Spring Into Bloom: Flower Festivals to Visit in Ontario
Spring has arrived in Ontario, and it’s finally time to awaken your senses with the fragrant smell of blooming flowers. This season marks the start of several flower festivals happening across the province.
With rare lilacs, colorful peonies, and tulips galore, there’s no shortage of breathtaking blooms to see!
Canadian Tulip Festival
WHEN: May 12 – 23, 2023
WHERE: Commissioner’s Park, Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 4N7, Canada
Get ready to immerse yourself in a sea of vibrant colors and breathtaking sights at the annual Canadian Tulip Festival!
Running from May 12th to the 22nd, the festival is set to be a showstopper, taking place in the picturesque Commissioners Park in Ottawa.
With 300,000 tulips gifted from the Netherlands, the park is transformed into a floral wonderland with a trail of over a kilometer of blooming tulips. It’s a sight to behold!
Not only is the festival free to attend, but visitors can also explore a range of food trucks if they get hungry during the festivities. You can even indulge in the unique tulip boutique, where you can take home your own piece of the festival.
Warkworth Lilac Festival
WHEN: May 27 – 28, 2023, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: Millennium Lilac Trail, Main St, Warkworth, ON K0K 3K0, Canada
Escape the hustle and bustle of city life and indulge in the charm of the small town of Warkworth, located just a short 90-minute drive from Toronto. The town comes alive each spring with the annual celebration of lilacs, attracting visitors from all over Ontario.
Stroll along the Millennium Lilac Trail and be enchanted by the rare and stunning lilacs in bloom. With an array of colors and fragrances, you won’t be able to resist taking a deep breath and indulging in their sweet aroma.
The festival offers a range of activities, including local vendors selling handmade crafts and delicious food to fuel your exploration. Plus, children can enjoy a variety of activities and entertainment, including musicians who will be performing live.
Don’t miss out on this enchanting celebration of lilacs. It’s the perfect opportunity to escape the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature!
Oshawa Peony Festival
WHEN: June 10 – 11, 2023, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
WHERE: Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, 155 Arena St, Oshawa, ON L1J 4E8, Canada
Looking for a blooming good time? Don’t miss the Oshawa Peony Festival on June 10th and 11th at the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens.
You’ll find the flower show floor open on June 10th at 11 AM after the judging, so be sure to stick around for the opening ceremonies on the main stage.
Stroll through the west side of the creek to check out the market and artisan vendor zone, or head over to the east side of the creek across the bridge for Food Truck Alley.
Children will love the free activities available, including a Bugs and Beetles display, while everyone can enjoy the music performances and contests throughout the festival!
High Park’s Cherry Blossoms
WHEN: Late April – Mid May
WHERE: High Park, 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada
The magic of High Park’s west-end nature oasis is always amplified by the stunning pink and white blooms of the Japanese Sakura trees. If you’re a local, you already know that the park becomes a buzzing hub of activity when the Sakura blooms are at their peak.
But for those who don’t know, this stunning event typically takes place between late April and early May. When the Sakura trees are in full bloom, the park is a feast for the senses.
The canopy of pink and white petals creates a dreamy atmosphere, and it’s no wonder that people from all over the world flock to High Park to witness the beauty of Hanami. Hanami is the centuries-old Japanese tradition of flower viewing.
The park itself is also the perfect place for a picnic or leisurely stroll, and with so many Sakura trees, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the blooms.
Keep in mind that this is the busiest time of year for the park, so you may want to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid crowds.