Acres of Tulips each Spring in Chilliwack BC
Tulips, Daffodils, Hyacinths and more Canadian flowers in British Columbia
The Chilliwack Tulip Festival in British Columbia's beautiful Fraser Valley is a delight for the senses. Visually, there are over 20 acres of Tulips and Daffodils. Additionally, the fields of blooms are set against a backdrop of mountains. At the same time, there is the scent of Hyacinths on fresh country air. There is the sound of friends and family talking and laughing as they explore the fields. Furthermore there is the feeling of the earth underfoot and (hopefully) the sun shining down.
An Abundance of Beauty
Twenty acres means approximately 8.5 million Tulips to enjoy. There are over 30 varieties of Tulips planted. In addition, they have 16 varieties of Specialty Daffodils and 10 varieties of Hyacinths. It is difficult to know where to look in the midst of such an abundance of beauty.
Chilliwack Tulip Festival Invites Photo-taking
Opportunities for great photos at the Chilliwack Tulip Festival are everywhere. Cameras and cell phones are almost as numerous as visitors. Many families come prepared for family photos. Little girls in pretty dresses. Brothers and sisters posing on a swing. Teens grouped around a replica of a car. At the same time many people are just trying to capture some of the beauty that is so abundant. The setting is the beautiful Fraser Valley surrounded by mountains and farmland. In the foreground, the colourful blossoms of Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths simply invite photos.
Staging for Photos
This fully operating farm has been thoughtful in providing areas that make picture taking easier. For example, there are seven swing sets, old Dutch bikes, a windmill, and a chapel scattered throughout the fields. There are also a few chairs and several field viewing platforms. Each of these items seems to invite people to pose for a picture. Below you will see a replica of a chapel and one of the swing sets. In the distance, in the next photo, you'll find a replica of a car as well as two wooden shoes along the walking path. And yet another photo shows a walking path with a chair, either for resting or to help stage a photo. Finally, the fourth photo shows another of the swing sets so popular for families. Imagine the children on the swings with a field of Tulips in the background.
Amenities at the Chilliwack Tulip Festival
Visitors to the Chilliwack Tulip Festival can expect at least one food truck, possibly more at busier times. In the event that it rains or there is too much sun, there are several covered areas. There are a number of portable toilets including some handicap stalls. There are also several hand-wash stations.
The Farm Shop
At The Farm Shop you can purchase souvenirs of your visit to the Chilliwack Tulip Festival. There are postcards, keychains, T-shirts, and many other items available for sale. And, by all means, you can purchase a bouquet of tulips or hyacinths. Or you can buy potted tulips. Eventually you can purchase bulbs but they won't be ready until August or September. Incidentally, this same location is home to fields of sunflowers later in the year.
The Tulip Festival Attracts Many Visitors
These fields attract over 45,000 visitors annually from all over. The Chilliwack Tulip Festival is approximately 75 minutes from the City of Vancouver. Furthermore, it is around 75 minutes from the Vancouver International Airport as well. Parking is free. Pets are welcome if leashed. Tickets can be purchased online at a discount, or at the entrance to the fields.
How to Dress
This is a working farm and rain is common in the Fraser Valley in the spring. Therefore, if there has been a recent rain, the pathways can have puddles or be muddy. Be prepared with boots or good walking shoes. It might be handy to have an umbrella in the car in case the weather changes. Also, I'd suggest you layer your clothing. For example, if it is cool and windy, then you will be warm. But if the sun is shining, and you've walked a bit, you might want to remove an item or two.
When does the 2023 Season Open?
Because the growing season can vary from year to year depending on weather, the 2023 season opening has not yet been announced. They try to announce the opening about 2 weeks in advance so we can be assured of beautiful blooms. However, they are usually open around the last two weeks in April and into May. As some fields begin to bloom, others are just finishing. Therefore the season stretches out to approximately 4 weeks long.
Best Viewing Times
Once the season starts, the fields are open 7 days a week. From Monday to Friday, they open at 10am and close at 6pm. However, on Saturday and Sunday you can book a ticket for as early at 6am. While this might seem way too early to make your way to Chilliwack, there is the advantage of having the fields almost to yourself. Equally important, the early morning light can add to your photos. But, truly, where there is this much beauty at hand, any time of day is worth the trip.
Tulips, Daffodils, and Hyacinths in Abundance
You won't want to miss the over 20 acres of Tulips, 3 acres each of Daffodils, and Hyacinths, in the beautiful Fraser Valley surrounded by mountains. It is a unique photo opportunity. Not to mention that the beauty of the blooms in such abundance is something you'll want to experience at least once in a lifetime.