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A Must-Visit! The marvelous Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) are located at the western tip of Lake Ontario, and is the largest botanical garden in Canada, a National Historic Site.
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I explored this garden several times in the past and enjoyed the many historical plant collections, the Mediterranean Greenhouse, and especially the fantastic Rock Garden with its beautiful water features and relaxing seating areas.
My advice is to either visit it in early spring, then again in June, and in the fall or if you are not living in Southern Ontario, plan at least a whole day to admire over 180,000 plants representing over 2,300 plant species.
27 km of nature trails and special events such as art and music in the gardens and blooms festivals are offered throughout the seasons, including in winter. Don't miss the Christmas lights!
The Royal Botanical Gardens received the prefix "Royal" in 1930 when King George V of England granted official permission to use the title. Founder Thomas Baker McQuesten was inspired by famous British sites like Kew Gardens and wanted a world-class name for the Canadian landscape project.
How to get to Royal Botanical Gardens:
Location: RBG Centre and Hendrie Park, 680 Plains Road West, Burlington
By transit: GO Transit and VIA Rail provide regular train service to Burlington and Hamilton. Burlington Transit Plains 1 buses stop directly in front of the RBG Centre.
By car: Get driving directions and parking information for the four formal garden locations.
By bike: Secure bike locking stations are available at each garden and major trail head. GO Transit offers designated bike zones.
Know before you go
Purchase Royal Botanical Gardens tickets in advance online or in person.
Shuttle bus service is provided to and from the Arboretum and Main Centre on weekends in May.
A limited number of wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis at the RBG Centre and Rock Garden Visitor Centre kiosks.
Support persons are granted entry free of charge. Learn more about accessible parking, spaces and services at RBG.
Arboretum:
See diverse trees and woody plants up close, and top off your visit with a peek at the Lilac Collection, the most diverse in North America, with over 600 species. You’ll also find magnolias, dogwoods, redbud, crabapples, flowering cherries, shrubs, and evergreens. Walk the Avenues of Trees to see the different shapes and sizes.
Notable events include:
- Winter Exhibit (Jan-April)
- Plant Faire (End of April)
- Garden Music Nights (Jazz and Blues Wednesdays, Country and Roots Tuesdays, June to August)
- Enchanted Garden (August Long weekend)
- Great Pumpkin Trail (October)
- Tea Festival (early November)
- Fest-Of-Ales (Late November)
- Holiday Traditions (November to early Jan)
Become a Member
A one-year membership (non-transferable) grants you unlimited admission to the RBG. There are different levels of memberships though: single, family, senior, student/youth, organizations, etc.
You’ll also get perks like free admission to the RBG’s Music Series, exclusive invites to special exhibits and events, free parking, a discount on public programming and day camps, reciprocal free admission to over 200 other botanical gardens through the American Horticulture Society, and more!
Catching a movie outdoors, under the stars is an experience you neither forget nor tire of. And RBG is making it even more memorable by setting up a screen in the middle of all its plant beauty. You even get complimentary popcorn and exclusive access to “Seeing the Invisible.” Just remember to BYOC (bring your own chair).
The Rock Garden Cafe at the Rock Garden is open seasonally. This beautifully designed space has an outdoor patio with a view of the gardens and serves a brunch-style menu with locally sourced ingredients.
The Rock Garden’s Visitor Centre is a great place for dining and events – and the Daglish Family Foundation Courtyard just outside is an ideal spot for elegant receptions.
The Greenhouse Cafe in the RBG Centre is open year-round for lunch 7 days a week. The Green House Cafe is where you’ll find a menu of produce, meats, cheeses, wines, and craft brews, all local to Ontario.
The RBG offers floral society shows, bloom festivals coinciding with bloom dates, and seasonal brunches (Valentine’s Day, Easter, Mother’s Day, Santa Brunch).
Also open seasonally, the Turner Pavilion Tea House in Hendrie Park’s Rose Garden offers light snacks and warm teas in a tranquil environment.
You are welcome to bring your own picnic to enjoy during your visit.
The Royal Botanical Gardens are at the border of both cities. Its vast property and nature sanctuaries spread across the border of Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario. Enjoy your visit!
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