Spring in Ottawa has officially arrived with the return of the Canadian Tulip Festival, one of the city’s most iconic annual events. Running from May 8 to 18, 2026, the festival transforms Commissioner’s Park and the Dow’s Lake area into a vibrant sea of colour, with more than 300,000 tulips blooming throughout the capital. Recognized as the world’s largest free public tulip festival, the event continues to attract visitors from across Canada and beyond.
While the tulips remain the main attraction, the festival has transformed into a full spring experience featuring interactive activities, cultural programming, live entertainment, and self-guided tours. This year’s highlights include the CIBC Tulip Trek, an interactive walking experience through the gardens, the new Tulip Trail experience that explores the history of the flower, and the Polestar Ottawa Tulip Taxi, which offers guided rides through the festival grounds.
Visitors should plan ahead when it comes to parking, especially on weekends. Festival organizers strongly recommend using public transit, biking, or walking due to limited parking and periodic road closures near Commissioners Park. Nearby parking options include Dow’s Lake Parking, Impark – Dow’s Lake Court Lot 29, and Lansdowne Parking for those willing to enjoy a longer scenic walk to the festival grounds.
Walking the festival is part of the experience itself. The pathways around Dow’s Lake and the Rideau Canal offer some of the city’s most scenic spring views, with flat, accessible walking routes connecting tulip gardens, waterfront paths, and nearby patios. Many visitors choose to explore by bike as well, with rentals available through RentABike Vélocation, Escape Bicycle Tours and Rentals – Ottawa, and Cyco’s.
For the best experience, locals recommend visiting during weekday mornings or around golden hour when the crowds are lighter and the tulips are at their most photogenic. Whether you’re visiting for the flowers, the history, or the growing lineup of activities, the Canadian Tulip Festival remains one of Ottawa’s most beautiful spring traditions.