Canadian Tulip Festival, Ottawa

4 more images

In 2011 I visited the Tulip festival again both by Dows Lake and on Majors Hill Park on several occasions.

On Majors Hill Park were the main events, there were international booths in a big tent on the International Plaza, and concerts were held on a stage by the tent. And all over the place there are big colourfully painted wood tulips. There was also a big wooden shoe, where one could sit and have a photo taken. And various paper "dolls" where one could stick one´s head in and have a photo taken. And all kinds of life size grass-"dolls".

What was one of the main photo attractions was a big yellow frame with a grass "doll" where one could have a photo taken. I had my photo taken there with a VT friend "Coollikethat" Laila.

There was even a teepee there and a real Indian showing wood carving. So many fun things to do. A real festival of joy and colours. Highly recommended.

4 more images

In May every year there is a Tulip Festival in Ottawa. It is awesome with thousands of tulips on display in the parks.

The story of the Tulip Festival stems from WW2 when the Dutch Royal family fled from the German invasion in the Netherlands in 1940 to England. Crow Princess Juliana was sent to Canada with her two small children, where they were given refuge in Ottawa. In 1943 princess Juliana gave birth to princess Margriet in a local hospital in Ottawa. Since 1946 the Netherlands have given Canada 100.000 bulbs of tulips and princess Juliana gave an additional 20.000 bulbs of tulips to Canada. Every year thereafter she sent 10.000 bulbs of tulips to Canada.

In 1951 Canada hosted the first Tulip Festival and has hosted it annually since then with ca million bulbs of tulips. The festival lasts for 3 weeks now and is a big event. I was lucky enough to be able to attend the Tulip Festival while visiting Ottawa and it is awesome. More than half a million people attended the festival in 2009! I

In 2011 I visited the Tulip festival again both by Dows Lake and on Majors Hill Park on several occasions. On Majors Hill Park were the main events, there were international booths in a big tent on the International Plaza, and concerts were held on a stage by the tent. And all over the place there are big colourfully painted wood tulips. There was even a teepee there and a real Indian showing wood carving. So many fun things to do. A real festival of joy and colours. Highly recommended.

Canadian Tulips Festival is one of the most awaited festival in Canada and Ottawa in particular. This year 2008, it will be held from May 2 to 19. I invite you to come visit Ottawa and witness the international friendship being the essence of this celebration.

The beauty of the different varieties of tulips numbering millions with attractive colours is an amazing event in and around the historic Rideau Canal to the Parliament building and Ottawa River. This year is so special as it will be the first time that music will be all around with musicians, choirs, community bands, and various multicultural entertainment while you stroll along with the tulips festivities.

For Tulip Route Map and other detailed information, check the website provided below.

Come join us. It's free!

Walking through the Federal Government Area and along the Rideau Canal you can see the beautiful Tulips and other flowers that are grown or planted here. It is really relaxing to just stroll along this peaceful area in the early evening or weekends.

4 more images

Every year, over 3 millions tulips create an exotic mosaic of colour and beauty in the region of Canada's capital -Ottawa-, during this period you can see tulips alomst everywhere in the city going from parliment hill to the Commissioners Park, many sites are created and many events are oraginzed to celebrate the event.
It is just amazing to see all these flowers and walk in tulip fields and gardens that created with lot of attention. If you are not far from ottawa in the middle of May, you have to go to see this. you can't miss it

Sarting early May there are suddenly flowers everywhere...

You don't even have to take part in the official festival events, if you are pressed for time, you can just walk around the city and admire the various colours and views. Tulips are everywhere, but the nicest places to see are Dows lake, Major's Park and Parliament Hill.

The actual festival, however, takes place in May, lasting for about three weeks and offering a variety of activties from concerts and art exhibitions to guided tours. For more info, check the web site.

4 more images

The Canadian Tulip Festival is a must see activity in Ottawa. See thousands of tulips imported from Holland around the Parliament Hill and all over downtown. This is a tradition and an appreciation for helping out the queen of Netherland during the Second World War.

There are many activities around town. Concerts, Dows Lake Parade of Lights is a must also. Dows Lake is located on Carling Avenue at Preston St. Parking can be difficult during the festivities but you'll find one if you look hard enough. I personally recommend Dows Lake over Downtown Ottawa because it's free and easier to approach than downtown. The Tulips are planted at the first week of May and stay at their place even after the festivities are over. For a full schedule, see the website. For more photos, please view the travelouge. Have fun!

In 1945, Canadian troops participated in the Liberation of the Netherlands. Canadians and the Dutch still remember the historic events of that time and celebrate the lasting bonds that were then created between their two countries. A million tulips are the visible symbol of Dutch gratitude for Canadian actions in the last days of the Second World War and of the friendship between Canada and the Netherlands; the tulips bloom every spring in Canada’s Capital Region.

The Tulip Festival is held every year in May. Millions of colourful tulips are planted along the banks of the Rideau Canal, Dow's Lake, Parliament Hill. Some of the tulips are gift from the Dutch government. During WWII, the Canadian government provided shelter for the exiled Dutch royal family. There are concerts, art work, firework and other fun activities throughout the festival.

During the first 3 weeks of May every year, millions of tulips come into bloom in the Capital region. This tradition began in 1945 when Princess Juliana of the Netherlands gave a gift of 100,000 tulips to the City of Ottawa to show her appreciation for their hospitality. The Dutch Royal Family took refuge in Ottawa during the Second World War, and Princess Margriet was born at the Ottawa Civic Hospital, which was temporarily declared Dutch territory so that she could be born on native soil.
The city of Ottawa is always a beautiful place, but during the tulip festival, it is absolutely stunning. There are various events held in connection with the festival, including artisans' fairs and concerts featuring major Canadian talent. This year it looks like Sam Roberts, Big Sugar, Remy Shand, the Rheostatics, Chantal Kreviazuk and the Guess Who (among many others) will be performing. Not to be missed!!!