Ottawa and the Canadian Tulip Festival
Enjoy an annual celebration founded on the international friendship that started with the 1945 presentation of 100,000 tulip bulbs from Princess Juliana of the Netherlands to Ottawa, Canada’s capital, given in appreciation of the safe haven that members of Holland’s exiled royal family received during World War II in Ottawa and in recognition of the role which Canadian troops played in the liberation of the Netherlands. The festival, now in its 72nd year, has grown into World’s largest tulip festival and prides itself as Ottawa’s annual rite of spring with over a million tulips in 50 varieties blooming in public spaces across the National Capital Region. And seeing these beautiful blossoms means also seeing many of Ottawa’s other grand attractions, as the Tulip Route follows the historic Rideau Canal to the Parliament buildings and across the majestic Ottawa River.
- Two nights at the Ottawa Marriott in downtown Ottawa, breakfast daily at hotel, one dinner, deluxe motorcoach transportation, driver and guide gratuities and AAA Escort.
- Meals not included in itinerary
- Housekeeping Gratuity
- AAA Members: Save $15 per person.
- Ottawa City Sightseeing Tour with a costumed guide
- Guided visit of Rideau Hall, the residence of the Governor General of Canada
- See the world-renowned tulip beds in Commissioner’s Park’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring over 300,000 blooms along the beautiful shores of Dow’s Lake
- The famous tulip beds of Major’s Hill Park and Commissioner's Park
- Free time at the historic Byward Market for dining and shopping
- Visit to the Canadian Museum of History
Prices are per person based on double occupancy. Pricing for single, triple and quad occupancy is available. A refundable deposit of $100 per person is due upon reservation. Cancellation insurance is available at final payment. Balance is due by March 13, 2024 and trip becomes nonrefundable at that time. After March 13, 2024, space is based on availability. Itinerary is subject to change. All times are approximate. All passengers must have proper identification for entry into Canada. A valid passport, passport card or enhanced license is required for border crossing.
Morning: Boarding in Clifton Park at 6:00 am, Queensbury at 6:45 am and Plattsburgh at 8:45 am. Morning rest stop in route to Ottawa, Canada. Afternoon: Arrive in Ottawa and enjoy free time at the Byward Market. Guided sightseeing tour of Ottawa and its beautiful tulip beds discover the city’s many historic landmarks. Hear the story behind all these tulips bed and so much more! Stop for pictures at the Commissioners Park and the region’s most extensive gardens on the shores of Dows Lake. Some 300,000 tulips are grown in the park, in a variety of different gardens and designs. Stop at Major’s Hill Park, drive along the Canal Rideau where 300,000 tulips are planted there alone. Check into the Novotel downtown hotel accommodation for a 2-night stay. Guest will definitely enjoy their stay at this trendy 4-star hotel in the heart of downtown Ottawa. Located just steps to the ByWard Market and the Rideau Canal, a short walk to the Parliament and across the street from the Rideau Shopping Centre. Evening: Depart and enjoy an inclusive dinner at a restaurant in downtown Ottawa. After dinner, return to the hotel. Remainder of the evening is at your leisure.
Morning: Breakfast at your hotel. Meet our guide and enjoy a guided visit of Parliament Hill. Discover the history, functions and art of Canada’s Parliament with a guided tour of Centre Block. This iconic building is home to the Senate, House of Commons and Library of Parliament. Next, participate in a guided tour of Rideau Hall. This historic building and expansive landscaped grounds is the official residence and workplace of the governor general - the Crown's representative in Canada. See Rideau Hall's beautiful interior to see the state rooms where the governor general welcomes dignitaries, receives ambassadors and heads of state, and presents Canada's highest honours. Admire the Tent Room, a large ballroom decorated in lively red-and-white striped fabric. Afternoon: Free time for lunch on your own at Ottawa’s historic ByWard Market. Spend an afternoon of leisure enjoying the Canadian Tulip Festival activities held at the Festival Plaza, in Commissioners Park. Relax and take in the Capital Sounds music shows featuring local favorites and popular touring artists. Evening: Return to the hotel. Dinner and an evening on your own. Dine at the hotel’s Grill 41 Restaurant or one of the many nearby restaurants within walking distance of the hotel.
Morning: Breakfast at your hotel prior to check out. Visit to the Canadian Museum of History. Visit First Peoples Hall celebrating the history, diversity, creativity, resourcefulness and endurance of Canada’s First Nations. Afternoon: Lunch today on your own at the museum, prior to departure. Board the coach and depart for home at 2:00 pm. Arrival in Plattsburgh at 5:30 pm, Queensbury at 8:00 pm and Halfmoon at 9:00 pm.
| Start date | End date | Duration | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 05/17/24 | 05/19/24 | 3 Days | $760.00 | Reserve |
