Spring Festivals Worth the Drive in Canada

From tulips in Ottawa to vineyards in BC, spring in Canada is packed with festivals worth planning a road trip around. The weather’s warming up, the roads are clearing, and your next weekend getaway is just a drive away. Here are four springtime events you won’t want to miss, and a few tire tips to make sure your vehicle is road-trip ready.

🌷 Ottawa Tulip Festival – Ontario

Ottawa in bloom. The Tulip Festival brings a wave of colour to the capital every May.

Visit: https://tulipfestival.ca/
When: May 10–20, 2025
Why go: With over a million tulips blooming across the capital, this festival is a vibrant tribute to Canada’s friendship with the Netherlands. Stroll through colourful displays, check out the art installations, and soak in spring’s arrival in full bloom.

Tire Tip: Driving long-distance to Ontario? Make sure your tire pressure is on point, your treads are in good shape, and your spare is ready to go. Spring trips across provinces mean changing road conditions. You’ll want to be prepared.

🎭 Stratford Spring Theatre Season – Ontario

Quiet now, but not for long. Stratford’s spring theatre season is about to begin.

Visit: https://www.stratfordfestival.ca/
Why go: It’s one of Canada’s best small towns for arts and culture. Spring brings early-season shows without the summer crowds. Take in a play, explore the scenic riverside, and enjoy a quiet weekend in this charming theatre town.

Tire Tip: Smaller towns mean tighter turns and older roads. If you’ve just changed your tires for the season, double-check the torque on your lug nuts and test your cornering grip before you roll into Stratford’s heritage-lined streets.

🍁 Sugar Shacks – Quebec

Maple season in Quebec means road trip season. These sugar shacks are worth the detour.

Visit: Best Sugar Shacks in Québec City | Visit Québec City
Why go: Quebec’s maple season is iconic—and nowhere does it better than Au Pied de Cochon. This isn’t your average syrup-on-pancakes stop. Think maple-glazed everything and rustic vibes, with reservations that go fast for a reason.

Tire Tip: Quebec’s backroads can stay slick into late spring. Make sure your tires aren’t showing signs of winter wear like cracks or uneven tread. And if your GPS takes you down a muddy rural road, good traction will make all the difference.

🍷 Wine Touring – Okanagan Valley, BC

Sip, swirl, and enjoy the view. Spring wine tours are the perfect excuse for a road trip.

Visit: https://justgrapeswinetours.ca/
Why go: Spring is one of the best times to explore BC’s wine country. The crowds haven’t arrived yet, but the views, wines, and warm breezes already have. Relax on a patio, explore the Naramata Bench, and toast to the season.

Tire Tip: If you’re still rolling on winters, swap them out. All-season or summer tires will give you better grip and help your fuel efficiency on hilly, winding roads. Plus, winter tires wear down fast once the temps rise.

Spring Tire Checklist
Before your next adventure, check these items off your list:

• ✅ Change to summer or all-season tires

• ✅ Check tire pressure

• ✅ Inspect treads and sidewalls

• ✅ Book a wheel alignment if your vehicle pulls or shakes

• ✅ Re-torque lug nuts if you changed your tires recently

• ✅ Pack an emergency kit

Let’s Hit the Road
Spring festivals are waiting. With the right tires and a quick check-up, you’ll be ready to take on every turn, every view, and every stop along the way. Book your tire change or check out our spring promotions now at your nearest Tirecraft.