The Canadian Tulip Festival has grown into the largest Tulip Festival in the world from a gift of International Friendship given six decades ago. In the fall of 1945, Princess Juliana of the Netherlands presented Ottawa with 100,000 tulip bulbs. The gift was given in appreciation of the safe haven that members of Holland's exiled royal family received during the Second World War in Ottawa and in recognition of the role which Canadian troops played in the liberation of the Netherlands.  The tulips have become an important symbol of international friendship and the beauty of spring.

Each spring over 600,000 people from all over North America, Europe and Asia make over a million visits to the Canadian Tulip Festival.  Daytime events include tours of the gardens, special museum events, and a variety of programs for children.  Each evening outdoor concerts showcase music from a wide list of genres from jazz to swing to current hits.  Dancing is encouraged and enjoyed.  An important event is the annual charity ball to benefit another country in the spirit of the festival's history of international friendship.  This year the funds raised will be used for clean water projects in Africa.  Join us for a celebration of spring and friendship!