With spring’s arrival, it’s time to grab your favourite denim jacket and head outdoors to enjoy the warmer temperatures and the fresh spring air. If you’re looking for a quick weekend getaway to unwind, these spring festivals are a must-see for your next travel. From strolling through the colourful hues of tulips in the Ottawa streets to snacking on sweet maple syrup treats, here are spring’s top festivals to check out this season.

Photo: @Ottawa_Tourism on Twitter

1) Canadian Tulip Festival: If you’re travelling to Ottawa for spring, the Canadian Tulip Festival may be worth adding to your itinerary during your trip. From May 13 to 23, the Ottawa region will be in full bloom with more than a million tulips in vibrant hues brightening the region’s parks and sidewalks. The tulip has long been a symbol of Canada’s friendship and appreciation with the royal family of Netherlands when Princess Juliana and her family were provided a safe haven in Canada during WWII. To commemorate this time in Canada’s history, Ottawa holds the Canadian Tulip Festival every year just in time for the return of spring.

2) Canadian Music Fest: For music lovers looking to rock out to some Canadian tunes and bands, head over to the Canadian Music Fest in Toronto to show your love for music. As part of the Canadian Music Week, Canada’s biggest new music festival, the Canadian Music Fest features over 1,000 artists showcasing indie, jazz, rock and French Canadian music. So if you’re looking to end the work week with a night of partying, make your way to one of Toronto’s 60 venues from Mar 2 to 8.

Photo: @OfficialVCBF on Twitter

3) Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival: In the mild climate of Vancouver, spring’s arrival comes early with the annual Vancouver Cherry Blossom Festival. During this month-long festival, the city is awaken with a soft blanket of white and pink blossoms colouring the city’s streets and parks. If you’re looking to enjoy the awe of these natural beauties, there are several community events you can partake in, such as the 10^th Tree Planting Program, guided walks, outdoor concerts and a Japanese fair featuring Japanese food, haiku readings and hands-on arts and crafts.

Photo: Elmira Maple Syrup Festival – Official Site on Facebook

4) Maple Syrup Festival: If you have a sweet tooth and are craving for a sugary treat, you’re in luck because come spring time is the Maple Syrup Festival. This festival celebrates Canada’s golden treat with various events held all over the country from farm tours, sleigh rides to frozen taffy treats made from hot syrup and fresh snow. Some places worth checking out are Elmira Maple Syrup Festival in Ontario, which is recognized as the World’s Largest Single Day Maple Syrup Festival by Guinness Book of World Records and Maple in the County in P.E.I., which is known for their sugarbush festivities.