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 fellow gardeners and flower enthusiasts at these floral festivals to celebrate what’s in bloom during Ontario’s 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 event of its kind in the world.
Each year thousands of tulips bloom in stunning displays at Commissioners Park near Dows Lake.
When: May 10–20, 2024
Where: Ottawa
Fleurs de Villes ARTISTE Yorkville
This stunning floral series will be returning to Toronto’s Yorkville neighbourhood for a second year.
The free event involves a gallery of beautiful floral installations at various locations created by florists and designers, as well as workshops, performances and a flower market.
When: May 8–12, 2024
Where: Bloor-Yorkville, Toronto
Warkworth Lilac Festival
Don’t miss the 12th 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 25–26, 2024
Where: Warkworth
Bloom Celebrations at the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)
The Royal Botanical Gardens is an expansive oasis of biodiversity, conservation and education showcasing thousands of plant species in natural areas and manicured gardens. Within the gardens are the well-tended signature collections of lilacs, iris, peonies and roses.
The lilacs in the arboretum reach peak bloom in late May. In June, the iris and peony celebrations take place in the Laking Garden. And finally, in late June, the beloved Rose Garden in Hendrie Park steals the show. This 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 the popular flower.
When: May and June, 2024
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 too at the award-winning Peony Festival in Oshawa.
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 Canadian Peony Society Peony Show and Competition. This prestigious competition is serious business as the judges are permitted to ‘withhold’ an award if, in their opinion, the exhibit is not worthy.
When: June 8–9, 2024
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.
When: June 22–23, 2024
Where: 130 County Road 50 East, Colchester
Prince Edward County Lavender Festival
If you love the aroma and beauty of lavender, make this event on your calendar.
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 in a bed and breakfast if you can’t resist the thought of waking up to the scent of fresh lavender.
When: July 6–7 and 13–14, 2024
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, 2024
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: August, 2024
Where: 15770 Mountainview Road, Caledon East
Sundridge Sunflower Festival
Gather on the shores of Lake Bernard to enjoy live music, family activities, food and drink and gorgeous sunflowers.
When: August 10, 2024
Where: Main Street, Sundridge
Toronto Flower Market
Celebrating local flowers, plants, and artisans, this market is held monthly from May to October, offering a vibrant selection of locally grown flowers and the opportunity to meet local growers and florists.
When: Monthly, May through October, 2024
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 and other exotic plants, a series of special shows take place each year. The annual flower shows include the Hydrangea Show in May, the Regal Geraniums in June and the Summer Show runs from July to mid-September.
When: May through September, 2024
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Last updated: October 17, 2024