Naval gun salute to kick off 71st Canadian Tulip Festival at Dow’s Lake

Queen Elizabeth Driveway between Preston Street and Torrington Place will close during certain days for the Tulip Festival

OTTAWA, Friday, May 12, 2023 – City of Ottawa is reminding residents that the nation’s world famous 2023 Canadian Tulip Festival will kick off with a single-round gun salute on Saturday, May 13 at approximately 11 am at Dow’s Lake.

This display will conclude the official opening ceremonies of the festival, which will take place at Dow’s Lake. This year marks the 71^st year of the Canadian Tulip Festival, a yearly celebration of the historic Royal gift from the Dutch to the Canadians immediately following the Second World War as a symbol of international friendship.

Experience the beauty and meaning behind the Gift of Tulips from the grateful Netherlands to all Canadians with free historical and horticultural displays set among 300,000 tulips blooms over one kilometre of strolling parkland on the shores of Dow’s Lake in Ottawa.

About the naval gun

The use of the naval gun is a tribute to the Royal Canadian Navy forces that played a critical role in liberating the Dutch people during World War II.

Queen Elizabeth Driveway between Preston Street and Torrington Place

In addition, Queen Elizabeth Driveway between Preston Street and Torrington Place will close for the Tulip Festival on the following dates and times:

Saturday, May 13 from 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, May 14 from 10 am to 6 pm
Saturday, May 20 from 10 am to 6 pm
Sunday, May 21 from 10 am to 6 pm

Canadian Tulip Festival, a yearly celebration of the historic Royal gift from the Dutch to the Canadians immediately following the Second World War, takes place in Ottawa from May 12 – 22

About the Canadian Tulip Festival

The Canadian Tulip Legacy is a nationally registered charity that commemorates the sacrifice of over 7500 Canadian soldiers in the liberation of the Netherlands while celebrating the only royal personage ever born on Canadian soil, Her Royal Highness Princess Margriet, and the resulting gift of tulips from the grateful Dutch to all Canadians.

Over one million tulips in Canada’s national capital region are planted and cared for by the National Capital Commission, Canada’s official gardener. This tulip tradition has lasted since the end of the Second World War and has grown into the largest public tulip display on the planet. The Canadian Tulip Festival presents this stunning floral showcase to the world, inviting guests from across the globe to experience Canada’s Capital every spring.

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