12 gorgeous flower festivals and floral shows in Ontario
Canadian Tulip Festival | Ottawa Tourism
If the warmer days, bursts of colour and floral fragrance from the garden put a bounce in your step and a smile on your face, you’re not alone. Join gardeners and flower enthusiasts at these Ontario floral festivals and flower farms that celebrate the flowers in bloom during the flower-growing seasons.
Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa
Ottawa’s love affair with tulips began in 1953 with a royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians post-World War II. This symbol of friendship and peace between the two nations has blossomed into the largest tulip festival in Ontario and the world. Every year, thousands of tulips bloom in stunning displays at Commissioners Park near Dow’s Lake.
When: May 9–19, 2025
Where: Commissioners Park, Preston Street and Queen Elizabeth Driveway, Ottawa
Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE Yorkville
This stunning floral series is one of the best flower shows in Toronto. In 2025 it returns to the city’s Bloor-Yorkville neighbourhood just in time for Mother’s Day.
Stroll through a gallery of blooming flowers at various locations created by florists and designers, as well as workshops, performances and a flower market.
When: May 7–11, 2025
Where: Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto
Warkworth Lilac Festival
Don’t miss the 13th annual Lilac Festival in Warkworth, a welcoming rural community in Northumberland County’s Trent Hills.
Visitors are treated to rare and beautiful varieties of lilacs along the Millennium Lilac Trail. In addition to the lovely colour and fragrance of the lilacs, local artisans, vendors, food, music and special activities make this an inclusive, family-friendly event.
When: May 24–25, 2025
Where: Warkworth
What’s In Bloom at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)
The Royal Botanical Gardens are an expansive oasis of biodiversity, conservation and education, showcasing thousands of plant species in natural areas and manicured gardens. Within the gardens are well-tended signature collections of lilacs, irises, peonies and roses.
The beautiful lilacs in the arboretum reach peak bloom in late May. In June, the iris and peony celebrations take place in the Laking Garden. And in late June, the beloved Rose Garden in Hendrie Park steals the show. This rose collection has grown over the years to become one of the largest in Ontario.
Wander the grounds and follow the pathways to thousands of different varieties of blooming roses. The garden also features interpretive signs providing an interesting history of this popular flower.
When: Spring and summer 2025
Where: 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
Oshawa Peony Festival
From the imperial estates in ancient China to Kew Gardens in London, the vibrant peony has graced gardens the world over—and it’s become a sensation in Ontario as well, thanks to Oshawa’s award-winning Peony Festival.
During this free, two-day event, guests are welcome to explore the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, admire hundreds of varieties of peonies in the Peony Garden, browse artisan crafts and goods at vendor tables and enjoy food and entertainment.
A highlight of the event is the “Peony Show and Competition” hosted by the Canadian Peony Society. Judging is taken seriously at this prestigious competition, as an award may be withheld if an exhibit doesn’t meet the high standards.
When: June 7–8, 2025
Where: 155 Arena Street, Oshawa
Serenity Lavender Festival
Join artists, artisans and musicians at Canada’s most southern lavender farm on the shores of Lake Erie for a celebration of all things lavender. Smell the calming fragrance of over 30 varieties of lavender as you walk through the scenic gardens and enjoy live music and craft demonstrations.
When: June 21–23, 2025
Where: 130 Essex County Road 50, Colchester
Prince Edward County Lavender Festival
Mark this event on your calendar if you are a lavender enthusiast.
Savour local food, entertainment, activities for kids and more during the peak lavender flowering season at Prince Edward County’s Lavender Festival. Tour the vibrant lavender fields and shop in the boutique for essential lavender oils and other products.
Book a stay at the farm’s B&B and wake up to the scent of fresh lavender.
When: July 5–6 and 12–13, 2025
Where: 732 Closson Road, Hillier
Sunflower Festival at Fieldstone Barn
The farm at Fieldstone Barn in Elora celebrates sunflower season in a big way.
From an artisan market to several staged ‘selfie spots’, as well as corn mazes, local farm alpacas and donkeys, and of course, fields of tall, luminous sunflowers, there’s a lot to enjoy.
When: August 2025
Where: 7450 Middlebrook Road, Elora
Sunflower Festival at Davis Family Farm
Experience your own field of dreams as you wander through fields of bright, beautiful sunflowers. Check the activities schedule for unique experiences like sunflower yoga sessions and picnics in the fields.
When: July 26–August 10, 2025
Where: 15770 Mountainview Road, Caledon East
Sundridge Sunflower Festival
Visit the shores of Lake Bernard to experience the largest annual summer festival in the Almaguin area. Live music, family activities, food and drinks and stunning displays of different types of flowers create a colourful atmosphere for all ages to enjoy.
When: August 9, 2025
Where: Main Street, Sundridge
Toronto Flower Market
The Toronto Flower Market was the first outdoor flower market in Toronto.
Celebrating local flowers, plants and artisans, this Ontario flower market is held on certain Saturdays from May to October, rain or shine. It offers a vibrant selection of locally grown, fresh flowers and the opportunity to meet local growers and florists.
When: Monthly, May through October, 2025
Where: 1001 Queen Street West, Toronto
Spring and Summer Shows at the Niagara Falls Floral Showhouse
There’s always something new to admire at the iconic Floral Showhouse in Niagara Falls, close to the famous falls.
In addition to the standard displays, including a rare collection of orchids, succulents and other tropical plants, a series of special shows take place each year, such as the Orchid Show in spring 2025.
When: Open year-round. Check online for special shows.
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Last updated: April 28, 2025