Our website uses Google Translate to make content accessible in multiple languages, but translations may not be perfect.
Our website uses Google Translate to make content accessible in multiple languages, but translations may not be perfect.

Walking Tour Stop 6

STOP #6

The Beginning of the Festival at the Festival Tulip Garden

1953

In 1953 the Canadian Tulip Festival was born. Spanning over seven decades, the Festival has hosted royalty, heads of state, and honoured veterans. 

It is the mission of the Canadian Tulip Legacy, a nationally registered charity, to ensure this Festival, and the Royal Dutch Gift of Tulips remains free for everyone, forever. 

‘We had all these tulips and I thought they belonged to all Canadians, so I thought we should create a tulip festival.’

— Canadian Tulip Festival Founder, Malak Karsh

Walking Tour Map

History

Our Founder, Malak Karsh

Malak Karsh, the visionary behind the Canadian Tulip Festival, immigrated to Canada from Armenia (then Turkey) in 1937. As a renowned photographer, Karsh captured the essence of Canada from coast to coast to coast, showcasing the nation’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. His profound love for his adopted country earned him numerous awards, including the prestigious Officer of the Order of Canada in 1996.

Traversing the length and breadth of Canada, Karsh meticulously documented its natural wonders and iconic landmarks, immortalizing scenes such as the Parliament Buildings in Ottawa, the legendary log drivers on the Gatineau and Ottawa Rivers, and the picturesque Patterson Inlet in the Glebe. From the rugged beauty of the Canadian Arctic to the serene coastlines of Atlantic Canada, Karsh’s lens captured the diverse beauty of the nation, leaving an indelible mark on Canadian photography.

With a deep affection for Ottawa, Karsh proudly inscribed each of his photographs with the word “Ottawa,” signifying his connection to the nation’s capital. Among his many photographic endeavors, Karsh’s images of tulips, gifted by the Dutch, resonated deeply across the country, sparking widespread interest in the floral symbol of friendship.

Driven by his passion for tulips and inspired by the Dutch gift, Karsh approached the Ottawa Board of Trade with the innovative idea of a tulip festival. His tireless advocacy and unwavering commitment bore fruit in 1953 when the inaugural Canadian Tulip Festival blossomed into reality, uniting communities and celebrating the enduring bond between Canada and the Netherlands.

Timeline of the Festival

  • Fall, 1946 –100,000 tulip bulbs are given as a gift of gratitude to Canada from the Dutch Queen.
  • Fall, 1946 – Royal bulbs are planted on Parliament Hill and other places by the NCC’s predecessor, the Federal District Commission
  • Spring, 1947 – Ottawa and Canada discover the beauty of 100,000 tulip blooms.
  • 1947 – 1952 – Federal District Commission increases the number of tulip beds.  Spring popularity of tulip beds increases each year
  • 1953 Canadian Tulip festival is founded by the Ottawa Board of Trade, and further inspired by renowned photographer Malak Karsh, whose iconic photos of Ottawa’s tulip beds brings international fame to the city.
  • 1958: Prime Minister John Diefenbaker presides over the Opening Ceremonies.
  • 1961: Prime Minister Diefenbaker, Governor-General Vanier and U.S. President John Kennedy meet for talks during Tulip Month.
  • 1967: Queen Juliana of the Netherlands makes a Royal visit to the Festival.
  • 1968: Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau opens the Festival by cutting the tulip ribbon while chewing on the stem of a Golden Melody Tulip.
  • 1970: Celebrating the 25th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland, Dutch Canadians give Canada a 1500 pipe concert organ.
  • 1972: Liberace opens the Canadian Tulip Festival with a piano concert.
  • 1982; The Festival celebrates the 150th Opening of the Rideau Canal with “Aqualude” 
  • 1987: Twelve-year-old Alanis Morissette, the Canadian rock star debuts at the Canadian Tulip Festival.
  • 1990: The Canadian Tulip Festival leads the establishment of international friendship gardens in 20 countries.
  • 1993: A Tournament of Roses float from Pasadena, California, featuring the Rose
  • Queen joins the Rideau Canal Flotilla.
  • 1995: Princess Margriet of the Netherlands returns to Ottawa to officially open the
  • Festival, which celebrates the good relations between her country and Canada through the twin themes of “The Friendship That Flowered” and the 50th Anniversary of the liberation of Holland.
  • 2000: “Tulips 2000 — A Capital Celebration!” is a special millennium floral showcase for floral designers around the world, and features the blooming of over two million additional tulips planted as part of the Millennium Tulip Challenge.
  • 2005: “A Celebration of Peace and Friendship” commemorates the 60th Anniversary of the end of the Second World War and the Gift of Tulips from the Dutch. The Tulip is proclaimed as Ottawa’s Official Flower at the Festival.
  • 2010: “Liberation” celebrates the 65th anniversary of the liberation of Europe at the end of World War II.
  • 2016: A celebration of Friendship takes place as Canadian Tulip Legacy unveils the Princess Tulip Sculpture now on permanent display at Ottawa’s Shaw Centre.
  • 2017: The 65th Anniversary edition features the Canada150 Tulip, and the “One Tulip – One Canada” campaign for Canada’s 150th year.
  • 2020: The Canadian Tulip Festival celebrates Liberation75 May 8 – 18, 2020 in the first year of the Co-Vid 19 Pandemic. 
  • 2021: Pivoting for the second year in a row, the Canadian Tulip Festival delivered tens of thousands of Tulips of Thanks to Frontline Workers across the region
  • 2022: Our 70th Anniversary – Platinum Jubilee saw Princess Margriet return to Ottawa, and the Festival
  • 2023: Honouring 100 Years of the Naval Reserve with HMCS Carleton, debuting a nightly sound and light show, “Battle of the Atlantic”
  • 2024: Celebrating 100 Years of the Royal Canadian Air Force
  • 2025: 80 Years of Liberation with the Canadian Army

Tulips in these beds

 

Big Chief

Big Chief tulips typically bloom in the late spring, around April to May, and their tall stems make them perfect for adding height to garden beds or for use in cut flower arrangements. These tulips have a classic, bold appearance and can grow to heights of about 16–18 inches (40–45 cm), giving them a commanding presence in any setting.

 


Eagle Wings

The Eagle Wings tulip is a striking and unique variety known for its elegant and dramatic appearance. This cultivar is part of the parrot tulip family, distinguished by its intricately fringed, feather-like petals that give it a dynamic, almost exotic look. The blooms are a blend of creamy white and rich, deep purple, with the edges of the petals displaying a wavy, feathery texture, resembling the wings of an eagle. hence the name.

 

 


Red Dress

The Red Dress tulip is a stunning variety known for its vibrant, deep red blooms that resemble the elegance of a well-fitted gown. The flowers have a smooth, cup-shaped appearance with bold, slightly pointed petals that create a refined, sophisticated look. Standing at about 14–18 inches (35–45 cm) tall, this tulip is perfect for adding color and drama to gardens or floral arrangements.

 

 


Lightening Sun

The Lightning Sun tulip is a captivating variety known for its striking color contrast and unique petal shape. Its vibrant yellow blooms are accented with fiery red streaks, resembling the dynamic energy of a lightning bolt. This tulip grows to a height of about 12–16 inches (30–40 cm) and stands out in gardens, borders, and floral arrangements. Blooming in mid-spring, the Lightning Sun tulip thrives in full sun and well-drained soil, making it a bold and cheerful addition to any landscape.

 


 

Help support future programming by donating

Have you enjoyed the Canadian Tulip Festival