Ottawa 
As the vibrant hues of the Canadian Tulip Festival begin to fade, Ottawa gears up for a series of captivating events to mark Queen Victoria’s birthday weekend, signalling the unofficial start to summer festivities.
Credit: Ottawa Boat Cruise
The city will be alive with options ranging from carnivals to ribfests. Plus, you can enjoy a drone show and fireworks as part of the Canadian Tulip Festival’s Official Closing Ceremonies, which take place at Queen Elizabeth Drive.
On Sunday, May 18, the Canadian Tulip Festival will mark the 80th anniversary of the Liberation of the Netherlands with a special event at Dow’s Lake. For the first time, the festival will feature a combined drone and fireworks display as part of its closing ceremonies.
Queen Elizabeth Drive will host a recreation of a post-war Victory Day celebration. The event starting at 8 p.m. will include vintage military vehicles, a live big band performance, and swing dancers in period attire. Attendees are invited to participate by waving flags and joining the atmosphere reminiscent of 1945.
The 10-minute show scheduled for 9:20 p.m. will include 200 drones synchronized with fireworks to create a visual tribute that honours Canada’s contribution to the end of World War II in Europe.
You can also enjoy the fireworks through a guided kayaking trip. Participants will launch from Hartwell Locks before sunset for a 2.5 km round-trip paddle to Dow’s Lake. The experience includes LED-lit kayaks, safety gear, and historical commentary en route to a designated viewing area.
Trip Planning – Victoria Day Weekend
Things to Do in Ottawa This Weekend
Canadian Tulip Festival Drone Show
This dazzling 10-minute experience will feature 200 synchronized drones alongside brilliant fireworks, creating a breathtaking tribute that blends cutting-edge technology with time-honoured tradition. The show is part of the festival’s closing ceremonies and will pay homage to Canada’s historic role in liberating the Netherlands during World War II. Details
When:
Sunday, May 18, 2025 | 8:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Drone Show & Fireworks: 9:20 pm – 10:00 pm
Where: Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa
How Much: Free
The fireworks and drone show are contingent on weather conditions. Please verify with the official website for updates before travelling in case of inclement weather.
