Spring is coming, perhaps a little early in some parts of Canada, and few outings shed the doldrums of winter like a blast of natural colour. So perhaps it's time (now) to make plans for the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa-Gatineau, which is marking its 60th anniversary this year - and has special meaning for Canadians - and citizens of Holland. [caption id="attachment_9967" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Canadian Tulip Festival (Courtesy: Ottawa Tourism)"] [/caption] A Royal Family in in war-time peril and a country willing to take them in. That's how the Canadian Tulip Festival started 60 years ago.

"The tulip was a gift in perpetuity to the Canadian people for providing a safe harbor to the Dutch Royal Family during the Second World War," say the organizers. "The festival’s mandate is to preserve this heritage and celebrate the tulip as a symbol of international friendship by engaging local organizers, volunteers, artists, performers, tourists and festival-goers in what has become an annual ritual of spring and one of Canada’s best loved and well-known cultural events."

  [caption id="attachment_9970" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Canadian Tulip Festival (Courtesy: Ottawa Tourism)"] [/caption] The  Tulip Festival takes place in the Byward Market, Little Italy, Chinatown and other neighbourhoods through the capital region. Not-to-be missed is the C ommemorative 60th anniversary Garden Party for the international community at “Blue Gables,' where the Dutch Royals made their home in Canada during the Second World War. Check out the complete roster of Tulip Festival Events. [caption id="attachment_9971" align="aligncenter" width="360" caption="Canadian Tulip Festival (Courtesy: Ottawa Tourism)"] [/caption]

I've always found Ottawa to be the perfect walkable city with activities that make everyone happy. If you're keen to combine other activities with a visit to the Tulip Festival, check out Tourism Ottawa's user-friendly web site. Are there any springtime flowers shows in your area that you'd recommend to visitors. Post below. I'd love to hear about them.