Spring blossoms, flower festivals and farms
Ottawa Tulip Festival | Ottawa Tourism
If the warmer days, bursts of colour and fragrance of fresh blossoms put a bounce in your step and a smile on your face, you’re not alone. Join fellow gardeners and flower enthusiasts at these floral festivals to celebrate the blossom season.
And visit a pick-your-own flower farm near you.
Sakura Cherry Blossoms in High Park
Cherry blossom season is the definition of spring for many Torontonians.
The grove of Cherry Blossom (Sakura) trees along the High Park Trail and around the Grenadier Pond was gifted to Toronto in 1959 from Tokyo’s citizens to Toronto’s citizens for their support of Japanese-Canadian refugees after WWII.
The bond between the two cities and the planting of more Sakura continues to this day, and the outcome grew into what is now known as the “Sakura Project.” Be sure to follow the Bloom Prediction online. When the Sakura are in full bloom, it’s like something right out of a fairy tale.
Date: late April to mid-May
Location: Toronto
Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa
Ottawa’s love affair with tulips began in 1953 as a symbol of friendship and peace between the Dutch and Canadian governments and has blossomed into the largest of its kind in the world.
Over 300,000 tulips take over Commissioners Park near Dows Lake and Major’s Hill Park, and the Byward Market area.
Date: May 12-22, 2023
Location: Ottawa
Warkworth Lilac Festival
The lilac festivities in Warkworth last a full month, starting in early May. Visitors will be treated to rare and beautiful varieties of lilacs along the Millennium Lilac Trail in one of Northumberland County’s prettiest little towns.
The staggering varieties of lilacs on display produce a feast for both the eyes and nose. Prepare for sensory overload in the best way imaginable.
Date: May 27-28, 2023
Location: Warkworth
Rose Celebration at the Royal Botanical Gardens
The beloved Centennial Rose Garden in Hendrie Park at the Royal Botanical Gardens 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 the popular flower.
Date: late June
Location: 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. Admire over 300 varieties at Oshawa’s Peony Festival in mid-June.
A highlight is the Canadian Peony Society’s Peony Show and Competition. This is serious business as the judges are permitted to ‘withhold’ an award if, in their opinion, the exhibit is not worthy.
Date: June 10-11, 2023, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Location: Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens, 155 Arena Street, Oshawa
The Bruce Peninsula Orchid Festival
The botanically diverse Bruce Peninsula is home to 44 species of orchids, 42 of which are native to the area, and rare species of daisies and irises and old-growth cedars (oldest trees in eastern North America).
The Bruce Peninsula National Park Visitor Centre offers field activities such as guided hikes and photography workshops in and around the park.
Date: mid-July
Location: Tobermory
Prince Edward County Lavender Festival
Enjoy local food, entertainment, activities for kids and more over two weekends in the middle of summer during the peak lavender flowering season at Prince Edward County Lavender.
Tour the vibrant lavender fields and shop in the boutique for essential lavender oils and other products. There’s even the opportunity to stay onsite if you can’t resist the thought of waking up to the scent of fresh lavender.
Date: July 8-9 and July 15-16, 2023
Location: 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.
Date: August
Location: Elora
Flower farms and gardens in Ontario
In between floral festivities, purchase freshly cut flowers or pick-your-own bouquets at these flower farms and gardens.
JP Niagara Tulip Experience
Location: 1934 Centre Street, Ridgeville
Dahlia May Flower Farm & Farmstand
Location: 1226 Stockdale Road, Trenton
Country Cut Flowers
Location: 970 Miller's Sideroad, Newmarket (farm driveway is 100 metres just past 970 Miller’s Sideroad)
Lochland Botanicals
Location: 2468 25 Side Road, Campbellville
Makkink's Flower Farm
Location: 164604 Kellett Road, Tillsonburg
Creek's Edge Flower Co.
Location: 8249 Century Drive Mount Brydges
Andrew’s Farm
Location: 9365 10 Side Road, Milton
Island Roots Flower
Location: 6975 ON-551, Mindemoya, Manitoulin Island
Robintide Farms
Location: 2720 King Vaughan Road, Maple
Round Ranch
Location: 1922 County Road 92, Elmvale
Garden Party Flower Farm
Location: 1528 Notre Dame Drive, St. Agatha
Black Creek Flower Farm
Location: 4858 Line 34, Stratford
Philburn Flower Farm
Location: 371 Philburn Rd, Belleville
Tulip Pick Farm
Location: 1415 Balfour Street, Fenwick
Learn more about Greater Toronto Area gardens and garden attractions throughout Ontario. And discover even more lavender farms and events.
Last updated: May 11, 2023