It is that time of year again. April showers have brought May flowers, and the Chilliwack Tulip Festival is in bloom for its 17th year. “Launched in 2006, the Chilliwack Tulip Festival is the first attraction of its kind in the Fraser Valley.” (Taken from the press release).
However, this year with the colder weather, it has been a slow start and this has been the festival’s latest opening date. Officially opened on April 19, 2023 we were visiting a week after and much of the field was still lined with puckered tulips due to the cold rain and lack of sunshine. However, there were still enough early bloomers to warrant the drive out to see them.
Those who purchased tickets are given free reign of the 20 acre curated fields, with the ability to wander designated pathways and walk amongst over 7 million tulips, in 30 different varieties; along with 5 different varieties of aromatic hyacinths and 16 types of daffodils.
I was lucky enough to be able to take in all the rainbow of colours against blue skies and mountains, earlier in the day before the fields were open to the public at 10am. But for those who did not get this opportunity, here is my guide to maximizing your visit and creating the perfect photo memories.
Wear proper footwear.
This is a working farm, the province is known for rain, so the fields are muddy and they do not have rinse station. Therefore flip-flops are not a great idea. White shoes are no good. Heels will only get you stuck. Wear gumboots or rain boots, anything that can have mud washed off of then easily. And there will be a lot of mud.
Dress in layers.
The event is outdoors and the weather can be unpredictable. Having a jacket and a hat allows you to keep warm and enjoy the farm for longer. Layering and accessorizing also helps to diversify your photos, adding interest. There are many photo ops and instead of doing the same pose or looking the same in each, you can create more content with more context by adding or removing layers and accessories.
Bring carrying solutions.
If you plan on bringing props, carry them in a waterproof bag. Something that you can store them in when you are not using them and that you don’t mind having on the ground. This includes the above layers. You will need all your hands to pose, hold a camera, and to take photos. Having everything else in a plastic bag or a tote makes it more convenient.
Accessorize with a bouquet.
For the most dynamic photos purchase a bouquet of blooms from the the on site garden shop, before you head into the fields. You aren’t able to pluck any of the tulips or daffodils, so having your own to hold and pose with adds life to your photos. And if you are like me, having them in hand means you look less clumsy, not knowing what to do with empty hands.
Come early.
Avoid the crowds and having to avoid others in your background photos, by coming as early as you can. Bonus, your photos will be the best with the sun rise and clouds that only begin to clear later in the day.
Bring a friend.
Not only for company, but you will definitely need an assistant to help you hold things, a person to take photos of you, and someone to pose in them with you.
Have fun.
And last but not least. Appreciate the space you are in, and your ability to enjoy such majestic surroundings. Where else can you find mountains and flowers in such an arena? Which are only an hour drive out of Vancouver.
For more on the Chilliwack Tulip Festival and how to purchase tickets, visit the link below.
https://www.onosflowerfestivals.com/
Chilliwack Tulip Festival
41310 Royalwood Dr. (just off Highway 1)
Chilliwack, BC
chilliwacktulipfest.com
