Image: Botanica Tulip Festival / Touting itself as Canada's first "carbon-negative" flower festival in Canada, Chilliwack's very own tulip festival opens its fields to the public on Friday, April 12 and continues through to mid-May. Botanica Tulip Festival boasts an impressive array of 1.5 million tulips and 59 tulip varieties interspersed across 13 panoramic acres in Greendale. 

By Mike Vanden Bosch

Botanica Tulip Festival

Chilliwack’s reimagined tulip festival opens in Greendale

Apr 11, 2024 | 10:40 PM

CHILLIWACK — Touting itself as Canada’s first “carbon-negative” flower festival in Canada, Chilliwack’s very own tulip festival opens its fields to the public on Friday, April 12 and continues through to mid-May.

Botanica Tulip Festival boasts an impressive array of 1.5 million tulips and 59 tulip varieties interspersed across 13 panoramic acres in Greendale. Event organizers say they’re excited to showcase their commitment to sustainability as the first carbon-negative flower festival in Canada, a move made possible by capturing and sequestering carbon.

After a soft opening earlier this week, ticket sales are now live through their website at botanicaflowerfestival.com. The festival is expected to attract thousands of visitors to the Fraser Valley over the next month.

Before undergoing the process of utilizing carbon-capturing techniques, Botanica employed soil testing, crop rotation, and composting to nurture healthy soil and vibrant flowers. Now, thanks to the incorporation of a new carbon sequestration method into its tulip fields, Botanica says it will reduce its carbon footprint further and enrich soil health for better flower growth.

“We’re thrilled to be the first carbon-negative flower festival in Canada. Our commitment to environmental stewardship is deeply rooted in our love for nature and the stunning tulips we grow,” shared Jen Giesbrecht, co-owner and co-operator of Botanica Tulip Festival. “We’ve worked really hard to prioritize environmental initiatives to be a fully carbon-negative festival.”

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Botanica’s approach takes roots by transforming organic waste into stable carbon, preventing the release of harmful carbon dioxide. This stored carbon remains embedded in the soil, actively reducing greenhouse gas levels and improving soil quality. These efforts are independently verified, the festival says, fostering transparency and accountability.

Botanica is committed to sustainable practices throughout the festival with initiatives that include offering EV chargers for visitors and recyclable and compostable packaging. Attendees can also enjoy interactive exhibits showcasing Botanica’s environmental initiatives, including North America’s first carbon-capturing production truck and engaging activities for kids to learn about carbon and sustainability.

Botanica Tulip Festival is located at 41310 Royalwood Drive in Chilliwack. The festival offers many photo opportunities throughout the grounds including an on-site Ferris wheel, providing visitors a chance to take in the spectacular views of the expansive 13-acre tulip fields from above.

To ensure a seamless experience, visitors are encouraged to purchase tickets in advance through the festival’s website, botanicaflowerfestival.com, to save and guarantee access. Pricing for children & youth (5-15) varies from $10-$20, adults (16-64) $12-$25 and seniors (65+) $10-$20. Infants & toddlers (0-4) can access the festival for free. Please note weekday and weekend pricing varies. Learn more at botanicaflowerfestival.com.