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Canada/Things to Do in Ottawa, couple trip

Canadian Tulip Festival (couple trip)

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How Couple-Friendly is Canadian Tulip Festival?

90%Couple-Friendly
View Map

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.

Google
Reviews4.6/ 5
(from 1,837 reviews)
Canadian Tulip Festival ||  Ottawa Ontario  ||  4K Walking Tour  ||  2024
19 min
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Canadian Tulip Festival || Ottawa Ontario || 4K Walking Tour || 2024
3.2K views • 1 year ago
Canadian Tulip Festival - 4K
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Canadian Tulip Festival - 4K
1.8K views • 1 year ago

Positives:

  • Romantic Photo Ops: Colour-blocked tulip beds create intimate backdrops for couple portraits.
  • Evening Ambience: UV-lit boardwalk and sound-and-light shows set a magical after-dark mood.

Challenges:

  • Crowds at Peak Hours: Midday on weekends can get busy; plan an early or late visit to avoid lines.
  • Variable Bloom Times: Tulip peak varies by temperature; confirm bloom updates on the festival site.
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🏖️ Explore Canadian Tulip Festival with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Canadian Tulip Festival. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Canadian Tulip Festival?

  • An annual spring horticultural festival in Ottawa showcasing over 300,000 tulip blooms across multiple city parks
  • A commemorative celebration of the Netherlands' gift of tulip bulbs to Canada in 1945, symbolizing wartime alliance
  • An event organized by the National Capital Commission featuring curated floral exhibitions and cultural installations in venues such as Commissioners Park and Dow's Lake

What is so special about Canadian Tulip Festival for couple trip?

  1. Stroll colour-blocked tulip beds by Dow’s Lake.
  2. Scan QR codes for a self-guided history tour.
  3. Experience UV-lit boardwalks and 9:15 PM light shows.
  4. Paddle an LED-lit tandem kayak at dusk.
  5. Use the Chartwell shuttle cart for quick transport.

Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

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.

(View Canadian Tulip Festival on Map)

Couple-Friendly Activities in Canadian Tulip Festival

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.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Canadian Tulip Festival

  1. Arrive Early: Start at Commissioners Park before 10 AM to enjoy quieter paths.
  2. Use Shuttle Carts: Hop on the $2 people mover to save walking time between far-flung beds.
🏖️ Tour Canadian Tulip Festival like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Canadian Tulip Festival. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Canadian Tulip Festival

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Purba Dutta

Purba Dutta

Oct 2025

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

Vee Bee

Sep 2025

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

Shaik Rahmathullah

Jul 2025

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

jojo johny

Jun 2025

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

Benito Sanchez Henkel

May 2025

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...

When is the best time to visit Canadian Tulip Festival (Ottawa, Canada)?

Visit mid-May for peak blooms. Wear layers and check weather; evenings can be chilly.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Ottawa on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Chartwell People Mover (2 rides)CAD 4
Dows Lake Tandem KayakCAD 298
Coffee & pastry for twoCAD 20
Total EstimatedCAD 322

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Canadian Tulip Festival

Address: Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa, ON K1S 5K7, Canada

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About Canadian Tulip Festival

Opening Hours

Monday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Tuesday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Wednesday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Sunday:10:00 AM – 10:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+1 800-668-8547

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