If you're already sick of cherry blossoms, there's a new spring flower in town.
Just kidding--cherry blossoms are breathtaking. But there is an equally stunning flower spectacle to experience this spring in the Lower Mainland.
The largest and longest-running tulip festival in Western Canada returns this week to brighten the Fraser Valley with vibrant blooms.
Formerly known as Tulips of the Valley, Chilliwack Tulip welcomes thousands of visitors to marvel at millions of beautiful bulbs.
The colourful attraction was forced to take a hiatus in 2020 due to the pandemic, but it proudly returns this year (with health and safety protocols in place) for its 15th annual edition, starting Sunday, April 11.
With this in mind, festival organizers encourage only residents of the Fraser Valley to visit the fields due to the current provincial travel advisory (avoiding non-essential travel outside of your region).
For people who do visit the farm, several health and safety protocols will be in place:
- The fields’ capacity will be limited to 25%
- Tickets will be sold online only, in one-hour blocks
- Masks are mandatory in all areas of the grounds at all times. That said, they may be removed briefly for photos so long as social distancing can be maintained
- Hand-sanitizing stations will be available in multiple locations
- Staff will be sanitizing high-touch areas throughout the day
- Directional pathways will be 3 to 5 metres wide
Experience Chilliwack Tulip
The festival will offer a sprawling 20 acres of 25-plus tulip varieties, plus over 16 types of double daffodils, and 10 varieties of hyacinths. In total, there will be over 6.5 million bulbs.
"In terms of blooming times, the 'Chilliwack Spring Blooms' (featuring full bloom hyacinths and early blooming double daffodils, along with a 4-acre field of budding tulips) will take place April 11 – 16. 'Chilliwack Tulips' (the remaining acres of tulips) will be in bloom from April 16 until at least May 2," explain organizers.
Spring selfie hunters will find numerous photo-op props throughout the grounds, which includes seven sets of swings and several raised platforms.
Additionally, The Farm Shop will be open daily, offering fresh cut and potted tulips, dahlia tubers, sunflower seeds for the garden, and tulip-themed souvenirs, along with individually wrapped frozen treats and bottled refreshments.
“We couldn’t be happier to be back,” says founder Kate Onos-Gilbert. “We look forward to welcoming local Fraser Valley residents to the fields this year.”
The Chilliwack Tulip Festival fields are located at 41310 Yale Road, just minutes from Highway 1. Parking is free.
