The Canadian Tulip Festival transforms Ottawa into one of the most picturesque destinations in Canada.

The Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates 80 Years of Liberation with the Canadian Army at Commissioners Park.  You won’t want to miss out on this beautiful event!

From May 9th-19th, 2025, the Canadian Tulip Festival at Dow’s Lake will showcase over 300,000 stunning tulips in every shape and colour.

The 73rd edition will honour Veterans of the Year with a special Central Band Parade and the lighting of the Canadian Remembrance Torch.

Highlights at the Canadian Tulip Festival

• Movies in the Park:  Enjoy free showings of popular films daily at 11 a.m., 2 p.m., and 7 p.m.
• Big Bug Boardwalk:  Walk through  a thousand tulips displayed under ultraviolet light, and see the World’s only Blacklight Tulip!
• Free Self-Guided Walking Tour:  Explore different breeds of tulips and discover both the cultural and botanical significance of the festival.
• Tulip Market:  Shop for tulip bulbs, fresh-cut flowers, and handcrafted merchandise made by local artisans.
• Play Zone:  A space for kids and adults alike to unleash their creativity and have fun!
• Food Trucks:  Enjoy delicious food from a variety of food trucks and on-site concessions.

Did you know tulips aren’t originally from the Netherlands?  They come from Central Asia and Türkiye and became famous during the Dutch Tulip Mania in the 1600s!

Tulips are flexible.  While most bloom in spring, some bloom as early as late winter.  When cut, they keep growing in your vase, stretching toward the light and bending for maximum beauty!

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Think you’ve seen it all?  Think again!  Some tulips have frilly edges, and others have stunning green streaks—like the viridiflora variety.  They’re the rock stars of the flower world!

Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the Canadian Tulip Festival this year and enjoy the beauty of these amazing flowers!

For more details and a full list of events, click here.

Published: May 02, 2023 | Updated: January 31, 2025