Five places to see the tulips in Ottawa-Gatineau this spring
The tulips are now in bloom across the national capital region.
The National Capital Commission says close to one million tulips bloom in Ottawa and Gatineau every spring, with 100 varieties of tulips in 120 beds.
The NCC has created tulip beds in Ottawa since 1945, after the Second World War. The first tulips were a gift from the Netherlands as a thank you for Canada's role in the liberation of the country.
While the most popular spot to see the tulips is at Commissioners Park for the Canadian Tulip Festival, tulips are in bloom at 30 sites across the region.
According to the NCC's Tulip Meter, the tulips are currently at level 6 of 10.
CTV News Ottawa looks at five places to see the tulips over the next two weekends.
Commissioners Park
The largest, most colourful display of tulips is at Commissioners Park, home to the Canadian Tulip Festival.
You can walk through the tulip beds to check out the different colours and arrangements, or enjoy the view while sitting in the park.
The NCC says with over 100 varieties of bulbs in 30 tulip beds, "Commissioners Park is a showstopper, with our major tulip display site."
Commissioners Park, at Dow's Lake, also features the Queen Juliana Gift Bed, which features bulbs donated by the Netherlands.
The Canadian Tulip Festival runs until May 22 at Commissioners Park. The festival includes the Tulip Boutique, Tulip Markets, Tulips at Night, and a sound and lights show every night at 9:15 p.m.
The tulips in bloom at Commissioners Park in Ottawa. The Canadian Tulip Festival runs until May 22. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)
Major's Hill Park
The NCC says one of the best sites to see the tulips blooming is at Major's Hill Park.
Tulip beds are located along the pathway with Parliament Hill in the background, and there are also tulip beds at the northeastern edge of the park facing the National Gallery of Canada.
Enjoy the tulips as you watch the sunset or while having a picnic in the park this spring.
The downtown Ottawa park also hosts the "tulips of thanks" bed, dedicated to frontline workers.
The tulips are in bloom at Major's Hill Park in downtown Ottawa. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)
Rideau Canal
Checkout the tulips while walking, running or cycling along the Rideau Canal this spring.
There are several tulip beds set up along the Rideau Canal Western Pathway and at Lansdowne Park.
The National Capital Commission says tulips are blooming at 30 sites across the national capital region, including along the Rideau Canal. (Josh Pringle/CTV News Ottawa)
Downtown Ottawa and Gatineau
It's hard to miss the tulip beds blooming in several locations in downtown Ottawa and Gatineau, including in the ByWard Market, at the National War Memorial and along Confederation Boulevard.
Tulips are also planted in Gatineau near the Alexandra Bridge, Jacques-Cartier Park and at the Canadian Museum of History.
Beechwood Cemetery
More than 35,000 tulips are in bloom at Beechwood Cemetery.
The park-like setting boasts 160 acres of colourful gardens, century-old trees and tulips this spring.
Here is a map of the tulip varieties available to see at Beechwood Cemetery.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING Israel attacks Iran, Reuters sources say; drones reported over Isfahan
Israel has attacked Iran, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, as Iranian state media reported early on Friday that its forces had destroyed drones, days after Iran launched a retaliatory drone strike on Israel.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.