For 70 years, Ottawa has hosted the world’s largest tulip festival in the nation’s capital. The festival is in early May and is a tribute to Canada’s role in liberating the Dutch during World War II. The Canadian government welcomed the Dutch Royal Family with open arms during the German occupation of the Netherlands. In return, Canada receives tulips on an annual basis as a token of gratitude and friendship. The tulip is Ottawa’s official flower and today, over 1 million buds will bloom for the festival. 

With over 500,000 annual visitors, the Canadian Tulip Festival not only highlights the beautiful Tulip Route, but also offers fireworks, music, food trucks and much more. 

For details on the calendar of events, maps, information on accommodations, please visit the official website.