History for some serious flower power.
And the best part? These spots offer some absolutely stunning views of the river and Parliament Hill. Plus, they’re all just a short walk away from Major’s Hill Park and usually have a lot fewer people.
🌷 Things to Do at the Ottawa Tulip Festival
The Ottawa Tulip Festival offers a wide range of activities and events for visitors to enjoy. Here are a few things you can do at the festival:
1. Explore the Tulip Trail
Of course, one of the main reasons that people come to Ottawa during the Canadian Tulip Festival is to see the tulips! And with over one million tulips in bloom throughout the city, you certainly won’t be disappointed!
Known as the Tulip Trail, take a leisurely stroll from Parliament Hill, along the Rideau Canal, and down to Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake. Your self-guided tour will take you past the many tulip gardens where you can admire the vibrant colours and different varieties of tulips on display.
And if you are fascinated by all the varieties of tulips and would love to learn more about them, be sure to download the Interactive Garden Map of Commissioners Park. It will give you the name of the tulip, its location, a photo, and a brief description of each flower.
2. Take a Tulip Legacy Walking Tour
If you are a history buff or a flower enthusiast then the Tulip Legacy Walking Tour is definitely for you!
Join a knowledgeable guide as they take you on a stroll through Commissioners Park where you will see stunning displays of over 300,000 tulips in all colours of the rainbow.
You will be taken to the Queen Juliana Gift Bed where you can admire the stunning collection of tulips gifted to Canada from the Netherlands.
The tour will also include a visit to the Man with Two Hats historic statue, which is a tribute to the Canadian soldiers who helped liberate the Netherlands during WWII.
And for a deeper dive into the Dutch-Canadian connection, your tour guide will take you to Heritage Canada’s Dutch-Canadian War Brides Display.
The Tulip Legacy Walking Tour is a unique opportunity to learn and appreciate the cultural significance of the tulip, as well as the important historical events that brought it to Ottawa.
3. Indulge in a Beavertail
Visiting the Tulip Festival in Ottawa can make anyone work up an appetite. Luckily, you will find plenty of food trucks scattered throughout the festival grounds, offering a wide variety of delicious treats and meal options.
Whether you’re in the mood for savoury or sweet, there’s something for everyone. However, there is one treat in particular that you really NEED to sample: the iconic Canadian Beaver Tails!
Beaver Tails, which were originally introduced in 1978, are deep-fried pastries that are large and flat in shape.
Although traditionally coated in cinnamon sugar, nowadays there are over 120 unique flavour variations to choose from. And the chocolate hazelnut spread definitely wins out as the most popular among them!
🍁 Fun Fact: 48.7 tons of chocolate hazelnut spread goes into making BeaverTails® each year! To put that in perspective, that’s the same weight as 70 moose!
If you haven’t tried one, what are you waiting for?! You can expect to pay about $7-10 for one Beaver Tail.
They are pretty big, however, so two people could easily share one… but that’s IF you are actually willing to share!
We found there to be a good variety of offerings with the food trucks at the Tulip Festival. But be warned, the line-ups can get really long, especially around lunch and dinner times.
4. Shop for Some Cool Trinkets at the Tulip Boutique
Commissioners Park is not only home to a ton of tulips, but you will also find some great vendors set up along the path. From cool trinkets to treats, fresh-cut flowers, and Festival-branded merch, you will surely find the perfect souvenir.
We especially loved that all the vendors were local. So while we were having fun shopping, we were also supporting small businesses and artisans in the area.
And if you are too busy admiring the flowers or taking the perfect photos to shop, the Tulip Festival offers you another option. Head online to the Tulip Boutique where you will find a ton of tulip-themed products.
And since the Festival is operated by the Canadian Tulip Legacy, a registered charity, all proceeds from the sales in the boutique support keeping the festival free for all Canadians.
5. Have Some Fun at Tulip Town
Located in Commissioners Park, Tulip Town is the hub where you will find all the activities, food and vendors at the Ottawa Tulip Festival.
Tulip Town is a family-friendly destination with a range of activities for all ages. There are interactive art installations, live music, food trucks, arts and crafts, and even life-sized board games like Checkers and Connect 4 for the kids. We even heard several Tulip Bingo games being played throughout the day.
Tulip Town is where can stroll through the beautiful gardens and admire the colourful tulips, take some fun photos with your friends and family, shop, eat, and soak up the festive atmosphere, all in one place.
6. Take the Perfect Instagrammable Photo
If you looking to take some Instagram-worthy photos during your visit to Ottawa, then look no further than the Tulip Festival for that perfect shot! With so many vibrant colours and varieties to choose from, the tulip beds will provide the perfect backdrop to any shot!
Although we are far from professional photographers, we enjoyed experimenting with different perspectives and angles. The kids even had fun finding the perfect flower to photograph as well.
But a big heads up, we saw a ton of people trying to get family portraits done, people taking photos of their pets, and obvious “influencers” with their outrageous outfits and props, all vying for a spot in front of the best flower beds. It’s going to be busy, so pack some patience!
We would recommend taking your photos with flowers found outside of Commissioners Park. Those places had awesome colours and varieties as well, but way fewer crowds.
7. See the Tulips at Night
If you are looking for a unique and unforgettable experience at the Canadian Tulip Festival, we have the perfect suggestion! Why not check out the stunning tulips at night?
When the sun goes down, the tulips come to life in a whole new way. Using solar-powered lighting on select tulip beds in Commissioners Park, the festival illuminates many of the tulip displays, creating a magical atmosphere that you won’t find during the day.
Stroll along the pathways of Commissioners Park under a starry sky, with the gentle glow of the tulips lighting your way. It’s an experience that is both romantic and enchanting, perfect for a date night or a fun night out with the kids.
And don’t forget to bring your camera! The night lighting will definitely provide you with some cool and unique photo opportunities!
8. Learn Some History in a “Ghosts in the Glebe” Walk
This isn’t your average walking tour! Instead, The Ghosts of the Glebe walking tour is presented as a 45-minute four-person play.
Join a young Women’s Royal Canadian Naval Reservist from 1946 as she takes you on a journey through the neighbourhood, sharing the haunting tales of her fallen friends who fought for freedom during World War II.
The tour meets in front of HMCS Carleton where your guide transports you back to a time when the tulips, a gift from the grateful Netherlands, were blooming for the first time in Ottawa.
Tours are available daily from 8:00 pm to 9:30 pm, running every half hour and are presented in English. Tickets are $20 per person, and children 12 and under are free.
This is definitely a unique and moving experience!
9. Catch a Movie
Get ready for a cozy movie experience with a beautiful tulip backdrop! The Tulip Festival is home to FREE daily movies at Commissioners Park by Dow’s Lake.
This year, you can expect themes like Veterans Tribute, Ecology Evening, and Dutch Feature. Bring your own picnic and a blanket, or snag a Tulip Festival blanket and some delicious food from on-site vendors.
The movies will be shown daily from 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm and 7:30 pm – 9:30 pm, weather permitting. There are a few picnic tables available on a first-come basis, so get there early for the best seats!
10. Walk the Blacklight Boardwalk at Dow’s Lake
Get ready for a one-of-a-kind experience as the Dow’s Lake Boardwalk in Ottawa transforms into a kilometre-long blacklight garden display. Not only will you be seeing the tulips in a whole new light, but you will be seeing them as a pollinator would!
Bees and butterflies, among other pollinators, perceive the world through ultraviolet light. The Blacklight on the Boardwalk exhibit provides an enjoyable and informative opportunity for visitors to see the tulips in the same way that pollinators do.
The Blacklight on the Boardwalk Experience is FREE to visit, and even has live DJs on weekends adding to the fun. Don’t miss out on the largest blacklight attraction in Ottawa and the only experience of its kind in the world!
The FREE Dow’s Lake Blacklight Boardwalk Experience runs from 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm nightly from May 12 – 22, 2024.
11. Catch the Sound and Light Show at Dow’s Lake
Using a unique combination of sound, light, and storytelling, the story of HMCS Haida, Canada’s most famous ship and the last of its kind, is brought to life.
This FREE nightly spectacle is something you don’t want to miss! Experience the history and majesty of HMCS Haida like never before.
You can catch the show every night at 9:15 pm for the duration of the Tulip Festival. The stunning 10-minute show actually takes place right on the waves of Dow’s Lake!
12. Marvel at the Fireworks
If you are looking for a way to end your Ottawa Tulip Festival trip with a bang, then head on over to Commissioners Park and catch the spectacular fireworks display!
The traditional Victoria Day Fireworks show is a highlight of the Canadian Tulip Festival, and it’s not hard to see why. The dazzling colours light up the night sky, creating a breathtaking scene over Dow’s Lake that’s hard to forget.
The fireworks are held on the Sunday evening of the Victoria Day weekend at 10 pm. Don’t forget to bring a blanket or a lawn chair, find a comfortable spot, and settle in for the show.
Many of the onsite food trucks will still be open, so you can also enjoy some snacks and drinks to make the experience even more enjoyable.
13. Do Some Sightseeing in Ottawa
While you are in Ottawa for the Tulip Festival, why not do a little sightseeing as well? Ottawa has plenty of amazing attractions to explore and things to do, including Parliament Hill, the National Gallery of Canada, and the Canadian Museum of History.
Parliament Hill is an iconic landmark in Ottawa and home to the Canadian government. Take a guided tour to learn more about the country’s history and admire the beautiful Gothic architecture. The Peace Tower is also a must-see, and you can climb to the top for stunning views of the city.
If you’re an art lover, be sure to visit the National Gallery of Canada, which houses an impressive collection of Canadian and international art. From Group of Seven paintings to contemporary works, there’s something for everyone to appreciate.
The Canadian Museum of History is also worth a visit, with exhibits on Canada’s history and culture, including the First Peoples Hall and the Canadian History Hall.
And don’t forget to take a stroll along the Rideau Canal, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a beautiful place to relax and take in the sights. Whether you want to rent a bike, just take a walk along the canal, or take a boat tour, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this historic waterway.
🌷 Tips for Visiting the Tulip Festival in Ottawa
Parking is Limited
Although you will find some parking near Dow’s Lake, it is extremely limited and fills up very early in the day. We would suggest looking for lots that are just outside of the immediate area, or better yet, taking public transportation.
In fact, there is a bus stop right at the corner of Carling & Preston, which is the intersection at the park nearest to the Dow’s Lake Pavillion.
Use the Tulip Trolley
During the Tulip Festival, Gray Line Ottawa is offering a convenient shuttle service between the downtown Ottawa area and Commissioners Park. Known as the “Tulip Trolley,” it will have several convenient stops where passengers can be picked up or dropped off throughout the day.
For this year’s festival, the stops include the Westin Ottawa, the National Gallery of Canada, Fairmont Château Laurier, Lord Elgin Hotel, and Dows Lake (Commissioners Park).
The Tulip Trolley departures are scheduled on the hour for weekdays and roughly every half-hour on weekends (times may vary). The shuttles run from 10 am to 6 pm for the duration of the festival.
The cost per person, per day, is $25 round-trip, or $15 one-way. Please keep in mind that all in-person sales are cash only. Two-way tickets are available online.
Arrive Early in the Morning for Better Photos
As we mentioned earlier, the tulip beds at Commissioners Park get really busy mid-day and into the evening. So if you are looking for that perfect photo or family portrait, your best bet is to go before the festival opens.
Another tip to consider is to visit Ottawa outside of the Tulip Festival dates. The flowers usually begin blooming at the end of April and into May (depending on the weather and the flower variety).
The Ottawa Tulip Festival even has its own Tulip Meter. This site will allow you to go online and check the blooming status of the flowers (much like you can see the fall foliage colour progression on other sites).
See the Tulips at Night
As we outlined above, there are several activities at the Canadian Tulip Festival that occur in the evening hours. We would definitely recommend either staying at or coming back to the venues after dark.
Not only are there fewer crowds, but seeing the flowers under the black light, or highlighted by special spotlights along the path, truly is magical. We definitely regretted not doing this on our first trip to the Tulip Festival.
Carry Some Cash with You
Although many of the larger vendors at the Tulip Festival in Ottawa will accept credit or debit cards, there are still many places that only accept cash. As we mentioned above, the Tulip Trolley is one service that only accepts cash (in person).
We also came across several of the food trucks (like the ice cream trucks) that would only accept cash.
So to avoid any disappointment (and meltdowns – yes we witnessed quite a few), be sure to carry some cash with you during the day.
Respect the Barriers
One very important thing that really needs to be said, although it should be common sense, is to respect the barriers around the flower beds. Don’t let the kids, or the dog, or the person taking your picture, climb into the flower beds.
Not only could you damage the flowers and the bulbs, but you are then also taking away from the experience of all the other festival attendees.
This goes for picking the flowers as well! Don’t do it! If you really want some flowers, there are vendors throughout the market selling locally-grown tulips that are just as beautiful.
🌷 Hotels Near the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa
There are many other hotels to choose from in Ottawa, ranging from budget to luxury options. It is definitely a good idea to book accommodations in advance, as the city tends to be quite busy during the Tulip Festival.
We have put together a carefully curated list of the best hotels near the Canadian Tulip Festival for you to check out. The list includes several options for every budget and type of travel.
🏨 You can also check the prices and availability of all Ottawa hotels here.
🌷 Canadian Tulip Festival – FAQs
The festival typically takes place in May, when the tulips are in bloom. The exact dates may vary from year to year, so be sure to check the festival’s official website for the latest information.
The festival takes place in various locations throughout the city of Ottawa, with the main concentration of tulips being at Commissioners Park on the Ottawa River. There are also tulip displays at other locations throughout the city, including at Dow’s Lake and the Garden Promenade.
Many of the events and activities at the festival are free, but some may require a fee or ticket. Check the festival’s official website or brochure for more information on specific events and pricing.
The festival strives to be accessible to all visitors, with wheelchair-accessible paths and viewing areas at many of the tulip displays. There are also accessible washrooms and parking available.
While dogs are not allowed at Commissioners Park, where the main concentration of tulips is located, they are allowed at other festival events and locations. However, dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.
Yes, you can bring a picnic to enjoy while admiring the tulips. There are also food and drink options available at the festival.
Yes, the festival offers guided tours of the tulip gardens and other attractions. These tours provide a more in-depth look at the history and significance of the tulips and the festival.
Yes, there is parking available at various locations throughout the city. However, parking can be limited and busy during peak festival times, so it is recommended to arrive early or take public transportation.
In addition to admiring the tulips and attending festival events, there are many other attractions to enjoy in Ottawa, including museums, galleries, and historic sites. The festival also coincides with the start of patio season, so you can enjoy a meal or drink at one of Ottawa’s many outdoor dining establishments.
Final Thoughts on Visiting the Ottawa Tulip Festival
The Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa is an exciting event that celebrates the rich history and beauty of the tulip.
Whether you’re looking to explore the stunning tulip gardens, enjoy the nightly blacklight display, catch a movie or learn about the connection between Ottawa and the Netherlands, there’s something for everyone at this festival.
We hope that we have given you plenty of reasons to put the Tulip Festival in Ottawa on your travel bucket list. With over a million tulips in bloom across gardens and displays throughout the city, it really is a sight to behold.
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