Tulip Festival kicks off this weekend in the capital
Posted May 9, 2025 12:20:41 PM.
Last Updated May 9, 2025 12:22:05 PM.
Thousands of flowers are scattered around the nation’s capital to celebrate Ottawa’s Tulip Festival, which is kicking off this weekend.
Each year, flower beds are filled with varieties of tulips in Commissioners Park and along the Rideau Canal. The famous origin story is that the National Capital Commission (NCC) created the beds in 1945 at the end of the Second World War. The first flower gift was from the Netherlands in recognition of Canada’s role in the liberation.
Each year, the Netherlands gifts tulips to the city, showcasing a long-lasting friendship between the two countries.
This year’s flowers are starting to bloom and are rated a 6/10 according to the NCC “tulip meter.” The festival will run until May 19.
Some features of this year’s festival include movies in the park, a Big Bug Boardwalk at Dow’s Lake, Dutch Pavilion, markets and Pilates and Petals.
Queen Elizabeth Drive from Preston Street to Torrington Place will be closed to accommodate pedestrians:
- Saturday, May 10: 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 11: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday, May 17: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
- Sunday, May 18: 10:00 a.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Additionally, a temporary lane closure will happen on Hogs Back on Sunday, May 18 at 9:00 p.m., Hog’s Back Road will also be temporarily closed for the fireworks display.
People can find tulips around the downtown area, with Major’s Hill Park, along Confederation Boulevard and near the National War Memorial some key areas.
