The 10 Most Exciting Activities You Can Do in Ottawa’s Tulip Festival
Ah, the Ottawa Tulip Festival. One of the most famous and significant events not just in the capital city but in Canada as a whole.
Regardless if you are a certified flower fanatic or just love to view them, there’s no denying that the millions of tulips all over the city are straight-up gorgeous.
They further enhance Ottawa’s natural beauty, and it’s one of the reasons why over 650 million people from all over the world make the journey to the capital.
There are plenty of fun things to do at the festival, from taking a stroll down the parks and Rideau Canal to attending the exciting events that are open to everyone.
Having attended several of these activities myself, there’s no objective way of saying which ones are the best. What I can tell you, though, are things that you will surely enjoy.
Now, allow me to tell you everything you need to know about this special occasion. So, let’s dive in!
When is the Tulip Festival in Ottawa?
The Tulip Festival in Ottawa typically takes place in the springtime, usually during the month of May.
However, it’s always a good idea to check the official festival website or local event listings for the exact dates, as they may vary slightly from year to year.
Where does the Tulip Festival take place in Ottawa?
The heart of the Tulip Festival is Commissioners Park, located near Dow’s Lake in Ottawa. This park is transformed into a stunning display of tulips in various colors and varieties.
Not only that, the event extends to other parts of the city, such as the ByWard Market area, where you can find tulip-themed artwork and festivities.
Are there admission fees to attend the Tulip Festival?
The Tulip Festival in Ottawa is free for everyone. Visitors are welcome to explore the grounds, admire the tulip displays, and participate in many of the activities without any admission fees.
However, there may be charges for certain special events or workshops, so it’s advisable to check the festival’s website or specific listings for any associated costs.
Activities You Can Do in the Tulip Festival
Now that we’ve talked about the basics of the occasion let’s move on to its activities, shall we? Here are some that I recommend that you do.
Participate in the Tulip Legacy Walking Tour.
One of the more popular attractions in the festival is ‘The Tulip Legacy Walking Tour.’
Once you sign up for this tour, you will be taken on a delightful adventure around Ottawa’s tulip-filled history. You will start off at Dow’s Lake, soaking in the scenic beauty, and then you will bear witness to the riot of colors that emerge each spring.
Along the route, captivating stories and anecdotes will reveal how the tulip became a symbol of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.
Next, you will venture into the vibrant ByWard Market neighborhood, where tulip-inspired street art adds a creative touch to the city’s floral heritage.
In this part of Ottawa, you will be able to unravel hidden gems, such as tucked-away parks and charming gardens, which unveil their own tulip-filled surprises.
You will also be able to test your tulip knowledge with interactive trivia games in the middle of the tour and capture the beauty of the tour through photography.
As you end your adventure, raise a toast to the tulips and their incredible legacy at a local café or pub. You can even share your favorite moments and engage in lively conversation with fellow tulip enthusiasts.
I think that The Tulip Legacy Walking Tour in Ottawa offers a captivating experience that anyone interested in the city’s history should participate in. It uncovers the rich history, hidden treasures, and fascinating tales surrounding the capital’s beloved tulips.
Have a delicious cup of tea on the festival grounds.
I love to have a cup of tea whenever I’m at the Tulip Festival in Ottawa. It adds to the magical atmosphere, and it’s a calm and charming experience regardless if you are on the event grounds itself or in a nearby cafe.
The sweet smells of blooming tulips and newly brewed tea fill the air. Tulip-themed decorations adorn the surroundings, creating a whimsical ambiance.
When you look at the tea menu, you’ll see that there are a lot of choices, from classic black teas to fragrant herbal mixes. Each one was chosen to fit in with the flowery setting.
You can take a sip of tea with flowers in it, like rose petals or chamomile, to help you get into the festive mood. As you drink, take in the captivating scene around you—the vibrant colors, animated conversations, and the soothing warmth of the beverage.
Don’t hesitate to talk to the other locals and tea lovers on the festival grounds. They are more than willing to hear your stories and share some of their own.
They will most likely show you some neat tips to enhance your enjoyment of your festival and lead you to the various attractions.
After that, you can enjoy the last few sips of your tea while taking a leisurely walk through the fairgrounds to see the tulips in full bloom.
During the Tulip Festival, the tea experience lets you get into the spirit of the event, make new friends, and enjoy the beauty of the flowers in quiet times.
Go shopping at the Tulip Festival markets.
During the Tulip Festival, prominent locations such as the ByWard Market join in on the festive spirit.
You can take a look at diverse offerings as you peruse unique handicrafts, handmade jewelry, and artistic creations inspired by the tulips themselves.
From delicate tulip-themed pottery to intricately woven textiles, these local treasures make for perfect souvenirs or heartfelt gifts to cherish.
After looking at these items, you can then satisfy your taste buds and discover a world of culinary delights, ranging from delectable treats to savory bites.
These tasty treats include freshly baked pastries, international cuisine, and mouthwatering street food creations.
Don’t forget to try the tulip-themed delights that add an extra touch of whimsy to your gastronomic journey.
Then once you resume shopping, why not try engaging with the vibrant market vendors? They are all eager to share details about their artistic processes and delve into the local traditions and inspirations that infuse their creations.
Listen to the tales of the tulips.
As you delve into the Tulip Tales, prepare to be transported back in time. Here, you will discover the captivating story of how the tulip became an enduring symbol of friendship between Canada and the Netherlands.
You will hear tales of Princess Juliana’s heartfelt gratitude and the annual gift of tulips that began this beloved tradition.
As you listen to these stories, your mind will visualize the day when these beautiful flowers arrived on Canadian soil, forging a joyful bond between the two countries that continues to flourish to this day.
Besides the story of Canada and the Netherlands’ relationship, you can also listen closely to local enthusiasts and storytellers. They will regale you with anecdotes and legends that surround the tulips.
Each of these passionate individuals will tell you about the tulip’s rich cultural significance and how it has weaved its way into Ottawa’s history.
The stories will help you uncover tales of resilience, hope, and the power of nature’s beauty to inspire and unite communities.
Ride a bike alongside the many blossoms.
If you truly want to experience the blooming tulips during the festival, hop on a bike and explore the city.
The streets come alive with the vibrant colors of the flora lining your path, creating a picturesque landscape that is both breathtaking and invigorating.
You’ll witness a symphony of sights and sounds when you pedal through the festival grounds.
Not only that, but you will also hear the cheerful chatter of fellow cyclists, the laughter of families exploring the tulip displays, and the soft whispers of tulip petals swaying in the breeze.
Every turn reveals a new kaleidoscope of colors, with tulips in various shapes and sizes transforming the city into a living, blooming canvas.
As you meander through the designated bike routes, don’t be surprised if you find yourself caught up in impromptu moments of delight. Perhaps you’ll stumble upon a hidden tulip-filled nook or find a charming park bursting with blooms.
I also recommend that you take your time and don’t rush throughout the city. Let yourself pause for a bit, soak in the beauty around you, and capture those picture-perfect moments to cherish forever.
Hop aboard the Tiny Tulip Train.
The Tiny Tulip Train is a whimsical and delightful feature of the Ottawa Tulip Festival that adds charm and excitement to the festivities.
This enchanting train captures the hearts of both young and young-at-heart, inviting you to hop aboard for a delightful ride filled with laughter and wonder.
As you step onto the Tiny Tulip Train, you’ll see a vibrant, whimsically decorated train car adorned with tulip-themed embellishments and colorful accents.
Once you make yourself comfortable in your seat, get ready to embark on a magical adventure through the tulip-filled wonderland that surrounds you.
As the train sets off, a sense of excitement and anticipation fills the air. The train weaves its way through the festival, offering a unique perspective of the stunning tulip displays.
Just imagine the joy of gliding past rows of blooming tulips, their vibrant colors creating a breathtaking landscape that seems straight out of a fairytale. It’s truly an experience you would want to experience for yourself.
At the end of the day, this enchanting train ride captures the hearts of both young and young-at-heart. It invites you to hop aboard for a delightful ride filled with laughter and wonder that you will remember for the rest of your life.
Enjoy movies in the park with your friends and family.
Ever watched a movie in a park before? If not, this is your chance! The festival features free movie screenings at 2:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
As the big outdoor screen comes to life and lights up the park with movie magic, the air is filled with excitement. The park is turned into an open-air theater, with flowers and nature serving as the setting for a night of movie fun.
When the movie starts, you’ll feel a buzz of energy. Families, friends, and other people at the festival get together, ready to go on a trip together through stories.
The audience’s laughs and gasps blend well with the rustling of the leaves and the smell of fresh popcorn carried on the breeze.
During this time, let yourself be engrossed in the movie’s interesting plot and watch as the story unfolds in beautiful settings.
The flickering light from the screen dances on the faces of the crowd, making a mesmerizing tableau of feelings and shared experiences.
It’s an amazing moment when the lines between the movie and real life start to blur, and you find yourself in the movie world surrounded by gorgeous blooms.
In between the scenes, give yourself a moment to look around and observe the setting. The soft glow of the tulips gives the movie atmosphere a touch of whimsy and natural beauty.
If you can find them, try talking to other people who love movies and share your thoughts, laughs, and suggestions. This shared experience gives people a feeling of being in it together and makes relationships that go beyond the screen.
Capture memories of the festival with your friends and family.
The art of capturing moments at the Tulip Festival in Ottawa, where beauty blooms and every corner, simply features many picture-perfect moments.
As you walk through the grounds, you’ll see a kaleidoscope of bright colors, funny displays, and beautiful tulip scenery.
You’ll see breathtaking scenes at each step that beg to be photographed. This is your chance to be creative and capture the spirit of this magical event.
From close-ups of delicate tulip petals to wide-angle shots of tulip fields, there are many photo chances at the festival.
First, let your camera explore the small, detailed details, the way light and shadows play with each other, and the dynamic compositions that pop up around every corner.
After that, you can use your device to help you express your artistic vision and watch as it turns brief moments into treasures that will last forever.
Finally, engage your senses as you prepare your shots. Inhale the sweet smell of the tulips, feel the soft breeze on your skin, and let the happy laughter of other people at the fair inspire you.
Try out different angles, points of view, and focal lengths to catch the festival’s spirit and energy in a way that is unique and interesting.
Make sure to take pictures of the people at the event as well as the tulips. You can capture the joy on a child’s face as they look at a lovely flower, the laughs between friends, or those natural, unplanned moments that happen during a party.
During the Tulip Festival, these small moments of human connection and feeling are the threads that make up the tapestry of memories.
Don’t be afraid to go in a different direction. There are secret nooks and crannies around the festival, less well-known tulip displays, and quiet corners where you might find the beauty you didn’t expect.
In these secret gems, you can see things from a different point of view and take photos that stand out.
Take a look at the tulips during the dusk.
No matter how you look at it, the tulips of Ottawa are gorgeous. But if you want an entirely different experience, I highly suggest that you look around the area once the sun sets.
When the evening approaches, the festival grounds take on a dreamlike ambiance. The fading daylight casts a soft, golden glow upon the tulips, transforming them into ethereal beauties.
Their blooming colors seem to intensify, creating a gorgeous display that is truly a feast for the eyes.
When you take a stroll along the tulip-lined paths, you will have your breath taken away as the dusky hues envelop the surroundings.
The air is filled with a sense of tranquility, and the gentle rustle of leaves adds a calming soundtrack to the scene. It’s as if the tulips themselves are preparing to bid farewell to the day and welcome the night in a graceful dance of colors.
As you meander through the festival, you’ll encounter pockets of tulip displays that seem to come alive under the twilight sky.
The delicate petals catch the last rays of sunlight, creating a stunning interplay of light and shadow. Each turn reveals a new tableau, inviting you to pause and savor the beauty that unfolds before you.
At dusk, the tulips seem to take on a mystical quality. As the darkness deepens, the festival grounds are bathed in a warm glow, adding an extra layer of enchantment to your experience.
It’s a moment where nature’s beauty and the artistry of creative minds converge, leaving you with a sense of wonder and awe.
And the magic doesn’t end there! As the sun bids its final adieu, the festival grounds come alive with twinkling lights that illuminate the tulips and create a captivating ambiance.
This moment will help you to bask in the mesmerizing glow and let the twinkling lights add an extra touch of whimsicality to your evening adventure.
Don’t be surprised if you find yourself lost in the beauty of the twilight tulips, capturing one last photograph to preserve the memory of this magical moment.
And as you bid farewell to the festival for the night, the blooms seem to whisper a sweet promise to return tomorrow, eager to enchant you once again.
Attend the energetic live performances.
If there’s one word I can use to describe the live musical performances at the festival, it’s electrifying. Every day for the duration of the event, there will be expert performers who will play symphonies of soul-stirring music.
The stage comes to life with a diverse lineup of musicians and bands, ready to serenade you with an eclectic mix of sounds and genres. You can listen to beats of soulful jazz, toe-tapping folk, and everything in between.
No matter your tastes, the live music performances cater to a wide range of musical preferences, ensuring there’s something for every festival-goer to groove to.
As the first chords reverberate through the air, the collective excitement builds, and the crowd becomes a dynamic chorus of cheers and applause.
It’s a moment of unity, where strangers become fellow music enthusiasts, brought together by the magical power of music to uplift spirits and ignite emotions.
Tips for Enjoying the Festival to Its Fullest
While you can enjoy the festival without much planning, I think that preparing for your trip is going to make a massive difference. I recommend that you do these things first so you can have the best experience possible.
Make plans ahead of time for your festival visit.
Check the official festival website or listings for the dates and any special events or activities happening during your visit. I like to visit on weekdays or arrive early in the day to avoid larger crowds.
Dress yourself in comfy clothing.
Ottawa’s spring weather can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to dress in layers and wear comfortable shoes for walking. I recommend that you be prepared for both sunshine and potential rain showers by bringing a light jacket or umbrella.
Bring a quality camera to create some beautiful memories at the festival.
The Tulip Festival offers countless photo opportunities. Don’t forget to bring a camera or a smartphone with some great lenses to capture vibrant tulips, picturesque landscapes, and memorable moments.
Also, make sure you charge your devices the day before and bring extra batteries or a portable charger.
Arrive early so you don’t have to contend with the incoming crowd.
If you want to beat the crowds and have a more peaceful experience, consider arriving early in the morning.
This allows you to explore the festival at your own pace, take advantage of better photo opportunities, and have a chance to interact with event organizers and performers before the rush.
Explore the spaces beyond Commissioners Park.
While Commissioners Park is the epicenter of the festival, don’t be afraid to venture out and explore other areas of Ottawa that participate in the festivities.
Visit the ByWard Market, and nearby parks, or take a stroll along the Rideau Canal to discover additional tulip displays and related activities.
Engage with the culture.
Take the time to attend live performances, art exhibitions, and workshops that showcase the local culture and tulip-inspired creativity.
Don’t rush things, and just let yourself be immersed in the festive atmosphere. Once you feel the energy flowing through you, interact with the crowd, artists, and performers, and learn more about the history and significance of the tulips.
Try the tulip-themed treats that you can find.
There are plenty of culinary delights for you to try out during the festival. As you explore the grounds, look out for tulip-themed treats like pastries, ice creams, or beverages, which add an extra touch of whimsy to your experience.
Don’t forget to explore the local food scene in Ottawa and sample some of the city’s renowned culinary offerings.
Take breaks and relax so you don’t tire out.
The festival can be quite busy, so take breaks when needed. There are plenty of cozy spots in the park or nearby cafes for you to sit, relax, and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
While you relax, you can still take in the sights, sounds, and scents of the tulips while enjoying a snack or beverage.
Respect the flowers and the environment around you.
While enjoying the festival, be mindful of the tulips and the environment. Avoid picking or trampling the flowers, and follow any instructions or guidelines provided by the organizers.
Help keep the festival grounds clean by using designated trash and recycling bins.
Embrace the festive spirit and just have fun!
With everything I mentioned, just embrace the joy and spirit of the event. Make an effort to engage with fellow festival-goers, strike up conversations, and share the experience with friends and family.
Let the tulips inspire you and create lasting memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.