See Ottawa come alive with thousands of beautiful tulips adding colour to the city; a sure sign that this cold winter is behind us. It’s one of my favourite parts of the year as vibrant tulips pop up around town. There are over 300,000 tulips, 60 different varieties, and 30 flower beds where you can view them. From the popular spots to some that might surprise you, here are the best spots to see the tulips in Ottawa.
The Best Time To See The Tulips in Ottawa
The official dates of the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa are May 14th-24th for 2021. This year they’ve already started popping up around town so there’s already plenty you can see around town.
The History of the the Canadian Tulip Festival
Why do we celebrate tulips in Ottawa each year? The Canadian Tulip Festival started because each year the Netherlands send tulips to Canada as a sign of appreciation for keeping the Dutch Royal family safe during WWII. While in exile in Ottawa, Princess Juliana gave birth to Princess Margaret on January 19th, 1943. In 1945, once she returned to the Netherlands, Princess Juliana sent Ottawa 100,000 tulip bulbs for providing a safe haven during the war and to recognize the role Canadian troops played in the liberation of the Netherlands. The tulip symbolizes a historic friendship between the Netherlands and Canada.
The Best Places To See The Tulips in Ottawa
Parliament Hill
There are a few spots to see tulips around Parliament making it one of the best spots to see tulips in Ottawa. As you walk along Wellington you’ll see many flower beds leading up to Parliament. Walk onto the grounds and you’ll also find tulips on the ground of Parliament including right beneath beside the steps. The photo below is from Wellington Street.
Majors Hill Park
In my opinion, Majors Hill Park is one of the best spots to see the tulips in Ottawa. Start in the Park near the Chateau Laurier. Look towards Parliament and you’ll see this bed of tulips with Parliament and the Library of Canada as your backdrop! This is one of my favourite views with the tulips.
From the same flower bed, if you face towards the National Gallery of Canada you’ll get this incredible view.
Keep walking through the park towards Note Dame Cathedral and you’ll see a ton of different varieties of tulips in these flower beds.
Rideau Canal
Bike, run or walk past flower beds of tulips on the Rideau Canal. It’s one of the best spots in Ottawa to see the tulips but it’s also a great way to get between tulip destinations like Majors Hill Park and Dow’s Lake. I’ll often take a day and walk along this very route to see all the tulips.
Dow’s Lake
This is one of the best spots to see the tulips in Ottawa. You’ll see so many different varieties of tulips throughout Commissioners Park besides Dow’s Lake. Browse through thousands of tulips and spot your favourite. Afterward, head to Little Italy for a bite to eat.
Voyageurs Pathway
Walk along the Voyageurs Pathway in Gatineau and you’ll find some tulip beds including near Portage Bridge and the Canadian Museum of History. The great thing about these tulips is that you won’t have the same crowds as on the Ottawa side and you’ll also get a stunning view across the river. Check out the Gatineau Cultural Trail that brings you to art and attractions while you’re there.
Looking for something to do after Tulip Festival? Check out my Ottawa ice cream guide and patio guide.
Julia started Little Miss Ottawa as a way to explore her hometown as a traveller would. She’s always planning her next adventure, whether it’s local or abroad. You’ll find her exploring with her camera in hand. She hopes Little Miss Ottawa helps bring you on new and fun adventures. Happy exploring :)
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