Maksym KuzaievThe Canadian Tulip Festival began blooming in 1953, and it’s not merely about lovely flowers—it’s based on a charming tale of global friendship.
The Dutch royal gifted those original tulip bulbs as a gesture of gratitude to Canada for sheltering them during World War II, and it’s been blooming larger and better annually since.
During this event, you’ll wander in a sea of 300,000 tulips. The best part? It’s not just about the flowers; there’s music, delicious food from local vendors, and activities commemorating the special connection between the Netherlands and Canada.
- Things to Know
- Where is the Canadian Tulip Festival held in Ottawa?
- How to Get to Ottawa's Commissioners Park
- What to Do and See in Ottawa's Canadian Tulip Festival
- See and photograph the tulip displays
- Check out the Dutch Pavilion and learn about Dutch culture
- Let the kids loose in the Play Zone at Commissioners Park
- Experience tulips with ultraviolet light at night in the park
- Enjoy daily outdoor movie screenings
- Join the Flower Fun Run
- Take a walk at Dow’s Lake Big Bug Boardwalk
- Visit the tulip market for unique souvenirs and flowers
- Attend the ArtEast Ottawa Boutique and Activities at Dow’s Lake
- Be part of the excitement at the opening and closing ceremonies
- Where to Eat and Drink During the Canadian Tulip Festival
- Where to Stay in Ottawa During the Canadian Tulip Festival
- FAQs about Ottawa’s Canadian Tulip Festival
Things to Know
Dates: May 9 to 19, 2025
Contact: +1 800 668 8547
Cost: Free entry
Where is the Canadian Tulip Festival held in Ottawa?
The Canadian Tulip Festival occurs primarily in Ottawa’s gorgeous Commissioners Park, directly along the scenic Queen Elizabeth Driveway.
The festival atmosphere carries over to Preston Street, where there are even more activities, food stalls, and entertainment. It’s all conveniently within walking distance, so you can stroll around and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere.
How to Get to Ottawa’s Commissioners Park
Closest bus stop: If you’re using public transit, just get on an OC Transpo bus and get off at the Carling Station. From there, it’s just a short walk to the park where all those stunning tulips await.
Driving is another option if you’ve got a ride—just head towards Dow’s Lake and follow the signs to the park. But a little heads-up: parking can be a bit of a scramble when festival vibes are in full swing.
And hey, if you like to bike ride, the park is off the Rideau Canal route, so you can cycle there and enjoy some lovely views along the way!
What to Do and See in Ottawa’s Canadian Tulip Festival
See and photograph the tulip displays
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While at the Canadian Tulip Festival, Commissioners Park is more like a vast ocean of untold colour and flowers, waiting to be had for those dreamy Insta photos. Here, you can, of course, walk through and take it all single-handedly or opt for a walking tour.
These tours are a lifesaver because they tell you all the details about what kind of tulips you’re looking at and some interesting behind-the-scenes facts. If you don’t mind missing peak sun hours for photos, get there early or late afternoon for the fewest crowd.
Check out the Dutch Pavilion and learn about Dutch culture
– Media credit: cdntulipfest
The Dutch Pavilion is another festival stop that you cannot miss, particularly if you’re interested in learning about cultures. It’s like a little trip to the Netherlands right in Ottawa!
At the Dutch Pavilion, you can see all manner of exhibits and activities that reflect Dutch history, crafts, and culture. You’ll undoubtedly want to see the real Dutch cuisine—stroopwafels and cheese tasting are favourites!
They also have some interactive exhibits to try, such as wooden shoe-making demos and traditional performances. Don’t forget to snag some special souvenirs; there always seem to be a bunch of Dutch treats and crafts available to buy.
Let the kids loose in the Play Zone at Commissioners Park
– Media credit: ncta.ca
If you have little ones with you, the Play Zone is a godsend. They have everything from bouncy castles to face painting, so the kids are kept occupied while you sneak in some more tulip-gazing.
The Play Zone is conveniently located in Commissioners Park, so you can’t miss it. There are also plenty of child-friendly activities, such as arts and crafts stations and storytime sessions.
If your children are adventurous, they will enjoy the obstacle courses and games. Just a warning: Some of the activities may have a small charge, but they are well worth it for the enjoyment they will get.
Experience tulips with ultraviolet light at night in the park
– Media credit: bronsoncjmj
After dark, the festival illuminates sections of Commissioners Park with UV lights, causing the tulips to glow in bright, almost otherworldly colours. It’s a funky place for some interesting photos or just an alternative kind of walk.
The UV lights also provide an opportunity to observe details of the flowers that are not visible in daylight.
Enjoy daily outdoor movie screenings
– Media credit: cdntulipfest
The evening outdoor film screenings are a relaxed, good way to wrap up your day at the festival. A large screen is set up in a cosy area of Commissioners Park, and you can bring a blanket or camping chairs to lounge and unwind.
The film schedule typically includes a combination of family classics and new releases, so there is something for all tastes. Just be sure to check the festival schedule for film times and titles so you don’t miss something you particularly want to see.
Join the Flower Fun Run
– Media credit: cdntulipfest
Flower Fun Run is essentially the most colourful, brightest, and floweriest run you could imagine. You’ll be running past gorgeous tulip fields, and it’s truly the perfect way to start your festival experience.
And besides, it’s open to all ages and fitness levels, so don’t worry about not being athletic to enjoy yourself. Oh, and if running isn’t your cup of tea, no worries!
You can walk, jog, or even stroll along the course. You can also pick up some merch or a tasty souvenir to commemorate the event.
Take a walk at Dow’s Lake Big Bug Boardwalk
– Media credit: cdntulipfest
Dow’s Lake Big Bug Boardwalk is precisely what it sounds like—a boardwalk adventure with some giant, whimsical bug installations. Here, you’ll go from one intriguing sculpture to the next, and it’s a total marvel for kids and adults alike.
Aside from the incredible sculptures, strolling on the boardwalk provides some Instagrammable glimpses of the tulip fields and, of course, Dow’s Lake itself. You’ll also notice informative and playful tidbits placed along the way.
Visit the tulip market for unique souvenirs and flowers
– Media credit: cdntulipfest
The Tulip Market at the Canadian Tulip Festival is a must-see. Here, there’s a whole bunch of stalls offering artist crafts, locally produced items, and every type of tulip-themed souvenir.
There’s also an excellent range of potted tulips and bulbs if you want to cultivate your garden. And let’s get real, who would not want a part of their backyard to resemble a mini tulip festival?
Attend the ArtEast Ottawa Boutique and Activities at Dow’s Lake
– Media credit: cdntulipfest
ArtEast Ottawa Boutique is full of creative material that’ll have you looking at tulips differently. Imagine a gallery, but it’s more hands-on—it’s not merely viewing art. There are all hands-on activities like painting class, pottery, or watching live demonstrations.
Be on the lookout for special workshops! They have limited seats, and they are well worth it.
Be part of the excitement at the opening and closing ceremonies
– Media credit: samrat.visuals
You simply must be part of the excitement during the Canadian Tulip Festival’s opening and closing ceremony. The beautiful tulip beds will be revealed during the opening ceremony (watch out for exciting live performances!). There’s always something different every year, so it’s a new experience every time.
And then there’s the closing ceremony—believe me, you won’t want to miss this one either. Expect some fireworks, additional live acts, and activities that’ll have you buzzing for weeks.
Where to Eat and Drink During the Canadian Tulip Festival
Supply and Demand
– Media credit: supply_ottawa
Address: 1335 Wellington St. W.
Phone: +1 613 680 2949
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 5 PM to 10 PM
Good to know: Perfect for intimate dinners or special occasions
Supply and Demand is one of those places where freshness is the highest priority. Their menu is loaded with fresh, local ingredients, and it shows.
For seafood fans, you can’t go past their oysters. And pasta—yes, they have house-made ones like squid ink rigatoni and a tasty squash and goat cheese Ravioli.
You also need to try their Roast Atlantic COD or roast duck breast if you want something more filling. Besides that, everyone always praises their desserts, particularly the caramel custard tart.
Pub Italia
– Media credit: pub_italia
Address: 434 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 232 2326
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 11 AM to 1 AM
- Sunday – 12 PM to 12 AM
Good to know: Perfect for groups and casual hangouts
Pub Italia has this beer Bible full of beers, a 200–page domestic and international beer list, and a couple of wines and cocktails. If you’ve got family or a group with you, you’ll want to order the Voodoo meatballs and the nachos.
Furthermore, their lounge is yours to unwind with friends over a pint and a plate of comforting grub. Their best-selling thin-crust pizzas are also a must-try.
And while you’re there, don’t forget to check out their Vintage Italian Moto Museum—a showcase of vintage Italian motorcycles within the restaurant.
Mill Street Brew Pub Ottawa
– Media credit: millstbrewpubottawa
Address: 555 Wellington St.
Phone: +1 613 567 2337
Pricing: $
Operating hours:
- Monday – 11 AM to 9 PM
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 11 AM to 11 PM
Good to know: Great for casual dining, group hangouts, or with kids
Mill Street Brew Pub is where you head for craft beers and good grub. We’re talking options like their original organic lager, vanilla porter, and tank house ale.
These beers go well with their loaded nachos, tacos, Bang Bang shrimp, or wings. If pizzas are your thing, their stone-baked pizzas won’t disappoint!
Vegetarians are not left out either; the vegetable gyoza and butternut squash ravioli are must-tries. By the way, they also have a great cider if beer is not your thing.
Giovanni’s Restaurant
– Media credit: facesottawa
Address: 362 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 234 3156
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11 AM to 10 PM
- Friday – 11 AM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 5 PM to 11 PM
Good to know: Great for date nights, family dinners, or any special celebration
If you are in the mood for some upscale Italian cuisine, check out Giovanni’s. This restaurant has been serving amazing cuisine since the 1980s.
You can’t go wrong with their osso buco alla Piemontese or the mare e terra, which comes with lobster tail and filet mignon. Their spaghetti alla carbonara is pure heaven for a pasta lover.
They also boast an extensive Italian wine list with almost everything—whites, reds, sparkling wines, you name it.
The Prescott
– Media credit: littleitalyottawa
Address: 379 Preston St.
Phone: +1 613 232 4217
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday – 11:30 AM to 12 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 11:30 AM to 2 AM
Good to know: Great for sports fans, casual nights out, and larger gatherings
The Prescott has been in Ottawa since 1934, and individuals visit here for their meatball sandwiches and square pizza. They also serve fantastic pasta dishes like their lasagna and meatball melt.
To get something satisfying, try the chicken parmigiana or the Prescott Personal platter, which includes a mini pizza and their specialty meatball in a bowl. And, if you’re the type of person who loves to enjoy some friendly fun, they’ve got darts and pool tables.
Where to Stay in Ottawa During the Canadian Tulip Festival
LIV Extended Stay
– Media credit: ottawalenz
Address: 207 Bell St N Suite 100
Phone: +1 855 500 0155
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 4 PM
- Check-out – 11 AM
LIV Extended Stay blends hotel luxury with home convenience. First off, they offer everything from spacious suites to a complete gym.
If you plan on staying longer, this is also the perfect option since you can opt for a room with a kitchen. And, since this hotel is pet-friendly, you don’t need to leave your furry pals behind.
The best part? From here, you’re conveniently proximate to all the tulip activity and a stone’s throw from the Byward Market—a place to spoil yourself with good grub and retail therapy.
Hilton Garden Inn Ottawa Downtown
Address: 361 Queen St.
Phone: +1 613 234 6363
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 4 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
Downtown Ottawa’s Hilton Garden Inn offers cozy rooms and a nice fitness centre. Something you won’t want to leave out is their 24-hour business centre.
And their in-hotel bar? It’s the perfect spot to wrap up the day with a nightcap after glazing at blooms.
The location of the hotel is also a major advantage since you’re within walking distance from Parliament Hill and Rideau Centre.
Holiday Inn Ottawa Dwtn – Parliament Hill
– Media credit: sylvia.leroux2021
Address: 402 Queen St.
Phone: +1 613 236 1133
Pricing: $$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 11 AM
Just a stone’s throw from Parliament Hill, Holiday Inn is ideally situated for relaxation and a little bit of sightseeing. Here, they provide contemporary rooms and good facilities, such as a fitness centre and an on-site restaurant.
If you’re driving in, their secure parking is a stress reliever in the bustling downtown. They also feature a business centre if you need to sneak in some work.
Additionally, they offer occasional cool rewards or promotions, which can provide added value to your stay.
The Business Inn & Suites
Address: 180 MacLaren St.
Phone: +1 844 997 1777
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 4 PM
- Check-out – 11 AM
The Business Inn & Suites has enormous, suite-sized rooms that are practically small apartments—they have a full kitchen, living space, and even a laundry room—perfect for an extended stay!
They also have a mini fitness centre to keep up your routine, and it’s within walking distance from a plethora of must-visit restaurants and attractions.
Ottawa Marriott Hotel
– Media credit: vibes.with.husna
Address: 100 Kent St.
Phone: +1 613 238 1122
Pricing: $$$
Operating hours:
- Check-in – 3 PM
- Check-out – 12 PM
The Ottawa Marriott Hotel is ideally located for attending the tulip festival, and the views from the floor are magnificent—some rooms have outlooks over the beautiful tulip gardens and Parliament Hill!
Speaking of rooms, all are comfortable, with just the right balance of style and comfort. You must take advantage of the amenities here, like the gym, pool, and sauna, which are perfect for relaxing after a long day at the festival.
