The Canadian Tulip Festival (May 7 to 24, 2010) opened in Ottawa, Ontario, yesterday but if you're planning to catch the three million bulbs on display, better hurry. Many of them are already in full bloom.
Tulips have long been a symbol of Canada's bond with the Netherlands, a gesture of friendship and gratitude that began with a substantial gift of tulips to the people of Canada by the Dutch royal family, some of whom found safe haven in Ottawa during the Second World War.
The 2010 festival is a special 65th anniversary commemorative celebration of the role played by Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands. This year, it also fetes the 100th anniversary of the Canadian Navy.
Follow the Tulip Route on your own or participate in ticketed events with a Tulip Passport that provides $500 worth of value (including free admission to many museums and galleries, discounts at restaurants and spas, as well as a gift from the Tulip Boutique) for just $20.
The Canadian Tulip Festival is one of Ottawa's top attractions, making May an optimal time to visit.
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Ottawa is a five hour, 453 kilometre drive from Toronto along the 401 and 416 highways. It is also serviced by bus and Via Rail. For tips on where to eat, click here.
For more information on travel to Canada's national capital region, visit Ottawa Tourism's website or call 888-OTTAWA-8.
For more impressions of Ottawa and other fun places, visit my blog.
Comments
I've been there already, the displays are fantastic, really worth seeing!
Looks gorgeous...I wonder how they stop the squirrels from eating all the bulbs?
You know, I spent a lot of time walking around the parks and I don't remember seeing any squirrels. Great question!
I knew Ottawa had tulips but I never realized it was so closely linked with the Netherlands. Duh! Thanks for an insightful article.
I am fairly new to gardening and tend to watch all my plants wither and die within days of getting them home. I have since given up gardening, but this article makes me want to pick up the trowel and get back in the dirt to plant some tulips!
Looks like the City of Toronto has been taking notes. I've noticed a lot of new mass tulip plantings around the city, especially along the Kingston Road corridor east...
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