5 Reasons to Make the Roadtrip to the Abbotsford Tulip Festival

April 5, 2018
DV
By Destination Vancouver
4 min read
Rows of pink and yellow tulips in a field with mountains and cloudy sky in the background.

Aside from the cherry blossoms, a sure sign that spring is here in Vancouver is the start of the hugely popular Abbotsford Tulip Festival in the Fraser Valley. On April 9th, the festival will open for their Low Bloom soft launch.

Throughout April and May, thousands of people flock to the tulip fields to enjoy the breathtaking display of colour along with other eye-catching activities in the field. The Abbotsford Tulip Festival takes place along the Trans-Canada Highway, about an hour’s drive from Vancouver. Need a few reasons to make the trip to the Tulip Festival? We have five below!

1. Brighten up a grey day

April showers bring May flowers! While some may think that the tulip fields are best viewed in the sun, they can also look stunning on a cloudy day. The spectacular streaks of colour stand out against a gloomy background. Just check out the photo above for proof!

Pink bench in front of rows of colorful tulip flowers in a field with trees in the background.

2. Get some great photo opportunities

A picture is worth a thousand words, all you have to do is look at the photos in this article to get an idea of why the Abbotsford Tulip Festival is so popular.

3. Experience the great outdoors

The Fraser Valley was given its name for a reason. There are some pretty amazing views to be had of the mountains that surround the tulip fields. Checking out the Tulip Festival is a great spot to take a quick walk and see a ton of amazing tulips.

Person in a pink apron standing inside a wooden snack shack with menu boards listing snacks and rain gear prices, set against a mountainous background.
Image from the Abbotsford Tulip Festival Facebook page

4. Enjoy a picnic

While you’re in the area, you may as well make the most of your stay! You can pack your own tasty picnic to enjoy in a covered eating area, or visit one of the convenient food trucks located on-site. There are several additional activities to keep kids entertained, including a play area and photo cut out boards.

5. Return with a fresh bouquet

Looking to bring some of the beauty home? You’re in luck. Bouquets of freshly cut tulips are available at the on-site flower market. Or, if you’re looking for the full farm experience, you can wander through the designated u-pick area and build a bouquet of your very own.

Hand holding a bouquet of pink and yellow tulips in front of a large field of multicolored tulips under a cloudy sky.

The Abbotsford Tulip Festival is usually open from 9 am until 7:30 pm from early April until early to mid-May and the cost of entrance ranges from $5 to $25 depending on when you go, your age, and how you buy your tickets.

Abbotsford Tulip Festival Quick Details

Location: 36737 North Parallel Road, Abbotsford, BC 1 kilometer East of Whatcom Road on the North side of Highway 1. Check out the directions online.

Dates: April 9, 2018 – Late May

Hours: Festival hours run from 9AM to 7:30pm (weather dependent). Entry is closed after 7~7:30pm (weather dependent) but visitors may stay in the fields until dusk. Magic Hour passes can be purchased allow for entry from Sunrise until 9am.

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