What makes it 90% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy picnics, romantic photos, dusk kayak or UV boardwalk, plus fireworks; scenic free park is easy to stroll hand-in-hand, though seating is limited so bring a blanket.
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Couples can cover main floral displays and enjoy an evening light show in a half-day visit.
Picnic & Photo Stroll:
Lay a blanket by Dow’s Lake amid colour-blocked tulip beds.
Tip: Arrive at golden hour for softer light on flowers and selfies.
Self-Guided Legacy Tour:
Scan QR codes to learn the festival’s history at your own pace.
Tip: Use the festival app to bookmark your favourite varieties for later.
Blacklight Boardwalk & Sound-and-Light Show:
Walk a UV-lit path and catch the nightly 9:15 PM light show.
Tip: Plan to arrive 15 minutes early to secure a front-row spot.
Dows Lake Kaleidoscope Kayaking:
Paddle an LED-lit tandem kayak for a unique lake view of blooms.
Tip: Book online in advance to guarantee an 8 PM slot.

Purba Dutta
The Tulip Festival is a stunning experience with thousands of colorful blooms spread across beautiful gardens. The displays are well organized, perfect for photos, and there’s plenty of space to walk and enjoy the scenery. The historical connection to Canada’s bond with the Netherlands adds meaning to the visit. Family-friendly, peaceful, and a great way to welcome spring. A must-see if you’re in ...
Vee Bee
This was my first time at the Ottawa Tulip Festival and despite the rain and cooler temperatures that long weekend, we enjoyed our time there and also caught the fireworks and drone show in the evening. The only downside was the parking because of how busy it was and construction areas that limited some of the street parking that were closer to walk. Try to bring lawn chairs and get a good spot fo...
Shaik Rahmathullah
The Tulip Festival 2025 Wonderful. Awesome 👌. There are certain things that can not be explained. It can only get experienced! At least, one visit is required to understand and experience nature's gift.
jojo johny
We recently visited the Canadian Tulip Festival at Commissioners Park in Ottawa, and it was a lovely experience overall! The park was filled with a beautiful variety of tulips in full bloom—vibrant colors, unique patterns, and neatly arranged flower beds that made for some great photo opportunities. That said, about 10% of the tulips hadn’t bloomed yet, which was a little noticeable in a few sect...
Benito Sanchez Henkel
The 2025 Ottawa Tulip Festival (May 10–20) was a fantastic experience! Beautifully planned and well-executed, with vibrant displays throughout the city. The event was fully accessible, with plenty of parking and convenient commuting options via transit or bike. It’s a short-lived magic—blooms only last a couple of weeks—so it’s worth making time to catch it while it’s on. A true spring highlight i...
Visit mid-May for peak blooms. Wear layers and check weather; evenings can be chilly.
Explore These Activities
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Chartwell People Mover (2 rides) | CAD 4 |
| Dows Lake Tandem Kayak | CAD 298 |
| Coffee & pastry for two | CAD 20 |
| Total Estimated | CAD 322 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Address: Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada
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