Parking tips for the Canadian Tulip Festival plus how to enjoy dazzling tulip displays on foot, bike, bus, and boat this May.
Every May, Ottawa comes alive with over a million tulips, making the Canadian Tulip Festival one of the top spring events in Canada. This world-famous festival celebrates Canada’s historic bond with the Netherlands, offering breathtaking tulip displays at Commissioners Park, scenic walks, cultural exhibits, and family-friendly activities.
Don’t miss this must-see spring festival in Ottawa, where nature and history come together!
Make the festival extra special and do these activities, too
Deep historical roots: the Canadian Tulip Festival
Since 1953, Canada’s capital has been hosting the Canadian Tulip Festival, which is now the largest of its kind in the world. This popular annual…
Top places to photograph beautiful tulips in Ottawa
Looking for epic tulip photography opportunities in Ottawa? Find out which city parks, attractions and flower farms you should visit this spring.
Fun family-friendly activities this spring in Ottawa
Spring in Ottawa means warmer weather, longer days and tons of family activities. There are endless ways to awaken your senses, including tasting…
Explore Ottawa’s gardens
Explore beautiful urban landscapes full of colourful flora spring through fall, including over 140 garden sites with garden beds, dedicated trees and rare plants.
Family cycling along the Rideau Canal in Ottawa
Stay active as a family while exploring Canada’s capital by cycling the many pathways!
Picnicking in the Ottawa area
Picnics are a fun and easy way to enjoy the beautiful summer weather, and there are new options to try in the Ottawa area! From nibbling on a pre-made…
Cycling in the Ottawa region
Learn about gear rentals, fun tours, great events and picturesque routes within the city and nearby countryside.
Ottawa’s sweets and treats
Ottawa is a very sweet city. Don’t believe us? Try these decadent desserts that Canada’s Capital City has to offer and see for yourself.
Family-friendly restaurants and places to eat in Ottawa
Discover Ottawa restaurants, diners, pubs and self-serve options the whole family will love.
Unique nightlife ideas in Ottawa
Unique nightlife ideas in Ottawa – from museums at night to summertime music festivals and everything in between.
Don’t miss these unique museum-like experiences in Ottawa
It’s no secret: Ottawa is home to some of the best museums in the world. But what other museum-like experiences exist in Canada’s capital? And what wonders do they hold?
FAQs
How to get to the Canadian Tulip Festival from downtown?
You can get to the Canadian Tulip Festival several ways – by taking the bus, light rail, a taxi, walking (approximately a 45-minute walk) or the Tulip Festival Shuttle (tickets required).
How far is the Canadian Tulip Festival from downtown hotels?
The Canadian Tulip Festival at Commissionaires Park is located roughly 3.7km (2.3 miles) from downtown Ottawa – using Parliament Hill as a landmark.
Where to stay near the Canadian Tulip Festival?
The closest hotel to the Canadian Tulip Festival is Soho Residences Ottawa on Champagne Ave S. Note this hotel has a minimum 2-night stay, thoughtfully designed for extended stays. There are many nearby hotels in Ottawa’s downtown and urban neighbourhoods, offering convenient access to the Canadian Tulip Festival.
Where to eat near the Canadian Tulip Festival?
Besides the food stands located at Commissionaires Park, the nearby Little Italy neighbourhood has many wonderful restaurants. Explore this neighbourhood guide for restaurant inspiration.
Canadian Tulip Festival events you can’t miss out on
-
Event calendar
Find out what’s happening in Canada’s capital up to a year in advance by searching our online Event Calendar. -
Canadian Tulip Festival
Welcome spring at the world's largest tulip festival! This popular annual event features massive tulip displays, family fun and more. Over 11 days… -
Mothers Day Flower Fun Run
Walk or run 1K (for kids under 12) or 5K past hundreds of thousands of blooming tulip beds and the Rideau Canal / Dows Lake and raise funds for the…
