The Canadian Tulip Festival was born with the gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs done by Princess Juliana of the Netherlands in 1945 in Ottawa to thank the role Canada played in the liberation of the Netherlands, and they offered refuge in Ottawa, to the members of the royal family during the Second World War. It is the largest of its kind in North America and it also celebrates the arrival of spring flowering public places in Ottawa with a million of tulips of 50 varieties. The greater presence of tulips is in the gardens of Commissioners Park, at Lake Dow but you can also find various appearances of the festival throughout the city. The tulip is the official flower of Ottawa and it also became the floral symbol of international friendship. The international community adds shows to the festival; exhibitions and cultural performances reflecting cultural diversity in the city. This year there is a new covered area, the Aberdeen Pavilion, with a tulip garden and sculptures inside, located at Lansdowne Park.
Tips
Spend 2 days in town, it’s worth it, you can enjoy the day to visit the park and see some shows or just know the city in the evening. There are free concerts, shows, children’s activities, etc.
There is an official opening ceremony with a parade of vintage cars and a closing ceremony with fireworks at Dow’s Lake.
It will be held from May, 10th to May, 20th 2018
