Since 2006, Tulips of the Valley has been among the most popular and acclaimed annual events in the region. In fact, it is now recognized as the largest and longest-running tulip festival in Western Canada, welcoming tens of thousands of visitors every year.
This year, Tulips of the Valley changes its name to the Chilliwack Tulip Festival. But everything that has made it so beloved remains — and then some!
Now in its 13th year, the Chilliwack Tulip Festival is poised to be the biggest and best yet. Festival founder Kate Onos-Gilbert and her family — who have become one of the country’s foremost “grow-to” tulip experts — have primed their fields to offer visitors an incomparable explosion of colour, fragrance, and all-ages fun.
Beginning April 10, the first two weeks of the festival will feature 10 varieties of hyacinths and 17 varieties of daffodils, and include one-of-a-kind, handmade floral mosaics. From the second weekend forward, an awe-inspiring 30 varieties of tulips will be in bloom, totalling more than 6.5 million bulbs in all the colours of the rainbow, planted in extra wide rows for easy viewing and convenient photo opportunities. Overall, there are 20 acres of spring beauty to behold.
And all of the other family-friendly attractions from past years will be returning: the Rotary Train (weekends only), weekend food trucks (including fresh, authentic Dutch “stroop” waffles), a something-for-everyone flower-themed gift shop, and new this year: tractor rides.
If you love taking photos — selfies, portraits of friends and family, or artistic shots — the Chilliwack Tulip Festival offers a truly spectacular environment, whether in the fields, next to the windmill and traditional Dutch bicycle, or from the festival’s famous tulip swing over the flowers. Every year the festival creates new photo-op locations on their fields, and this year is no exception with a few new surprises for visitors to discover.
“Tulips of the Valley has been a labour of love for me and my family since we started growing tulips decades ago,” says Kate Onos-Gilbert. “Although we’ve changed its name this year, returning visitors will find everything they’ve always loved about the festival, while newcomers will be overwhelmed by one of the most beautiful, elaborate displays of flowers to be found anywhere in Canada. This is a true celebration of springtime and the beauty of nature. We look forward to welcoming everyone for our 13th amazing year.”
The Chilliwack Tulip Festival runs every day from April 10, for approximately four weeks, and is conveniently located just minutes from Highway 1. (Click here for easy directions.) Parking is free. For complete details, including ticket pricing, visit chilliwacktulipfest.com.