Last Updated: December 31, 2025
Every May, something extraordinary happens in Ottawa: over one million tulips burst into bloom across the capital, transforming ordinary parks and pathways into a living canvas of crimson, gold, violet, and every shade between—a breathtaking gift that began with a princess, a war, and an act of gratitude that continues to this day.
I remember the first time I saw Ottawa in tulip season. I had moved to the city in winter, convinced that the frozen capital would never thaw. Then May arrived, and suddenly the grey landscape I had grown accustomed to exploded with colour. Walking along the Rideau Canal, I rounded a corner near Dow’s Lake and stopped dead in my tracks. Three hundred thousand tulips stretched before me in undulating waves, their petals catching the morning light like stained glass. An elderly Dutch woman stood nearby, tears streaming down her face. “My mother sent the first bulbs,” she told me quietly. “After the war.”
That moment taught me what tulips mean to Ottawa—and why this isn’t just another flower show. This is living history. This is gratitude made visible. And if you know where to look and when to go, it can be one of the most moving experiences you’ll have in Canada.
Key Highlights
TL;DR: Ottawa’s tulips bloom mid-May across multiple free locations. Commissioner’s Park at Dow’s Lake has 300,000+ tulips but massive crowds—visit Major’s Hill Park for fewer people and Parliament views. Go early morning on weekdays, take the O-Train (parking is a nightmare), and check the NCC Bloom Meter before visiting.
| Quick Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 📅 Peak Bloom | Mid-May (typically May 10-20) |
| 📍 Main Location | Commissioner’s Park, Dow’s Lake |
| 🎟️ Cost | FREE admission everywhere |
| 🌷 Tulip Count | 1,000,000+ across Ottawa region |
| 🏆 Status | World’s largest tulip festival |
| ⏰ Best Time | Weekday mornings, 6-9 AM |
| 🚇 Transit | O-Train Line 2 to Dow’s Lake Station |
| 📷 Best Photo Spot | Major’s Hill Park (Parliament backdrop) |
The Story Behind the Tulips: A Gift Born from War
Tulips bloom each spring against the backdrop of Parliament Hill—a living memorial to Canada’s role in WWII
Before you chase the perfect photograph or plan your visit, you need to understand why these flowers matter. Because once you know the story, every tulip you see will mean something different.
A Princess in Exile
In May 1940, Nazi Germany invaded the Netherlands. As German tanks rolled through Dutch streets, Crown Princess Juliana—heir to the throne—fled with her two young daughters. King George VI offered refuge in England, but Juliana wanted her children far from the bombs. She chose Ottawa.
For four years, the Dutch Royal Family lived quietly in the Canadian capital. Princess Juliana attended church at the Dutch Reformed congregation, shopped at local markets, and tried to give her daughters something resembling a normal childhood while their homeland burned.
Then, in January 1943, Juliana went into labour with her third child.
The Hospital Room That Became Dutch Soil
What happened next was extraordinary. For Princess Margriet to remain in the line of succession to the Dutch throne, she needed to be born on Dutch soil—an impossibility for a family in exile. The Canadian government found a remarkable solution: they passed an act declaring the maternity ward at Ottawa Civic Hospital to be temporarily extraterritorial—neither Canadian nor Dutch soil, but something in between. When Margriet was born on January 19, 1943, she remained fully Dutch.
It was a small gesture. A legal technicality. But to the Dutch, it meant everything.
The Canadian flag at Parliament Hill flew at half-mast the day Margriet was born—the only time in history the flag was lowered for a foreign royal birth. The Dutch government-in-exile broadcast the news to occupied Netherlands, a small flame of hope in the darkness of occupation.
Liberation and Gratitude
Two years later, Canadian soldiers landed in the Netherlands as part of the liberation of Europe. The fighting was brutal. Over 7,600 Canadian soldiers died liberating the Netherlands—more than 5,000 in the final months of the war alone. Entire Dutch cities were reduced to rubble. Thousands of civilians starved during the Hongerwinter (Hunger Winter) of 1944-45.
When the guns finally fell silent, the Dutch people remembered. They remembered the Canadian soldiers who gave their lives. They remembered the country that had sheltered their princess. They remembered the hospital room that became Dutch soil.
In 1945, Crown Princess Juliana sent 100,000 tulip bulbs to Ottawa.
The Tradition Continues
Every year since, the Netherlands has sent tulip bulbs to Canada. Today, the annual gift totals 20,000 bulbs—10,000 from the Dutch Royal Family and 10,000 from the Dutch Bulb Growers Association. The first official Canadian Tulip Festival was held in 1953, organized by the legendary Ottawa photographer Malak Karsh, whose iconic tulip images later appeared on Canadian postage stamps.
Princess Margriet—the baby born in that makeshift Dutch hospital room—is now 82 years old. She has returned to Ottawa multiple times for the festival, walking among the flowers that exist because of her birth. When asked about her connection to Canada, she once said: “I was born in freedom because of Canada.”
That’s what you’re looking at when you see Ottawa’s tulips. Not just flowers. Freedom.
Where to See Tulips in Ottawa: Location-by-Location Guide
Ottawa’s tulips aren’t confined to one park. The National Capital Commission (NCC) plants them throughout the region, creating a patchwork of colour that rewards exploration. Here’s where to find them, ranked by bloom density and experience quality.
1. Commissioner’s Park at Dow’s Lake — The Main Event
Over 300,000 tulips bloom at Commissioner’s Park, making it the largest display in North America
Commissioner’s Park is ground zero for Ottawa’s tulip explosion. Located along the western shore of Dow’s Lake, this kilometre-long stretch hosts over 300,000 tulips planted in 26 distinctive flower beds. It’s the main venue for the Canadian Tulip Festival and draws the largest crowds.
What You’ll Find:
- 300,000+ tulips in 26 curated beds
- 100+ tulip varieties representing 50+ colours
- Early, mid, and late-blooming cultivars mixed for extended bloom window
- Direct waterfront access along Dow’s Lake
- Festival vendors, food trucks, and entertainment during festival weeks
- The Queen Juliana Gift Bed featuring pink and purple tulips (Her Majesty’s favourites)
- “Man with Two Hats” statue commemorating Canadian soldiers
The Reality Check: Commissioner’s Park is spectacular—but it’s also a zoo. On weekends during peak bloom, the pathways become human traffic jams. One Reddit user described the experience bluntly: “Beautiful but expect massive crowds on weekends. The park’s footpaths felt like traffic lanes; I could barely move.” Washroom queues can exceed 30 minutes. Parking fills by 10 AM.
How to Beat the Crowds:
- Visit on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday
- Arrive at sunrise (5:30-6:30 AM) for empty paths and magical light
- If weekends are your only option, arrive before 8 AM
- Skip the opening and closing weekends—mid-festival weekdays are ideal
Getting There:
- O-Train Line 2 to Dow’s Lake Station (5-minute walk)
- Limited parking at 301 Preston Street (60 spaces—fills quickly)
- Bike via Rideau Canal Western Pathway
For complete Dow’s Lake details including restaurants and boat rentals, see our Dow’s Lake Ottawa Complete Guide.
2. Major’s Hill Park — The Photography Sweet Spot
If you’re here to take pictures—and let’s be honest, most of us are—Major’s Hill Park is the place locals recommend over Commissioner’s Park. The tulip count is smaller, but the backdrops are infinitely better.
What Makes It Special:
- Tulips framed against Parliament Hill and the Peace Tower
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica as backdrop
- National Gallery of Canada visible in compositions
- Views of Ottawa River and Gatineau Hills
- Significantly fewer crowds than Commissioner’s Park
- Walking distance to ByWard Market
The Photography Advantage: Commissioner’s Park gives you tulips with water behind them. Major’s Hill Park gives you tulips with Canada’s most iconic architecture behind them. The difference in Instagram potential is substantial.
One local photographer shared on Reddit: “Best spot for photos with Parliament. Skip the crowds at Dow’s Lake and come here instead. The light is better in the morning anyway because you’re facing west toward the buildings.”
Getting There:
- O-Train Line 1 to Rideau Station (10-minute walk)
- Street parking available (metered)
- Walking distance from ByWard Market hotels
Combine With:
- Breakfast in ByWard Market
- National Gallery of Canada
- Notre-Dame Cathedral Basilica tour
- Rideau Canal locks observation
3. Parliament Hill — The Iconic Setting
The grounds of Parliament Hill feature formal tulip beds that create the quintessential Canadian photograph: spring flowers against the Gothic Revival architecture of the Centre Block and Peace Tower. It’s a smaller display than Commissioner’s Park, but the symbolism is unmatched.
What You’ll Find:
- Curated formal tulip beds
- Centre Block and Peace Tower backdrop (note: Parliament buildings under renovation—scaffolding visible)
- Centennial Flame
- Combine tulip viewing with free Parliament grounds tour
Practical Notes: The tulip display here is modest compared to Dow’s Lake, but for a single photograph that says “Canada in spring,” nothing beats Parliament Hill. Come early for clean shots without tourist crowds.
4. Rideau Canal Pathway — The Scenic Route
The Rideau Canal—a UNESCO World Heritage Site—is lined with tulips along its pathways, creating a scenic connector between Ottawa’s major tulip destinations. This is the choice for cyclists and runners who want to see flowers while getting exercise.
Best Stretches:
- Dow’s Lake to Hog’s Back Falls (southern section)
- Downtown locks to Confederation Park
- Patterson Creek area in the Glebe
The Experience: You won’t find the concentrated displays of Commissioner’s Park, but you’ll discover a more intimate, less crowded tulip experience. The tulips here are planted in smaller clusters, often unexpected, which makes spotting them feel like discovery rather than tourism.
Reddit local tip: “Bike along the canal—you’ll see more tulips than you expect, and you’ll cover way more ground than the crowds shuffling through Commissioner’s Park.”
5. Hidden Gems: Where Locals Go
Ottawa’s tulip displays feature over 100 varieties, including rare dark purple and black tulips
Beyond the famous locations, tulips bloom throughout the capital region. Here’s where to escape the crowds entirely:
Ottawa Side:
- Patterson Creek (The Glebe): Willow trees, creek reflections, peaceful atmosphere. A local favourite that rarely appears in tourist guides.
- Rideau Hall: The Governor General’s residence grounds are open to the public and feature beautiful tulip plantings with none of the festival crowds.
- Garden of the Provinces and Territories: Small but photogenic display at Laurier and Elgin.
- Confederation Park: Central location, often overlooked.
- Britannia Yacht Club: Unexpected tulips in a beautiful waterfront setting.
Gatineau Side:
- Malak’s Bed: Named after photographer Malak Karsh, located behind the Canadian Museum of History. Gorgeous blooms with the Museum as backdrop.
- Jacques-Cartier Park: River views with downtown Ottawa skyline as backdrop. Fewer crowds, excellent photography.
- Montcalm-Taché Park: Hidden gem with Ottawa River views.
Reddit Insider Knowledge: “Don’t just go to Dow’s Lake, Major’s Hill is underrated. Patterson Creek in the Glebe is a pretty spot and would be nice for taking pictures. Also Riverain Park in Vanier, Rideau Falls near New Edinburgh, and the Britannia Yacht Club are all worth mentioning.”
When to See Tulips: Timing Your Visit
Tulip timing in Ottawa is both predictable and weather-dependent. Here’s how to maximize your chances of seeing peak bloom.
The Bloom Calendar
| Period | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Late April | Daffodils and early bulbs; tulips still underground |
| Early May (May 1-10) | Early varieties begin opening; 25-50% bloom |
| Mid-May (May 10-20) | PEAK BLOOM - Most varieties at their best |
| Late May (May 20-31) | Late varieties still blooming; early varieties fading |
| Early June | Tulips finished; summer flowers beginning |
Weather Variables
Spring temperatures dramatically affect bloom timing:
- Warm March/April: Bloom shifts 3-7 days earlier
- Cold March/April: Bloom shifts 3-7 days later
- Sudden heat wave: Can accelerate bloom by 10+ days
In May 2024, cooler-than-average temperatures meant only 25% of tulips were blooming by May 10. By Victoria Day weekend (third Monday of May), full bloom had been achieved.
The NCC Bloom Meter
Before making the trip, check the NCC (National Capital Commission) website for bloom updates. They provide real-time reporting on flowering progress, helping you avoid disappointment.
Best Days and Times to Visit
| Factor | Best Choice | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Day of Week | Tuesday-Thursday | Weekends, especially Mother’s Day |
| Time of Day | 6-9 AM or 6-8 PM | 11 AM - 3 PM (crowds + harsh light) |
| Weather | Overcast or partly cloudy | Extreme heat (crowds + wilting) |
The Sunrise Advantage: Local photographers unanimously recommend sunrise visits. One Reddit user put it simply: “Sunrise at Commissioner’s is magical and empty.” The soft golden light, dew on petals, and complete absence of crowds create a dramatically different experience from midday visits.
Tulip Photography: How to Get the Shot
Golden hour light transforms ordinary tulip shots into gallery-worthy photographs
Ottawa during tulip season is a photographer’s paradise—if you know what you’re doing. Here’s everything you need to capture stunning images.
Equipment Recommendations
| Equipment | Purpose | Priority |
|---|---|---|
| Wide-angle lens (16-35mm) | Sweeping garden scenes; dramatic compositions | Essential |
| Telephoto/zoom (70-200mm) | Isolate individual blooms; compress backgrounds | Highly useful |
| Macro capability | Petal details; water droplets; rare varieties | Nice to have |
| Sturdy tripod | Sharp images in low light; long exposures | Recommended for sunrise |
| Polarizing filter | Reduce glare; deepen colours; enhance sky | Professional touch |
| Smartphone | Works surprisingly well in good light | Always bring |
Camera Settings for Tulips
For Individual Blooms (Bokeh Effect):
- Aperture: f/2.8 - f/4 (creates soft, blurred background)
- ISO: 100-400 (keeps images clean and sharp)
- Shutter: Whatever achieves proper exposure
For Garden Scenes:
- Aperture: f/8 - f/11 (keeps foreground and background sharp)
- ISO: 100-400
- Consider a tripod for absolute sharpness
White Balance: Set to “Cloudy” or “Shade” for warmer tones that enhance tulip colours. Overcast conditions actually produce more saturated colours than sunny days—the clouds act as a giant softbox.
Composition Techniques
Leading Lines: Use tulip rows to create diagonal lines that pull viewers through your image. Position yourself at the end of a bed and shoot along its length.
Get Low: The best tulip photos are taken from ground level or just above. Lying on your stomach isn’t comfortable, but it creates dramatic perspectives that standing shots can’t match.
Backlighting: Position flowers between your camera and the sun for translucent, glowing petals. This technique works best during golden hour when sunlight is warm and angled.
Colour Contrast: Seek complementary colours—red tulips against blue sky, yellow tulips against purple companions. The strongest images feature bold colour relationships.
Include Context: Close-ups are beautiful, but don’t forget wide shots showing scale. A single photograph of 300,000 tulips stretching to the horizon communicates the festival’s grandeur in ways macro shots cannot.
Best Photography Locations
| Location | Best For | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Major’s Hill Park | Parliament Hill backdrop | Morning (facing west) |
| Commissioner’s Park shoreline | Water reflections | Sunrise or sunset |
| Queen Juliana Gift Bed | Pink/purple macro work | Any good light |
| Patterson Creek | Willow trees + creek reflections | Morning or evening |
| Jacques-Cartier Park (Gatineau) | Ottawa skyline backdrop | Afternoon (facing east) |
Photography Etiquette (Strictly Enforced)
- Stay on marked pathways—flowers are fragile
- Never pick tulips—it’s monitored and enforced
- Don’t step into beds for “the perfect shot”—you’ll damage plants and ruin the experience for others
- No props placed among flowers—blankets and objects harm displays
- Respect other photographers’ compositions—wait your turn at popular spots
Tulip Varieties: What You’ll See
The festival draws over 650,000 visitors annually to see 100+ tulip varieties
Ottawa’s tulip collection isn’t just red and yellow. The NCC plants over 100 different cultivars, creating a botanical showcase that ranges from classic to exotic.
Classic Varieties
Darwin Hybrids: The tall, sturdy tulips that most people picture. Strong stems, large flowers, excellent for cut arrangements.
Triumph Tulips: Mid-height with sturdy stems. These are the workhorse varieties planted in large drifts for visual impact.
Single Early & Double Early: First to bloom, often appearing late April. Single earls have classic tulip form; doubles look like peonies.
Specialty Varieties to Seek Out
Queen of Night: Near-black tulips with deep maroon-purple colouring. Dramatic and highly photogenic.
Parrot Tulips: Frilled, feathered petals in wild colour combinations. Look like flowers designed by a fantasy artist.
Fringed Tulips: Crystal-like fringed edges on petals. Catch light beautifully.
Lily-Flowered: Pointed, reflexed petals creating elegant vase-like shapes.
Viridiflora: Green stripes on petals—unusual and eye-catching.
The Queen Juliana Gift Bed
Perhaps the most emotionally significant display is the Queen Juliana Gift Bed in Commissioner’s Park. Planted exclusively with pink and purple tulips—Queen Juliana’s favourite colours—this bed honours the woman whose gratitude started it all. A statue called “Man with Two Hats” stands nearby, commemorating Canadian soldiers’ role in Dutch liberation.
Festival Activities (All Free Unless Noted)
The Canadian Tulip Festival runs 11 days each May (typically second and third weekends plus weekdays between). While the tulips themselves require no ticket, the festival adds programming that enhances the experience.
Free Activities
- Tulip Market: Fresh cut flowers, bulbs, merchandise, handcrafted goods
- Big Bug Boardwalk: Educational pollinator exhibits by day; UV-lit tulip garden showing flowers through “pollinator vision” at night
- Self-Guided QR Tour: 45-minute bilingual heritage tour with 7 stops covering WWII history
- Outdoor Movies: Screenings at 2 PM and 7:30 PM in park setting
- Sound & Light Show: Blacklight boardwalk experience at 9:15 PM nightly
- Dutch Pavilion: Cultural displays and entertainment
- Live Entertainment: Local and regional performers throughout
- Drone & Fireworks Show: 200 drones creating aerial patterns over Dow’s Lake (festival finale weekend)
Paid Experiences
Tulip Canal Cruise: 45-minute narrated boat tour across Dow’s Lake and Rideau Canal. Cost: approximately $42-46 CAD. Book in advance—afternoon cruises sell out.
Boat Rentals at Dow’s Lake Pavilion: Kayaks, canoes, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats available. Cost: $25-35/hour depending on vessel.
Getting There: Transportation Guide
Public Transit (Strongly Recommended)
O-Train Line 2 (Trillium Line) to Dow’s Lake Station: The best option for Commissioner’s Park. The station opened in January 2025 and sits approximately 300 metres from the tulip beds—about a 4-minute walk. Trains run every 8-12 minutes.
O-Train Line 1 (Confederation Line) to Rideau Station: Best for Major’s Hill Park and Parliament Hill. About a 10-minute walk to tulip displays.
OC Transpo Bus Routes:
- Route 85 (Baseline to Hurdman)
- Route 14 (St. Laurent to Carlington)
- Route 80 (Bayshore to Billings Bridge)
Cost: $3.75 single ride; $11.25 day pass
Driving and Parking (Not Recommended)
Local consensus is overwhelming: “Parking is a nightmare, take transit or bike.” But if you must drive:
| Parking Location | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Canada Agriculture and Food Museum | $9.50/day | 20-minute scenic walk through Dominion Arboretum |
| 301 Preston Street | $3-5/hour | City lot with only 60 spaces—fills by 9 AM weekends |
| Preston Street (Little Italy) | Variable | Multiple paid lots; 5-10 minute walk |
| Carleton University P7 Lot | University rates | Short walk to south entrance |
| Glebe street parking | Free (limited) | East of festival; heavily enforced |
Reality: On weekends during peak bloom, expect to circle for 30-45 minutes or park 15+ minutes away on foot. Reddit advice: “Use rideshare rather than driving during peak hours; parking stress negates cost savings.”
Cycling
Ottawa’s bike path network connects directly to Commissioner’s Park:
- Rideau Canal Western Pathway runs through the park
- Bike racks available near Dow’s Lake Pavilion
- Capital Bikeshare stations nearby
- Connect from downtown via Arboretum and canal towpath
For cycling routes, see our Ottawa Cycling Trails Guide.
Beyond Tulips: Other Spring Flowers
If you’re visiting for tulips, you might catch other spring blooms:
Cherry Blossoms (Late April): The Central Experimental Farm features cherry trees that bloom before tulips. Timing varies but typically late April.
Daffodils (Early-Mid April): Commissioner’s Park and other NCC plantings include daffodils that precede tulips by 2-3 weeks.
Magnolias (Late April-Early May): Several Ottawa neighbourhoods have spectacular magnolia trees, particularly in the Glebe and Sandy Hill.
Crabapples (Mid-May): The Dominion Arboretum features crabapple trees that bloom alongside tulips, adding pink and white to the colour palette.
FAQ
Q: When is the best time to see tulips in Ottawa?
Peak bloom typically occurs during the second and third weeks of May—roughly May 10-20—though this varies by 3-5 days depending on spring weather. The NCC posts bloom updates on their website. Early, mid, and late-blooming varieties are planted together to extend the viewing window across the full festival period.
Q: Is it free to see the tulips?
Yes, completely free. All outdoor tulip displays at Commissioner’s Park, Major’s Hill Park, Parliament Hill, Rideau Hall, and throughout the region are free to access. Some festival activities like boat cruises have fees, but the flowers themselves cost nothing.
Q: Where is the best place to see tulips in Ottawa?
Commissioner’s Park at Dow’s Lake has the largest display (300,000+ tulips) but also the biggest crowds. Major’s Hill Park offers better photography opportunities with Parliament Hill as backdrop and significantly fewer people. For a less crowded experience, explore Patterson Creek, Rideau Hall, or Jacques-Cartier Park in Gatineau.
Q: How do I avoid the crowds?
Visit on a weekday (Tuesday-Thursday is ideal). Arrive at sunrise—“sunrise at Commissioner’s is magical and empty” according to locals. Avoid Mother’s Day weekend, the opening weekend, and sunny Saturdays during peak bloom. If weekends are your only option, arrive before 8 AM.
Q: What’s the parking situation like?
Challenging. There’s no parking at Commissioner’s Park itself. The main lot at 301 Preston Street has only 60 spaces and fills by 9 AM on weekends. Local consensus: “Parking is a nightmare, take transit or bike.” The O-Train Line 2 to Dow’s Lake Station is the stress-free option.
Q: Why does Ottawa have so many tulips?
Ottawa’s tulips originated as a gift of gratitude from the Netherlands after World War II. The Dutch Royal Family took refuge in Ottawa during the war, and Princess Margriet was born here in 1943. After Canadian soldiers liberated the Netherlands (over 7,600 died in the effort), the Dutch sent 100,000 tulip bulbs in 1945. The Netherlands continues to send 20,000 bulbs annually.
Q: How long should I plan for a tulip visit?
For Commissioner’s Park alone, plan 2-3 hours. Photography enthusiasts often spend 4-6 hours including golden hour. If visiting multiple locations (Commissioner’s Park, Major’s Hill Park, Parliament Hill), allow a full day. Adding a canal cruise or boat rental extends the experience further.
Q: Can I pick the tulips?
Absolutely not. Picking tulips is strictly prohibited and enforced. The flowers are meant for everyone to enjoy throughout the festival period. Stay on designated pathways to avoid damaging beds and bulbs for future years.
Q: Are dogs allowed at the tulip displays?
Dogs are welcome at Commissioner’s Park and most outdoor locations but must be leashed at all times. Clean up after your pet. Water stations are available. Consider visiting on a less crowded weekday—weekend crowds can be overwhelming for dogs.
Q: What if it rains during my visit?
The festival operates rain or shine, and tulips look beautiful with water droplets on their petals. Pack a rain jacket or umbrella. Bonus: overcast conditions actually create excellent photography lighting with more saturated colours and no harsh shadows.
Q: What’s the best time for tulip photography?
Sunrise (5:30-7:00 AM) offers the best conditions—soft golden light, no crowds, and tulips at their freshest with morning dew. Golden hour before sunset (7:30-8:30 PM) provides similar lighting quality. Note that tulips close as the sun sets, so time your evening shoots accordingly.
Final Thoughts
Ottawa’s tulips are more than a pretty display. They’re a living memorial to sacrifice, gratitude, and the strange, beautiful ways that history connects strangers across oceans and generations.
Every May, when those first blooms push through the soil along Dow’s Lake, they carry the weight of 80 years of friendship. The Dutch mother who lost her son to a Canadian liberator. The Canadian veteran who never forgot the faces of children freed from occupation. The princess born in a hospital room that was briefly neither Canadian nor Dutch. The photographer who imagined that flowers could tell stories.
You can visit Commissioner’s Park and see 300,000 tulips and take your photographs and eat your BeaverTails and fight for parking. That’s fine. That’s what most people do.
Or you can arrive at sunrise on a Tuesday, walk slowly along the waterfront, and understand that you’re walking through a love letter written in petals. That each flower represents a Canadian soldier who didn’t come home. That a country devastated by war found the resources, somehow, to send 100,000 thank-you notes that bloom again every single year.
Go early. Go quietly. Let the history wash over you.
And if you happen to see an elderly Dutch woman crying among the tulips, perhaps say hello. She might have a story to tell.
Sources: Canadian Tulip Festival, National Capital Commission, Ottawa Tourism, r/ottawa, Library and Archives Canada
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