Yes, Road Trips Gardeners, the pandemic has altered the Canadian Tulip Festival. Unfortunately for all of us, travel is discouraged at this time (and US residents can’t cross the border anyway).

Fans of the festival are asked to stay home and experience the gift of tulips through an immersive virtual experience broadcast May 14 through 14, 2021, online.

Things should be better next year: the 70th Anniversary Platinum Jubilee is scheduled to take place in real life May 13 through 23, 2022.

The Canadian Tulip Festival was established to celebrate the historic Royal gift of tulips from the Dutch to Canadians immediately following the Second World War as a symbol of international friendship. The Festival preserves the memorable role of the Canadian troops in the liberation of the Netherlands and Europe, as well as commemorates the birth of Dutch Princess Margriet in Ottawa during World War II — the only royal personage ever born in Canada.

(Photos courtesy of Canada Tulip Festival)