6 locations to view the tulips in Ottawa-Gatineau in May

The Peace tower is framed between tulips, in Ottawa, Wednesday, May 7, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld

The tulips are beginning to bloom across the national capital region, with close to one million tulips set to brighten the region through May.

The National Capital Commission says 100 varieties of tulips have been planted in 120 beds across 30 sites in Ottawa and Gatineau.

The NCC created the first tulip beds in Ottawa in 1945, with the first tulips a gift from the Netherlands.

“The tradition continues to this day: every year, we plant the gifted bulbs in Commissioners Park. Tulips are a symbol of lasting friendship between Canada and the Netherlands,” the NCC said.

Here is a look at where you can see the tulips bloom.

Commissioners Park

Billed as the “showstopper” for tulips, over 100 varieties of tulips are planted in Commissioners Park at Dows Lake.

“It hosts 30 tulip beds, including the Queen Juliana Gift Bed, which features the bulbs donated by the Netherlands,” the NCC says on its website. “It also hosts a test bed, where our landscape architects test new tulips before mass planting them.”

Commissioners Park is home to the Canadian Tulip Festival, which runs from Friday to May 19. Admission is free, with events during the 11-day festival including walking tours.

For more information, visit www.tulipfestival.ca.

• Here’s what you need to know about the 73rd edition of the Canadian Tulip Festival

Rideau Canal

Walk, cycle or jog along Queen Elizabeth Driveway and see the tulips blooming in several beds.

“The iconic Rideau Canal corridor is also a must-visit during spring,” the NCC says.

Tulips are planted along the western pathway of the Rideau Canal and at Lansdowne Park.

Major’s Hill Park

The NCC says Major’s Hill Park is “one of the best sites to see tulips” in the spring.

You can view tulip beds along the pathway with Parliament Hill in the background, or on the northeastern edge of the park facing the National Gallery of Canada.

There is also a “tulip of thanks” bed in Major’s Hill Park, dedicated to front-line workers.

Downtown Ottawa

In addition to Major’s Hill Park, tulips are planted along Confederation Boulevard, including in front of the Senate of Canada building, and at the National War Memorial.

Downtown Gatineau

The NCC invites you to explore the beautiful tulip displays in Gatineau.

Tulip beds are planted near the Alexandra Bridge, in Jacques-Cartier Park and at the Canadian Museum of History.

Beechwood Cemetery

The public is invited to explore the tulips at Beechwood Cemetery in Ottawa.

Over 35,000 tulips are planted at the cemetery in Ottawa’s east end.

“Each year, we plant a diverse array of tulip varieties, showcasing a spectrum of colors and bloom times,” Beechwood Cemetery said on its website.

Visit the Beechwood Cemetery Tulip Map for locations.