Toronto Botanical Garden Tours and Activities

Spread over 1.6 hectares, Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) has won awards for its imaginative plantings and pioneering environmental work. The displays are arranged around seventeen different themes incorporating a wide range of habitats and styles.The Arrival Courtyard, designed by local landscape architect Martin Wade and Dutch garden expert Piet Oudolf, features an eye-catching hedge sculptured into geometric shapes. At night, the hedge is floodlit for maximum effect. The imaginative Entry Garden Walk, notable for its self-seeding plants, is also the work of Piet Oudolf.The Woodland Walk reproduces the Carolinian forest habitat typical of the North American east coast. This ancient habitat is especially attractive to a wide variety of birds, so look out for their distinctive plumage as they dart from tree to tree.Travel across the Atlantic to 16th-century Europe, when the garden designers of England, Italy and France were at the height of their influence. The Beryl Ivey Knot Garden replicates all the key design elements of the European style head to the Spiral Mound lookout for an inspiring view over this charming garden.The floral displays are at their best in spring and autumn, when the milder climate brings out their vibrant colours and the air is full of heady scents. At these times of year, free 90-minute guided tours are offered, led by expert volunteers who will explain more about the award-winning displays and point out species of particular interest. The on-site environmental education centre is dedicated to furthering sustainable and organic gardening practices.Other attractions include open-air concerts on Thursday evenings during the summer, an organic farmer’s market selling locally sourced products, summer nature camps for young people, and a programme of special events. Full details can be found on the TBG website.Toronto Botanical Garden is in Edwards Gardens, around 20 minutes’ drive from the city centre. Buses stop at the main entrance. For a refreshing and environmentally friendly journey, rent a bike and take the cycle route through Sunnybrook and Wilket Creek parks. The garden is open every day from dawn until dusk, but the on-site café has shorter hours and is closed during the winter.