Canadians know the Tulip festival as an exciting event every spring in Ottawa. What makes it so unique is, it attracts thousands of tourists every year, deprived to watch these magnificent petals. That’s not all, The Tulip festival is also known for its cultural performances that happen alongside the festival. In case, if you’re planning on visiting the festival, this guide will instruct you on everything that is needed to be known regarding the Canadian Tulip Festival, be it on the timing, envisaged activities, or the venues.
What is the Canadian Tulip Festival?
The Canadian Tulip Festival executes International relationships and bonds through Tulips as they are the central emblem of this event. However, apart from efflorescences, the festival captivates the attention of visitors by its culture, and arts. Meaning people of every age can participate with complete joy and pleasure.
Where to enjoy Tulips in Ottawa?
While the tulips are found scattered throughout the city, there are a few must-see spots that have the best displays.
1. Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake
One of the top tulip viewing spots is at Commissioners Park near Dow’s Lake. This area is popular for its colorful tulip gardens which are offered to the Canadian Capital by the National Capital Commission (NCC). This park is home to over a million tulips flowering in an astonishing blend of colors and the park’s backdrop of the lake makes it an ideal place to take photographs.
2. Parliament Hill
Like all the places we have seen so far, Parliament Hill will not be omitted from our itinerary of places to visit. Here, you can find the remarkable Canadian Parliament buildings. During the festival period, the tulips flowers in the vicinity bloom, creating an all-encompassing beauty, simply magnificent and breathtaking. The tulips at this location are planted in a supported fashion to compliment the historical architecture, truly making it a sight to behold.
3. Major’s Hill Park
Another hot-spot is Major’s Hill Park, which is located alongside downtown Ottawa, as well as the Parliament Hill region. The park features myriads of bed tulips of all colors and also gives a great sight to the Canadian landmarks like Chateau Laurier and Rideau canal.
4. The Rideau Canal
The tulip festival has a UNESCO added UNESCO heritage site-The Rideau canal. The tulip festival and the canal combine offer some of the most spectacular scenery you can imagine. While walking, one can observe the canal lined with absolutely stunning bouquets of tulips which is a surreal experience while walking through the city.
What to See and Do at the Canadian Tulip Festival
As noted, the Canadian Tulip Festival is much more than just tulips; it is a culmination of culture, music, and the arts. Here are some of the highlights that you can look forward to:
- Tulip Displays
Without a doubt, the festival’s greatest selling point is the displays themselves. With over one million and an assortment of tulips in bloom, there will no doubt be a beautiful sight to take in. No matter if you are a local flower enthusiast or simply a tourist looking for a stunning background for their selfies, the tulips will surely tickle your fancy.
- Cultural Performances
Along with the tulip displays, the festival includes an array of cultural performances. These include, but are not limited to live music, dancing, and artistic shows all meant to celebrate Canada’s rich multiculturalism. If you like folk music, contemporary dance, and even classical music, the festival will not disappoint.
- Fireworks
The fireworks usually occur on the loudest night on top of the tulip gardens and while the display ignites. No festival is complete without a fireworks show and the Canadian Tulip festival is no exception.
- Art Installations
As part of the festival, there are also different art installations across the city. Most of these pieces are done by local artists and have a theme of tulips or spring. Some interactive installations are even created where guests can interact with the art and co-create it.
- Children’s Activities
The festival is also kid-friendly with numerous activities designed for toddlers and younger. Children can be entertained with face painting, crafts, and various games. There are also a number of playgrounds and picnic spots where families can sit down and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
What Makes The Canadian Tulip Festival Remarkable?
The remarkable Canadian Tulip Festival is not only known for the impressive displays of tulips, but also for the history it represents. The festival is said to have originated in 1945 when the Dutch royal family gifted 100,000 tulip bulbs as a token of gratitude for Canada’s support in the liberation of the Netherlands during World War II. It has since evolved into one of the largest of its kind, representing peace, friendship, and global cooperation.
Visiting The Canadian Tulip Festival:
- Arrive Early: Like any major celebration or festival, weekends tend to attract larger crowds. Determine the dates well in advance so that you may arrive before large groups to appreciate the views with lesser crowds.
- Wear Solid Shoes: As all walks around the city and festival venues require a lot of walking, make sure you pack solid shoes.
- Spring Weather Check: If your visit is intended in spring, check the forecast as it can be extremely volatile. Stay ready to adapt on the change of last minute alterations in the forecast.
- Appreciate The View: Along with the tulips, there are tons of other photogenic spots around the area so make sure to carry your smartphone or camera.
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