More than flowers: This year's Tulip Festival will shower Ottawa with photo ops, fireworks and free movie screenings
The Canadian Tulip Festival stems from a gift.
Article content
Each spring, twenty thousand tulip bulbs are sent from the Netherlands, half from the Dutch royal family and half from growers in the country.
Article content
The gesture began in 1945 as a thank-you for sheltering the monarchy and helping to liberate the Netherlands during the Second World War. The festival itself followed in 1953, proposed by photographer Malak Karsh, whose tulip images helped shape Ottawa's public image mid-century.
Article content
Article content
It has evolved into an event involving drone shows, heritage installations, themed food stalls, and more than three hundred thousand blooms planted in city parks. Over the decades, it has drawn royalty, Liberace, Alanis Morissette, and several thousand baby strollers.
Article content
Article content
This year's edition, which runs from May 9 to 19, marks the eightieth anniversary of the Netherlands' liberation and includes twenty-six display gardens, nightly programming at Dow's Lake, and a victory party complete with restored military vehicles and swing dancers in uniform.
Article content
It remains, officially, a celebration of international friendship. Unofficially, it is one of Ottawa's most photogenic exercises in crowd control.
Article content
Article content
The first weekend, which includes Mother's Day, tends to draw the largest crowds. A live Tulip Meter, updated by the NCC, tracks the state of the bloom. As of May 1, roughly halfway to full spectacle, early-season tulips are open, and mid-season varieties are in bud.
Article content
Article content
The main site is Commissioners Park, where over two dozen tulip beds line the path between Preston Street and the Rideau Canal locks. The flowers are grouped by colour, species, and symbolism, with some signage explaining the history behind specific plantings.
Article content
Article content
More blooms can be found at Major's Hill Park, around Parliament Hill, and throughout city-managed and NCC-maintained spaces. In total, more than a million tulip bulbs are planted across Ottawa each year.
Article content
What's new and what's back
Article content
This year's festival brings back core programming, including outdoor films, guided walking tours, and the Dutch Pavilion hosted by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
Article content
The insect-themed Big Bug Boardwalk returns with its usual two-part identity. By day, it's an oversized educational exhibit. After sunset, it becomes a blacklight installation designed for phones and small children.
Article content
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Montreal Gazette
5 days ago
- Montreal Gazette
Brownstein: Against long odds, Denis Brott brings chamber music fest back for 30th year
Denis Brott is nothing if not resilient. Against the longest of odds, Brott kicks off his 30th Montreal Chamber Music Festival this weekend. More than 40 acclaimed classical musicians from around the planet will partake in this anniversary edition, which runs from Saturday until June 22 and features 15 concerts, mostly taking place at Salle Bourgie. 'We're celebrating celebrations this year with some special concerts: National Indigenous Peoples Day (June 21), the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War (June 18), the 40th anniversary of the establishment of this country's Musical Instrument Bank (June 16) and, of course, our 30th anniversary, among other celebrations,' notes the ever-upbeat Brott, the festival's founder and artistic director and also the co-founder, along with William Turner, of the Musical Instrument Bank. But Brott doesn't mince words in talking about the issues, hardly celebratory, he has confronted over the last 30 years — particularly in the last five years: 'It's been quite the roller-coaster ride — and not always a good one.' To say the least. Although it's hard to imagine this Renaissance man — also a master cellist and music professor — ever embarking on a roller-coaster ride, the analogy is apt. But many would argue it's downright miraculous that he has managed to keep this festival afloat at all, let alone attracting the world-class talent he has this year. It was just five years ago that physicians gave Brott little chance of survival — less than 10 per cent — after returning home from a series of European concerts. One of the earlier victims of COVID-19, Brott was to spend 32 days in an induced coma on a ventilator. His prognosis was grim, having endured all manner of infections, liver and kidney failure, not to mention terrifying hallucinations. Even after undergoing much physio following his release from hospital, it took him many months to play his cello again, let alone to simply pick it up. While still dealing with some lingering COVID issues, Brott was picking up the pieces of his life when tragedy struck in April 2022. His older brother, Boris Brott, 78, a world-renowned maestro, died in a freakish accident after being struck by a car in a hit-and-run while walking in Hamilton, Ont. Boris, the artistic director and conductor of the Orchestre classique de Montréal, had also been the director of Hamilton's National Academy Orchestra of Canada and the Brott Music Festival. Needless to say, Denis was crushed and still mourns the passing of his brother. The two brothers hailed from noble musical genes: their mother, Lotte Brott, was a virtuoso cellist while their father, Alexander Brott, was a highly successful violinist/conductor/composer. 'Music has always been a saviour for myself and my family,' Brott says. 'Music has transcended everything for us. What I do is not a job — even though I do three jobs as a professor (at the Conservatoire de musique de Montréal), a cellist and running the festival — it's my life.' But Brott acknowledges that he is also dealing with a music world that is topsy-turvy, one where some will pay thousands of dollars to catch Taylor Swift in concert and many hundreds to check out singers a few rungs below her. He concedes that his festival sales are down 30 per cent from last year — and this is with tickets selling for about $60 on average for adults and $25 for students and children. This year's fest also features seven free concerts. 'You know what the definition of insanity is: I know what I know. I know what I don't know. And I don't know what I don't know. But on top of that is doing things and expecting different results. … I think it was Einstein who said that. 'Yet I can't believe we have done this festival for 30 years with magnificent artists, innovative programming, premières and partnerships and on and on. That's what's exciting to me. That's what gets my juices flowing and makes me feel young and effervescent even as I'm about to turn 75 this year.' Paramount to Brott is bringing this year's seven free concerts to the festival. 'I've been trying to be the Pied Piper of democratizing chamber music,' he says. 'Since COVID, in my way to try to thank all the physicians who saved my life, I started a series of free health and wellness concerts at different hospitals during the year, and we have two such free concerts during this year's festival, both featuring the fantastic Janoska Ensemble from Vienna.' These concerts take place June 10 at noon at The Neuro, the Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital on University St., and June 11 at 4:15 p.m. at the CHUM on St-Denis St. Brott is also particularly pumped about Saturday's opening concert, Canadian Concertmasters Unite, at 7 p.m. at Salle Bourgie, a first such collaboration featuring concertmasters from Montreal, Toronto, Calgary and Edmonton. Not to be outdone is the Jazz and Jeans Family Concert, Sunday at 3:30 p.m. This one, also at Salle Bourgie, showcases Canadian fiddling legends Natalie McMaster and Donnell Leahy and — count 'em — seven of their offspring playing various instruments on the same stage. But Brott has a special place in his heart for American trumpeter Jens Lindemann, who will be playing in three concerts: Liberation World War II (June 18 at 7:30 p.m. at Salle Bourgie), Concerto Night (June 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Salle Bourgie) and the Oscar Peterson Centennial (June 20 at 7:30 p.m. at Cinquième Salle in Place des Arts). 'Talk about rising from the ashes, Jens's house was torched by these horrible Pacific Palisades fires,' Brott says. 'He only had time to run into his burning home to save his seven trumpets, most of which are made of gold. 'Talk about dealing with the challenges life can throw your way.'
Cision Canada
03-06-2025
- Cision Canada
Holland America Line Builds on Northern Europe Expertise with Third Dedicated Ship Exploring the Region in 2027
SEATTLE, June 3, 2025 /CNW/ -- Holland America Line will expand its presence in Northern Europe with a third dedicated ship in 2027, providing guests with more chances to discover the region with a cruise line known for its deep-rooted expertise in the area. Guests embarking on one of the cruises can expect to discover the sparkling cities and otherworldly beauty of Scandinavia, Greenland, the Baltics and the British Isles — while also enjoying an authentic onboard experience. Starting in 2027, Zuiderdam will join Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam in taking guests throughout Northern Europe, while Oosterdam will continue as the cruise line's primary ship to sail Mediterranean cruises. Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will continue to homeport in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, while Zuiderdam will cruise from Amsterdam. Both Zuiderdam and Rotterdam will also offer departures from Reykjavik, Iceland; and Nieuw Statendam will return to Dover, England, in 2027, with alternate itineraries for those wishing to sail roundtrip from the U.K. "Northern Europe is extremely popular with our guests — for the ports of call and stunning scenery. As a cruise line rooted in European heritage, we're uniquely positioned to offer them one-of-a-kind explorations with an onboard experience that matches the region," said Paul Grigsby, vice president of deployment and itinerary planning for Holland America Line. "The destinations in the region are some of our highest-rated — from standout ports in Norway like Eidfjord and Bergen and scenic cruising in Eyjafjörður, Iceland, to the UK's Liverpool and Ireland's Killybegs — this season provides guests more chances to experience everything Northern Europe has to offer." Holland America Line surveys of both current and prospective guests show that nearly half of respondents rank Northern Europe (including Iceland and Greenland) as one of the most appealing cruise destinations. Further, a majority of guests rank fjord cruising as something of particular interest. A "fjord authority," Holland America Line has crafted a 2027 season featuring copious opportunities for scenic cruising in Norwegian and Icelandic fjords — including through Europe's longest and deepest fjord, the Sognefjord. Northern Europe — Home of Holland America Line As one of the world's longest-sailing cruise lines, founded in Rotterdam in 1873, Holland America Line keeps its European heritage at the forefront of the experience on board. The "Dutch Touch" can be found on board every ship and on every itinerary, from classic design to "Dutch Day," which integrates numerous Holland America Line traditions into a celebration of the culture, cuisine and country of the Netherlands. Throughout each cruise, the "Northern European" experience continues on board and on shore through locally sourced regional delights. And — when sailing on European cruises, guests can taste some of Europe's best cocktails exclusively curated for Holland America guests by award-winning Dutch bartender Tess Posthumus. And guests can learn more about each destination through a series of onboard "Up Close" presentations and port talks, as well as see live, local entertainment in locations like Warnemunde, where they can take in the sounds of a German oom-pah band. Exploring the Mediterranean with Holland America Line Also available for booking as part of the 2027 Europe season is a series of Mediterranean cruises. Guests can choose from 14 itineraries ranging from seven to 11 days aboard Oosterdam, or from one of three itineraries aboard Nieuw Statendam, either 14 or 15 days. Each cruise will sail from one of four homeports — Barcelona, Spain; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Trieste (Venice), Italy; or Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy — and will explore a total of 54 ports throughout the season. Travelers can also combine itineraries for an even more in-depth exploration of the Mediterranean, sailing up to 21 days with no repeat ports. Guests seeking to sail aboard Rotterdam, Nieuw Statendam and Oosterdam can book today; bookings for Zuiderdam and Volendam's Voyage of the Vikings will go on sale later in June. Solar Eclipse and Northern Lights at Sea Guests seeking to sail in the shadow of the sun during a total solar eclipse or catch a glimpse of the elusive Northern Lights can now book a number of cruises departing in the 2027 season. Travelers sailing on one of two eclipse cruises can expect lectures from and the opportunity to connect with scientific experts, themed activities and more. Proper equipment — like eclipse glasses — will be provided for the safety of guests. And those sailing on one of three Northern Lights cruises can sign up to get a wake-up call from the ship any time the aurora borealis is spotted. Highlights of the Northern Europe Season Sails from April to December aboard Nieuw Statendam, Rotterdam and Zuiderdam. Itineraries range from seven to 21 days. Guests can choose from a broad range of " Viking Homelands" itineraries, curated with The HISTORY Channels ports like Bergen, Stavanger, Odda and more — while providing scenic cruising opportunities in iconic fjords. Guests can sail roundtrip from Those looking for longer explorations of the region can choose from a number of sailings, including a 14-Day Wild British Isles: Ireland + Cliffs of Moher with The HISTORY Channel — taking guests up close to the scenic cliffs of Moher, and to ports in both Northern Ireland and Ireland — as well as Scotland. Nieuw Statendam and Rotterdam will sail a series of 14-Day Baltic and Scandinavian Capitals sailings throughout the summer and into the fall. Each cruise includes overnight or late-night calls, in destinations like Copenhagen, Denmark; Tallinn, Estonia; and Kiel, Germany. A special "Oktoberfest" rendition of the sailing gives guests a late night call in Warnemünde (Berlin) to take in Berlin's Oktoberfest celebrations. Guests sailing onboard Nieuw Statendam — including on the Oktoberfest cruise — can choose to sail roundtrip from Rotterdam or Dover. The popular "Voyage of the Vikings" returns in 2027. The 35-day roundtrip from Boston will sail aboard Volendam and take guests to 20 ports across eight countries, with late night calls in Dublin, Halifax and an overnight in Reykjavik. Highlights of the Mediterranean Season Sails from April to November aboard Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam. Itineraries range from seven to 15 days. Guests can choose from a number of seven-day itineraries curated with The HISTORY Channel providing guests an immersive historic experience as well as a sample of the Mediterranean. Sample ports of call include culture-rich Ajaccio, France, and Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey — and some itineraries feature overnight calls in destinations like Naples, Italy, or Alexandria, Egypt. Oosterdam will also sail longer itineraries, either 10 or 11 days, each providing a more specialized look at the region. All itineraries offer late and/or overnight calls in destinations including Kotor, Montenegro; Dubrovnik, Croatia; Istanbul, Turkey; and Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy. Nieuw Statendam will sail three itineraries that will take guests to explore the Canary Islands and Morocco or the Western Mediterranean. Each itinerary offers roundtrip departures from either Rotterdam or Dover. Transatlantic Voyages In March, Rotterdam crosses the Atlantic Ocean from Fort Lauderdale to Rotterdam on a 15-day cruise; Nieuw Statendam follows in April on a 13-day itinerary. Shortly after, Oosterdam crosses from Miami to Barcelona, and Zuiderdam crosses from Fort Lauderdale to Amsterdam. Rotterdam, Oosterdam and Nieuw Statendam will sail to Fort Lauderdale via Rotterdam in October, Barcelona in November and Rotterdam in December, respectively. Further Highlights of 2027 Europe Season 11 Departure Cities: Rotterdam and Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome) and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Dover, England; Piraeus (Athens), Greece; Reykjavik, Iceland; and Fort Lauderdale and Miami, Florida. 12 Overnight Ports: Alexandria, Egypt; Alta and Oslo, Norway; Barcelona, Spain; Civitavecchia (Rome), Naples and Trieste (Venice), Italy; Greenock (Glasgow), Scotland; Haifa, Israel; Istanbul, Turkey; South Queensferry (Edinburgh), Scotland; and Valletta, Malta. 19 Late-Evening Departure Cities (between 10 p.m. and midnight): Ålesund and Trondheim, Norway; Alexandria, Egypt; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Civitavecchia (Rome); Greenock (Glasgow); Dubrovnik, Croatia; Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada; Istanbul; Kiel (Hamburg) and Warnemünde (Berlin), Germany; Liverpool, England; Mykonos and Rhodes, Greece; Reykjavik; Santa Cruz de Tenerife, Canary Islands; South Queensferry (Edinburgh); St. John's, Newfoundland, Canada; and Tallinn, Estonia. Have It All Early Booking Bonus For a limited time, when guests book 2027 Europe Cruises with the Have It All premium package, the standard package amenities of shore excursions, specialty dining, a Signature Beverage Package and Surf Wi-Fi are included — plus the added perk of free prepaid crew appreciation, along with free upgrades to the Elite Beverage Package and Premium Wi-Fi. Guests can also take advantage of Holland America Line's Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. Mariner Society loyalty members can enjoy up to $400 onboard credit per stateroom when these cruises open for sale. Guests must book these cruises by Aug. 27, 2025, to receive the Exclusive Mariner Society Early Booking Bonus. For more information about Holland America Line, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit Holland America Line has been exploring the world for 150+ years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering an ideal perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Holland America Line's 11 vessels feature a diverse range of enriching activities and amenities focused on destination immersion and personalized travel. Guests enjoy the best entertainment at sea, and dining venues featuring exclusive dishes by world-famous chefs. A new global fresh fish program brings more than 80 types of fresh fish on board, sourced and served locally in regions around the world.
Global News
30-05-2025
- Global News
Pair of Lethbridge Collegiate Institute grads discover unique connection from Second World War
What began as a fun graduation night between two close friends at the Lethbridge Collegiate Institute has grown into a story with unexpected historical depth. The students, both in their final year in 2025, chose to attend prom together to mark the end of high school — never imagining their families had crossed paths long before they were born. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy In the days following the event, their families discovered a striking coincidence. A newspaper clipping from the Second World War revealed that both of their great-grandfathers had flown together aboard the same aircraft during active service. The men, Mel Sherwood (Drew Sherwood's great uncle) and Grant Spackman (Anna Johnson's great grandfather), were crewmates in the Royal Canadian Air Force and recipients of the Distinguished Flying Cross, awarded by King George VI. Though the students had no idea about their shared lineage, the revelation created a moment of reflection across both families. A wartime bond had quietly resurfaced in the form of a modern-day friendship, bridging generations in an unexpected and meaningful way. Story continues below advertisement Learn more about the story by watching the video at the top of this article.
