It is that time of year again, spring has sprung and the tulips are in full bloom. With that the city has driven into the country to witness the fields erupt with colour.
I remember visiting Lakeland for the first time a few years ago, so to see how much the property has expanded and how the experience has grown is phnomenal. From a quiet field for photos to a whole operation with food trucks, live entertainment, and a plenty of static photo ops as Abbotsford’s Tulip Festival!
This is 35 acres of tulips and lupins against mountain views. New this year is four golden pathways to play off the popularity of the musical and now movie Wicked. Plus Giant klompen (traditional Dutch shoes) and the schoenen winkel (Dutch shoe store). Returning favourite props include pianos to play in the fields, canoes to sit in, swings to glide on, bicycles to ride and elevated viewing platforms.
The festival is open from dawn until dusk, opened on April 5th, and expected to close on Mother’s Day, May 11th. Food trucks will be on site seven days a week, live piano performances will be held from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm on Thursdays and Fridays, from April 17th to May 11th; and live painting will occur on two Saturdays, April 26th and May 3rd.
We were invited down to a Wicked themed event night, made more magical with the backdrop of the tulips in the distance.
There were the musical themed food and drinks in pink and green. Pink and green frosted vanilla and chocolate mini cupcakes.
A green cucumber and lime spritz and a pink cosmopolitan.
There were also Wicked frosted sugar cookies with the musical’s iconic logos and accessories.
I especially enjoyed the spun to order cotton candy. A matcha green and a strawberry pink with the ability to be topped off with rainbow sprinkles.
While guests took stunning tulip photos, a live pianist played show tunes. There was a hot air balloon prop, a swing set, and velvet lined loungers. Plus the inspiration for this event, the yellow brick road. One of four walking paths that had you thinking of Oz.
I dressed as Elphaba the witch in black with pointed hat and a swifter. I did not have a regular broom and I liked that it was green on theme.
Grasping hat and “broom” I rode down the event only zipline. It was slight scary, but mostly fun. I would then go down a second time without the extra props.
This was a great way to enjoy a familiar space and add some additional magic to the tulip festival.
For those interested in visiting, tickets are available one week in advance with tiered pricing options for weekdays and weekends. It is strongly recommended that visitors purchase tickets online to not only receive reduced pricing, but to secure a time-slot. Timely field reports will be provided on the website and social media channels.
For those looking to return or repeat their visit after tulip season, they will have peonies, meadow flowers, and lavender thereafter. Lakeland Flowers closes for the season on July 1st, 2025.
Lakeland Flowers
3663 Marion Rd., Abbotsford, BC V3G 2J6
lakelandflowers.ca
