Residents and visitors alike can tiptoe through the tulips in Ottawa starting today (May 9) as the the Canadian Tulip Festival returns for its 73rd year. The free event will run for 11 days and feature over 300,000 blooming tulips in 26 gardens, alongside a vibrant lineup of events for all ages.
The year, the festival marks 80 Years of Liberation and Canada’s heroic role in freeing the Netherlands during the Second World War – and the enduring bond that bloomed from it. Special guests will include Canadian Second World War veterans Retired Private John Preece and Honourary Lieutenant-General Richard Rohmer, Canada’s most decorated living veteran.
Opening ceremony
The public is invited to the Official Opening Ceremony on Saturday, May 10 at 10:30 a.m. at the Great Lawn, Commissioners Park. Guests can welcome veterans in a powerful tribute that includes the CAF Central Band, Canadian Remembrance Torch, Army Cadets, and a convoy of vintage military vehicles. A moment of silence and a cannon salute will officially launch the Festival.
In the event of poor weather, the ceremony will take place indoors at HMCS Carleton for the invited dignitaries, with a livestream available at the Main Stage.
New attractions & returning favourites
- Movies in the Park: Twice daily for free outdoor screenings in Commissioners Park.
- Chartwell People Mover: Hop on a golf cart ride around the park for a fun and accessible trip through the tulips.
- Pilates in Petals: Takes place at the Main Stage, led by Club Pilates Westboro.
- The Flower Fun Run: A lighthearted run on Sunday, May 11
- Tulip Legacy Walking Tour: A revamped, theatrical guided tour ($20/person) telling the story of Canada’s wartime sacrifice and the tulip’s meaning.
- BIG BUG Boardwalk: A new, whimsical adventure along Dow’s Lake that highlights the pollinators who make tulip season possible.
Victory Party & Canada’s First Hybrid Drone-Fireworks Show
The Festival culminates in a spectacular Vintage Victory Party on Sunday, May 18 (rain date: May 19), taking visitors back to 1945. “What better way to end the Festival than with a war-era victory bash, followed by a modern salute in the sky?” says Riding.
- Big band orchestra, swing dancers, re-enactors, and military vehicles along Queen Elizabeth Driveway
- The debut of Canada’s first hybrid Drone and Fireworks Show at 9:20 p.m., commemorating the Liberation with lights and sound
- Festivities wrap by 10:30 p.m., with roads reopening by 11 p.m.
Getting there
Due to construction near the Festival site, organizers recommend:
- Parking at Carleton University P7 Lot, with a short walk to the south entrance of the Festival, and a short distance to the Carleton O-Train Stop.
- Take advantage of the O-Train Line 2, which now stops at the Dow’s Lake station, right beside the Festival grounds.
- Accessible parking on Dow’s Lake Road (east side) and drop-off at Dow’s Lake Pavilion roundabout
Full-day adventure
- Park at the Canadian War Museum, explore the Last Voices of the Second World War Exhibit, and use the O-Train from Pimisi Station
- Park & walk from the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, stroll through the Ornamental Gardens and Dominion Arboretum, and walk 20 minutes to the Festival site
- Park in ByWard Market and use the Rideau O-Train Station to reach the Festival site at Dow’s Lake Station
- Park in Little Italy, and use the Corso Italia O-Train Station for a quick trip to Dow’s Lake Station.
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