Toronto 
Saunders Farm is marking a major milestone this spring, and it’s doing it in full colour.
Credit: Saunders Farm
To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Saunders Farm is introducing Tulipfest, a new seasonal event opening May 9 in the rural west end of Ottawa. The festival reimagines the region’s well-known tulip tradition, shifting the experience from formal displays to a working farm setting just outside the city.
Set across a six-acre apple orchard, Tulipfest will feature close to 500,000 tulips, spanning more than 40 varieties imported from the Netherlands. Organizers say it will be the largest single-location tulip display in Ottawa. The idea is not just to showcase flowers, but to create a setting where visitors can move through the space as it changes over the season.
The farm, which has built a reputation over five decades for events like Frightfest, Pumpkinfest, and A Country Christmas, is leaning into what it already does well: combining outdoor attractions with food, drink, and a relaxed, local atmosphere. Tulipfest continues that approach, adding a spring-focused experience to its lineup.
The festival runs daily from May 9 to May 24, operating between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m., regardless of the weather. The only exception is May 11, when the site will be closed. Organizers note that additional dates could be added depending on bloom conditions and weather patterns.
Visitors can expect a mix of visual displays and on-site offerings, including food and beverages, all set within the orchard. While the tulips are the main draw, the broader goal is to create a place where people can spend a full day rather than just pass through.
Founded in 1976, Saunders Farm has grown into a well-known agri-tourism destination that draws tens of thousands of visitors each year.
Saunders Farm Tulipfest
In its 50th year, the Saunders Farm introduces Tulipfest, presented by Saunders Cider, showcasing nearly 500,000 flowers. Set in a circular young apple orchard, the event highlights spring colour, fresh air, and scenic pathways, with curated photo spots across the grounds, including a prominent Dutch windmill installation.
When:
May 9 – 24, 2026 | Daily – 10 AM – 8 PM (rain or shine!)
Closed on May 11.
Where: Saunders Farm, 7893 Bleeks Road, Ottawa
How Much: $15 to $25+fees
