THE HISTORY
During World War II, the Dutch royal family were exiled from their home country and took refuge in Ottawa. In 1945, Queen Juliana of the Netherlands gave the city a gift of 100,000 tulip bulbs to show her gratitude for both the hospitality that the people of Ottawa showed to the family, and the role that Canadian soldiers played in liberating the Netherlands. To this day, the capital receives 10,000 tulip bulbs from Holland’s monarchy every year. The first Canadian Tulip Festival was held in 1953, and since then, it has grown to be one of Ottawa’s most popular annual events—and the largest tulip festival in the world.

THE HOT SPOTS
Here are some of the best spots in the city to tiptoe through the tulips:

PARLIAMENT HILL – CAPITAL INFOCENTRE
Make the Capital Infocentre (90 Wellington St.) your first stop and learn all you need to know about the festival. Then head across the street to where it all began— Parliament Hill, where the first tulips from the Dutch royal family were planted. The vibrant flowers provide a stunning contrast to the striking neo-gothic architecture of our parliament buildings, making this stop one you won’t soon forget.

COMMISSIONERS PARK AT DOWS LAKE
This site is home to 300,000 tulips arranged in cascading beds. Plenty of events and entertainment are also featured here: The National Capital Commission’s Tulip Legacy, the story of the Gift of Tulips, Music in the Tulips, in which school bands and choirs play throughout the festival, and Artists in the Tulips, where artists show off their talents and sell their paintings in the Tulip and Art Boutique. Buskers entertain the crowds on weekends.

MAJOR’S HILL PARK
This popular locale features the free International Pavilion, where over 25 participating countries—including Brazil, China, India, Russia, and the Netherlands—gather together for a festival full of eats and entertainment. With the food sample coupons from your International Pavilion Passport, your taste buds will travel around the world without your ever leaving the Pavilion. The park also features ‘Music in the Tulips’, ‘Artists in the Tulips’, buskers, and of course a bevy of beautiful flowers.

THE TULIP FESTIVAL MIRROR TENT
2008 welcomes a new addition to the festival—the Mirror Tent at Major’s Hill Park. The lavishly decorated interior of the tent—which comes to Ottawa straight from Belgium—recreates the art-nouveau days of early 20th century Europe and is home to several events and shows throughout the festival including Celebridée, Cabaret Nights, and the Tulip Ball. Open daily for lunch, dinner, and refreshments.

Image © Avril Patrick

THE EXTRAS
Make the most of the Canadian Tulip Festival by checking out these special events:

CELEBRIDÉE – A CELEBRATION OF IDEAS
May 2-19
Throughout the festival, some of the most influential thinkers of our time will captivate audiences with their ideas and beliefs. Featured speakers include Sir Salman Rushdie, Wire Magazine’s Chris Anderson, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jared Diamond. Tickets are available at www.capitaltickets.ca

STELLAE BOREALES BENEFIT CONCERT
May 9
An evening of great music and a silent auction at St. Joseph’s Church (151 Laurier Ave. East) to benefit War Child Canada. Tickets are $10 in advance, $15 at the door, and can be purchased at www.maplemusic.com.

TULIP BALL
May 10
The new Tulip Festival Mirror Tent houses this year’s Tulip Ball. Here you’ll find food, drink, cabaret, and comedy. MC Jessica Holmes and other members of the Royal Canadian Air Farce will entertain the crowd. $225. www.capitaltickets.ca