A lovely spring tradition filled with colourful flowers is about to take over Nathan Phillips Square, and it’s all thanks to a blooming tradition that celebrates a deep-rooted international friendship.
Toronto Tulip Day is officially returning this weekend, bringing 15,000 free flowers to the heart of the city. Hosted by the Consulate General of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the event serves as an ongoing thank you to Canada, commemorating the liberation of the Netherlands and the enduring bond forged between the two nations during the Second World War.
While the sight of thousands of tulips is seriously Insta-worthy, the event carries a much deeper significance. This giveaway marks the anniversary of the Netherlands’ liberation, which was a milestone made possible by the bravery of Canadian soldiers. It also serves as a centerpiece for Dutch Heritage Month in Ontario, honoring the contributions of the Dutch-Canadian community.
The event centers around a massive flower garden set up right in the square. Visitors are invited to pick their own bunch of tulips to take home, turning the concrete plaza into a temporary urban meadow.
What You Need To Know
The event is completely free to attend, but these blooms tend to disappear fast. Here are the details:
- When: Saturday, May 9, from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. (or until the flowers are all gone).
- Where: Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen St. W.
- Cost: Free! No registration or tickets are required.
Because the tulips are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, you’ll want to set your alarms and arrive early.
