Ottawa Tulip Festival

Canada’s Capital Shows Colours

OTTAWA’S TULIP FESTIVAL GREAT WAY TO WELCOME SPRING

by Julie V. Watson tulip beds in Ottawa

As the snow disappears and temperatures warm many of us are struck by the desire to treat ourselves and go somewhere. Going on the theory that we should keep our money at home, we are suggesting that you consider going to places right here in Canada. Travel is less expensive is you take advantage of spring and fall rates and there are wonderful things out there to enjoy.

A year or so ago we had the good fortune to be in Ottawa in May, just in time for the Tulip Festival. What a joyous few days it was. Colour - those special beautiful colours of spring - was everywhere. It set the tone for the whole summer.

We took a tour in a van because those drivers know where the most showy beds of tulips are and take you on lovely routes to view them. We also visited the downtown outdoor market, the Parliament Buildings, and so on. In fact since we have friends and family in the region we often end up enjoying the downtown area of Ottawa. It’s a bit of a pain to get to and parking is awful - a good reason to take a taxi. Even if you drive to a mall or hotel and cab it from there, you will be glad to not have the hassle of parking or getting to and fro. You can walk where you wish without the worry of having to walk back to your car. Just call a cab from anywhere. In the Capital it makes sense. So does a tour. Its well worth the $$ for the frustration and time you save.

Now more about the Canadian Tulip Festival. The event in Ottawa has grown into the largest Tulip Festival in the world. It all began with a gift of International Friendship given six decades ago in the fall of 1945. Princess Juliana of the Netherlands presented Ottawa with 100,000 tulip bulbs as a show of appreciation for the safe haven that members of Holland's exiled royal family received here during the Second World War and in recognition of the role which Canadian troops played in the liberation of the Netherlands.

Along with being a wonderful symbol of spring the tulips are important symbols for history buffs, and those who love all things royal. Not only was the Dutch Royal family welcomed to stay at Government House, but Princess Margriet was born at the Ottawa Civic Hospital. To ensure that things royal were maintained properly the hospital room was declared “Dutch soil” and the Netherland flag flew on the Peace Tower. It’s one of those things that makes you proud.

It wasn’t long before the tulips became a popular thing to go see in Ottawa. In just eight years the Canadian Tulip Festival came into being in 1953. Famous people came to open, perform at, or otherwise be involved in the event.

Each spring over 600,000 people from all over North America, Europe and Asia make over a million visits to the Canadian Tulip Festival. What we found amazing was that it never felt crowded during our visit. Of course some of the concerts and other events will attract lots of people, but that isn’t our scene. I found strolling among the tulips, visiting the market, enjoying the tour to some of the amazing buildings and sites to be simply wonderful.

Ottawa, with its Official Flower – the Tulip, has become the Tulip Capital of the North America.

Ottawa is a wonderful city to visit at any time of year. We love the farmers market, with its neat little eateries and different treats to take home. Wonderful area to stroll. Our photo shows some of the outdoor vendors. We also love Parliament Hill. The Mounties are super friendly, the architecture marvellous and the scenery, especially around the back of the Parliament Buildings is a photographers dream. Also check out the museums. Amazing! For a wonderful escape few days check into one of the downtown hotels, park your car and walk.