Canadian Spring Festivals Worth Driving To

Spring road trip vibes: sunshine, open roads, and unforgettable memories.
Posted April 21, 2025

From tulips to theatre, sugar shacks to vineyards,  make the most of spring with these epic Canadian spring road trip festivals.

Spring in Canada isn’t just a change in weather — it’s a green light to hit the road. With flowers blooming, festivals kicking off, and the highways finally clearing of winter grit, it’s the perfect time to plan a weekend escape. From Eastern Ontario to the Okanagan, here are four unforgettable Canadian spring experiences worth driving to—plus some essential spring tire tips to keep your ride road-trip ready.


🌷 Ottawa Tulip Festival – Ontario

When: May 10–20, 2025
Why Go: A sea of colour, the Canadian Tulip Festival features over a million blooms across Ottawa, symbolizing the post-war gift of friendship from the Netherlands. It’s one of Canada’s most iconic spring events, with art displays, walking tours, and scenic photo ops at every turn.

Tulips in full bloom in front of the National Gallery of Canada during the Canadian Tulip Festival in Ottawa.

A colourful welcome to spring: The Canadian Tulip Festival brightens Ottawa each May.

Tire Tip: Planning a road trip from Western Canada to Ottawa? That’s a serious haul across multiple climate zones. Before you hit the Trans-Canada Highway, check your tire pressure, rotate your tires for even wear, and inspect your tread depth. Don’t forget your spare and an emergency kit—you’ll cover a lot of ground.


🎭 Stratford Spring Theatre Season – Ontario

Why Go: While Stratford’s theatre season hits its stride in summer, spring offers early shows with smaller crowds. It’s the perfect time to catch a Shakespearean classic or contemporary gem, explore the town’s riverside beauty, and enjoy a quiet weekend in one of Ontario’s most artistic towns.

Historic outdoor theatre stage in Stratford, Ontario, surrounded by early spring trees under a clear blue sky.

A quiet moment before showtime at one of Stratford’s charming spring theatre venues.

Tire Tip: Driving from the Prairies to Stratford takes you from flat highways to rural roads and tight village corners. Check your braking performance, ensure your lug nuts are properly torqued after your seasonal tire change, and keep an eye on cornering grip. Towns like Stratford can have soft shoulders, tight parking, and narrow heritage roads.


🍁 Sugar Shacks in Quebec – Au Pied de Cochon

Why Go: Quebec’s maple season is legendary, and no experience is quite like Chef Martin Picard’s Cabane à Sucre Au Pied de Cochon. Expect foie gras, maple-glazed everything, and rustic charm in the heart of sugar shack country. Pro tip: book early—it sells out fast.

Map of Quebec highlighting popular sugar shack locations including Chez Dany, Érablière du Cap, Sucrerie de la Montagne, and others near Quebec City and Montreal.

Maple season road trip: Explore Quebec’s most beloved sugar shacks from Montreal to Quebec City.

Tire Tip: Rural Quebec roads can stay wet, muddy, or slick deep into spring. If you’re making the trek, make sure your all-season tires have enough tread depth and are free of winter cracks or bulges. Driving on poorly maintained rural roads with worn tires can compromise your traction and safety—especially during surprise spring showers.


🍷 BC Wine Country – Okanagan Valley

Why Go: With lake views, warm breezes, and budding vineyards, spring in the Okanagan is pure magic. Whether you’re sipping wine on a sunlit patio or exploring the rolling hills of the Naramata Bench, it’s the ideal getaway for foodies and road-trippers alike.

Hand holding a glass of red wine in front of a vineyard with rolling hills in the background during a sunny spring day.

Sip, swirl, and savour: Spring wine tours offer stunning views and even better pours.

Tire Tip: Touring BC wine country means navigating hills, curves, and quick elevation changes. Switch out your winter tires for all-season or summer tires for better handling and fuel efficiency. If your winter tires are still on, they’ll wear faster in warmer weather and won’t perform as well on dry pavement.


✅ Pre-Road Trip Spring Tire Checklist

Before any spring festival adventure, take a few minutes to prep your vehicle. Here’s your essential spring tire maintenance checklist:

  • Switch from winter to summer or all-season tires

  • Check tire pressure (it fluctuates with temperature)

  • Inspect tread depth and sidewalls for wear

  • Book a wheel alignment if your vehicle pulls or vibrates

  • Torque your lug nuts if you’ve recently changed tires

  • Pack a roadside kit with essentials for longer hauls


Ready to Roll?

Canadian spring road trip festivals are just a road trip away. With the right tires and a little planning, you’ll be ready to enjoy every scenic stop, sugar shack, and sunset view along the way. Book your spring tire check-up or browse our latest seasonal tire promotions today.

 

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