A celebration of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) centennial is starting to bloom around the city.
Tulip bulbs have been planted in locations that have special significance in the history of the RCAF.
The sights are being highlighted by Tourism North Bay through the Flight of Fancy Tulip Tour.
Four different tulip varieties were planted at the North Bay CF-100 Canuck Memorial at Lee Park, the Fighter Group Monument along the North Bay Waterfront, Memorial Park and at 22 Wing North Bay.
Although tulips were planted at the base, this site is not included in the public visitor tour.
“We are proud to participate in the RCAF Centennial Committee and to work with this dedicated group in creating a new tour that highlights the significant contributions of the military to our city,” says Tanya Bédard, Executive Director of Tourism North Bay. “Although the tulips have yet to bloom completely at all sites, we feel it is important to share the news about this new tour so that visitors can plan their trip in the next few weeks.”
Visitors will find a sign next to the tulip bed at each location, detailing the significance and history of the site along with a QR code for more information.
“The Flight of Fancy Tulips were planted throughout the city of North Bay and at 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay last fall so that in the spring of 2024 they would bloom in celebration of the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Centennial,” says Colonel Richard Jolette, 22 Wing and Canadian Air Defence Sector Commander. “Named Wings, Ad Astra, Rescue and Flyers these tulips reflect people who served, who continue to serve in the RCAF, and inspire future generations.”
The RCAF has historic ties to tulips, when in World War II, Canada assisted in the liberation of the Netherlands.
As a thank you, each year the Netherlands sends 20,000 tulip bulbs to Canada.
North Bay has received 8,500.
