09' Tulip Festival at Dows Lake 1 (May 9th)

Each May, Canada's capital becomes the tulip city of North America. Close to a million tulips of more than 50 varieties bring many flower beds to life. The National Capital Commission (NCC) has been presenting this annual tulip exhibit since 1953, making parks across the region burst into multicoloured bloom.

Among many floral exhibit sites, Commissioners Park near Dows Lake presents some 300,000 tulips - the highest concentration in the region. Many significant floral displays can be found there, including NCC's most historic beds and Queen Juliana Gift Bed, where the most recent gift of tulips is planted each year.