When I was younger flowers and gardening was something that seemed so foreign to me that it was almost from some alien planet brought to you by a cheap b-movie director. It was an assault to my youth, old people just spending hours gardening, well now in my 40’s and I do my own gardening. I don’t remember what happen just suddenly flower’s herbs and what ever else peaked my fancy started ending up in my carts, and I too would spend hours tending to my plants. What happened to that hellion? Well knees, bad back, now a sneeze can take me out.
Which brings me to each spring, fields in Agassiz, BC erupt in vibrant colors that amaze you what nature as a medium and people with a passion can create. The Harrison Tulip Festival April 12-May 4th Draws tens of thousands of visitors to witness a breathtaking floral spectacle. Formerly known as the Chilliwack Tulip Festival, this event is now hosted on a 109-acre working farm by Onos Farms and Tulips of the Valley, the very pioneers who introduced BC’s first tulip experience back in 2006.
The story behind the festival is as heartwarming as the blooms are beautiful. What began as a small family passion project blossomed into a partnership with Onos Greenhouses Ltd., who grow over 15 million cut tulips annually. After the outdoor festival, many of the bulbs are used in their high-tech greenhouses to produce flowers for markets across western Canada and the northern U.S.
Now in its 19th year, the festival has found its permanent home back in Agassiz in the Fraser Valley, just under two hours from Vancouver. With the majestic Mount Cheam as a backdrop, this scenic spot offers a full sensory experience.
Visitors can stroll through over 12 million tulips in more than 100 varieties, alongside 16 kinds of double daffodils and five varieties of sweet-smelling hyacinths. A special highlight is the “Secret Garden,” a 4-acre oasis surrounded by flowering trees and shrubs, featuring 75+ tulip varieties and winding grass pathways.
But the festival is more than a feast for the eyes. The on-site Farm Shop sells fresh-cut and potted tulips, specialty Dutch treats like stroop waffles, novelty ice cream, and handmade goods. Two food trucks serve daily eats, and there’s plenty of free parking and handicap-accessible areas, though rubber boots are recommended on wet days.
Agassiz itself is a hidden gem worth exploring. Known for its lush farmland, and proximity to Harrison Hot Springs, the area is perfect for a spring getaway. So don’t wait like me to start enjoying flower gardens and the pleasure that a little bit of time unplugged from the phone just taking in what nature can offer the soul.
Visit harrisontulipfest.com for details.
Brian Smith
bsmith288@my.bcit.ca