Looking for a breath of fresh air and a touch of natural wonder? Look no further than the Royal Botanical Garden in Hamilton. It’s like Mother Nature’s secret hideout, where you can escape the everyday chaos.
Additionally, you can stroll through vibrant gardens, chill by serene ponds, and let the world of flowers and trees work its magic on you. Whether you’re a nature aficionado or just seeking a peaceful day out, this place has your back.
So grab your shades, wander the trails, and let the Royal Botanical Garden sprinkle some tranquility on your life.
The Royal Botanical Garden in Toronto is not actually located in Toronto, but rather in the nearby city of Burlington, Ontario, Canada. The Royal Botanical Garden (RBG) is one of the largest botanical gardens in the world and is situated on the border between Burlington and Hamilton, which are both part of the Greater Toronto Area.
The RBG encompasses various themed gardens, natural areas, and conservation spaces. It’s a popular destination for visitors interested in plants, horticulture, and nature.
If you’re planning to visit the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington, Ontario, here’s what you can expect in terms of admission prices:
Please remember that these prices include the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) and a small $1 service fee. The best part is that if you’re an RBG member, you get free access to the gardens throughout the year! As an RBG member, you won’t even need to pre-book tickets; just show your membership when you arrive.
The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington and Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, covers a vast area of approximately 2,422 acres (981 hectares). It’s one of the largest botanical gardens in the world.
This expansive space includes various themed gardens, natural areas, walking trails, and conservation spaces, making it a significant and diverse destination for plant enthusiasts and nature lovers.
The length of time it takes to walk around the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) can vary depending on the specific areas you want to explore, your walking pace, and how much time you spend at each location. Given the RBG’s large size, it’s not typically feasible to cover the entire area in a single walk.
Here are some rough estimates for walking times to cover certain parts of the RBG:
Keep in mind that these are rough estimates, and the actual time you spend walking might vary. Also, if you plan to take your time, enjoy the scenery, and perhaps stop for photos or breaks, your overall visit could take longer. It’s a good idea to check the RBG’s official website or ask the staff for recommended routes based on the time you have available and your interests.
Recognizing the rich history of Ontario’s First Nations and Métis People, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) extends respect to the Six Nations of the Grand River Territory and the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, who hold the Treaty with the Crown for these lands. The area we nurture falls within the traditional domains of the Haudenosaunee, Anishinaabe, and Huron-Wendat Nations.
In 2021, RBG marks its 80th anniversary by commemorating the fusion of people, flora, and locale. Festivities encompass diverse programs at our new Blooms Stage, inauguration of the Healing Garden in Hendrie Park, and an upcoming accessible trail.
This journey stems from 1941 when the Province of Ontario established RBG via a special Act. Over the ensuing eight decades, it evolved into a revered living science museum, nurturing connections between children and nature across generations. A sanctuary, a pioneer in sustainable gardening, ecological revival, and plant preservation.
The title “Royal Botanical Gardens” was bestowed upon the institution as a recognition of its profound contributions to horticulture, plant conservation, and botanical research.
In 1930, King George V granted official permission to name the gardens “Royal Botanical Gardens.” During this time, the City of Hamilton was enhancing the nearby Burlington Heights area.
This project included the creation of gardens, such as the Rock Garden, which repurposed a 5.5-acre gravel pit with limestone from the Niagara Escarpment. In 1932, the Board of Park Management merged these developments with the south shore of Cootes Paradise to establish the Royal Botanical Gardens.
This integration united the Burlington Heights gardens and the Cootes Paradise area under the prestigious name of Royal Botanical Gardens.
Discover the “A Rose Garden for the 21st Century” tour, available daily from June 15 to September 4 at Hendrie Park (680 Plains Rd W). Join a Garden Interpreter for a 10 to 20-minute exploration of our innovative and sustainable Rose Garden, starting at 1 p.m. daily (except July 14-16).
This family-friendly tour is ideal for drop-in visits and is included with both Membership and General Admission. Meet at the Reflecting Pools in Hendrie Park to begin your enriching journey into the world of roses and sustainability.
Looking for something cool to do for the young’uns? Here’s an idea: Join the Junior Gardener’s Club – Fall Session. The dates run from September 16 to October 28 on Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. at Hendrie Park.
This engaging program is perfect for ages 9 to 12 and is held in RBG’s 1.3-acre Teaching Garden. Over 75 years strong, the club nurtures young gardeners through hands-on experience. However, they’re also educated on all the ways of gardening as well.
For example, with advanced techniques like no-till gardening, integrated pest management, and crop protection, participants will thrive in both raised beds and in-ground plots. The course lasts 2+ hours, and pre-registration is required.
Further, the fee is $155 plus a $1 service fee and HST, with a 10% discount for RBG members.
The fantastic Great Pumpkin Trail is making a comeback at Hendrie Park! Because of this, you’ll want to mark your calendars for October 20-22 & 27-29. It’s happening at the awesome Hendrie Park (680 Plains Rd W). This family-friendly special event, however, is one you won’t want to miss.
But here’s the scoop: it’s a ticketed event, so plan ahead. Stay tuned for more details, and get ready for some pumpkin-filled fun!
Get ready for the enchanting Winter Wonders event, making a grand return from November 20 to January 7 in 2023!
Be sure, however, to mark your calendar and stay tuned for updates. That way, you’ll be the first to know and you can secure your spot for a magical winter adventure that promises to fill your heart with wonder.
We hope you enjoy this haven of natural wonder, so close to Toronto!
Related: Allen Gardens Conservatory is a sublime urban oasis.