Tulips in the Capital | Canada's Capital Region (original) (raw)

In late April and May, Ottawa–Gatineau blooms with a dazzling display of colourful tulips. The NCC, Official Gardener of Canada’s Capital, showcases close to one million tulips in Canada’s Capital Region.

The colours and varieties of tulips are stunning. The NCC plants close to 100 different types of tulips in some 40 different locations and 100 flower beds. The tulip season is extended by using early, mid-season and late blooming tulips. Use the Tulip Meter to time your visit!

Types of Tulips

The Tradition Behind the Tulips

The Capital’s tulip tradition is a symbol of the lasting friendship between Canada and the Netherlands. When the Netherlands was invaded during the Second World War, the Dutch Princess Juliana and her family found a safe home in Ottawa. Canadian soldiers also contributed greatly to the liberation of the Netherlands.

At the end of the war, the Dutch people and Princess Juliana expressed their thanks to Canada by sending the Capital thousands of tulips. The gift of tulips is now a yearly tradition and the Capital receives 20,000 tulip bulbs each year from the Netherlands.

Each spring you’ll find the Queen Juliana Gift Bed and the Tulip Legacy Exhibit at Commissioners Park.