Aliu IsaThe Most Enchanting Public Gardens in Toronto
From meticulously curated botanical oases to sprawling green spaces that offer respite from bustling city life, Toronto's gardens stand as a testament to the city's commitment to preserving nature amid modernity.
In this article, we will embark on a journey through the best gardens in Toronto, exploring their lush landscapes and vibrant blooms that provide a peaceful retreat from the city’s busy streets.
The Most Enchanting Public Gardens in Toronto
Toronto Botanical Garden
Address: 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2
Phone: +1 416-397-1341
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
The Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) features 17 themed gardens showcasing a diverse range of plants from around the world, focusing on native and endangered species. It’s a beautiful and serene place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
The gardens offer a variety of educational programs and workshops throughout the year, as well as a library and a herbarium. There’s also a cafe on-site where visitors can enjoy a light meal or snack.
They also host various annual special events, such as concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. The TBG is dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of plants and their role in our environment.
Pro Tip:
Paid parking on-site costs $2 per hour but admission is completely free. Arrive early on weekends to secure a spot!
Allan Gardens
Address: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5
Phone: +1 416-392-7288
Hours:
- Sunday to Friday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Allan Gardens is a historic conservatory and urban park that includes a playground, an off-leash dog park, and a 1,500-square-metre conservatory with six greenhouses.
The park originated from lands donated to the Toronto Horticultural Society by George William Allan in 1858, with the horticultural society officially opening the gardens there in 1860.
The conservatory was built in 1910 and is home to a collection of exotic plants from all over the world. It’s divided into six greenhouses, each with its own unique climate and plant collection
Pro Tip:
Dogs aren’t allowed to enter the gardens but there’s a nearby park where they can roam and explore.
Royal Botanical Gardens
Address: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON L7T 4H4
Phone: +1 905-527-1158
Hours:
- Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Sunday: Closed
The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is Canada’s largest botanical garden, with over 1,100 hectares of land, including 10 kilometres of shoreline on Lake Ontario. The RBG is committed to education and offers a variety of programs for children and adults
One of its gardens, the Rock Garden, is home to a collection of alpine plants, which are adapted to cold, mountainous climates. The RBG also has several nature sanctuaries, which are home to a variety of plants and animals.
Pro Tip:
The gardens are about 1.5 kilometres apart from one another so be ready for long walks or ride your bike to make exploration much easier.
Humber Arboretum
Address: 205 Humber College Blvd, Etobicoke, ON M9W 5L7
Phone: +1 416-675-5009
Hours: Monday to Sunday – 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM
The Humber Arboretum is a public garden and conservation area located in the Humber River watershed in North Etobicoke. The arboretum was originally created as a teaching and research facility for Humber College’s horticulture program.
The garden is connected to Humber College North Campus and exists as a unique tri-partnership between Humber College, the City of Toronto, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).
The Humber Arboretum also has several trails, ranging from easy to challenging. These trails wind through the arboretum’s forests, meadows, and gardens.
Pro Tip:
It’s a popular spot for wedding photos but you need to secure a permit beforehand. Make sure you have it ready in case security asks for it.
The Riverwood Conservancy
Address: 4300 Riverwood Park Ln, Mississauga, ON L5C 2S7
Phone: +1 905-279-5878
Hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- Saturday & Sunday – Closed
The Riverwood Conservancy is an urban nature preserve situated on the shores of the Credit River in Mississauga. It’s a place where history, nature, beauty, and peace blend together to create an enjoyable and lasting outdoor experience.
A popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers, the park is home to a variety of plants and animals, including over 400 species of birds.
Pro Tip:
On certain spots, you can hold out your hand with sunflower seeds to attract birds. They’ll fly to your hand and enjoy your tasty treats!
