Canadian Tulip Festival
Every May, over one million tulips burst into bloom across Ottawa, centred around Dow's Lake and Commissioners Park. The festival commemorates the Dutch Royal Family's gift of tulips to Canada after World War II — a living symbol of international friendship and gratitude.
Canadian Tulip Festival is one of Ottawa's signature annual events, drawing visitors from across Canada and beyond.
Book your hotel early — Ottawa festivals fill up fast, and Adam's Airport Inn is just 7 minutes from the terminal with complimentary breakfast and free parking for direct guests.
Getting There from Adam’s Airport Inn
From Adam's Airport Inn, take the Airport Parkway to Highway 417 — it's about 14 minutes by car. Paid parking at Dow's Lake Pavilion.
Why Guests Love This
The Canadian Tulip Festival turns Ottawa into one of the most photogenic cities in North America for three weeks every May. Over one million tulips in bloom across Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake create landscapes that feel designed for the camera. Guests appreciate that the festival is free to attend and perfectly walkable — the main display beds stretch along the canal in a gentle loop. It pairs naturally with a morning visit followed by lunch on the Dow’s Lake pavilion terrace. For travelers arriving in shoulder season, the festival is often the reason to choose Ottawa over other Canadian destinations.
Details
Hours
| May, daily 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM |
Location
Accessibility
Nearby Attractions
Frequently Asked Questions
The festival runs for approximately three weeks in May, typically from the second week through the long weekend at month’s end. Peak bloom depends on spring weather — the festival website and social media channels post daily bloom updates. Mid-May generally offers the fullest displays.
Walking through the tulip displays at Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake is completely free. Some special events, concerts, and workshops during the festival may have separate admission. The core experience — strolling through over one million tulips along the Rideau Canal — costs nothing.
Commissioners Park along Dow’s Lake is the primary festival location with the densest tulip plantings. Major’s Hill Park near Parliament Hill offers another impressive display with the Peace Tower as a backdrop. The grounds around the National Gallery and along the Rideau Canal pathway between Dow’s Lake and Lansdowne also feature extensive beds.
Parking near Dow’s Lake fills quickly on weekends. The Carleton University lots offer overflow parking within walking distance. On weekdays, street parking along Preston Street and surrounding residential areas is usually available. Consider taking a rideshare or OC Transpo from Adam’s Airport Inn to avoid the parking search entirely.
Commissioners Park and Dow’s Lake are approximately 10 km from Ottawa International Airport (YOW). Stay at Adam’s Airport Inn (7 minutes from the terminal) and drive about 15 minutes via the Airport Parkway north to Dow’s Lake. Weekend parking is limited, so arriving before 10 AM or using a rideshare is recommended.
Staying in Ottawa?
Adam’s Airport Inn is just 14 minutes from Canadian Tulip Festival. Book direct for the best rate, complimentary breakfast, and up to 14 days of free parking.
Check Availability