Best garden tours in Ontario
Through the Garden Gate | Toronto Botanical Garden
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a passionate gardener or enjoy relaxing outdoors, an Ontario garden tour offers an excellent blend of creativity and beautiful designs in a peaceful setting.
Garden tour tips and etiquette:
- Dress for the weather. Most garden tours are rain or shine events, so check the forecast and wear comfortable walking shoes for uneven or slippery terrain.
- Bring plenty of water to stay hydrated.
- Remain on marked paths and do not pick flowers or plants.
- Ask questions! Gardeners are a friendly bunch and will be happy to answer your questions.
Get fresh inspirations on these garden tours.
Greater Toronto Area
Toronto Botanical Garden
Spanning almost two hectares, the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) boasts 17 themed sections showcasing over 4,000 plant and flower varieties.
To make the most of this experience, book a free guided garden tour, which includes Edwards Garden, the former private estate adjacent to TBG.
The Toronto Botanical Garden also hosts private garden tours called Through the Garden Gate. This event takes place in a different Toronto neighbourhood each year. In 2025, Through the Garden Gate offers exclusive access to gardens in Hoggs Hollow, an area of the city known for its English Cottage homes, Tudor and Georgian architecture, as well as beautiful landscapes.
Follow the printed tour map to explore the gardens at your own pace. An in-depth digital guide is also available. Although the route is walkable, feel free to hop aboard the complimentary shuttle bus. Knowledgeable Toronto Master Gardeners will be at the gardens to answer all your gardening questions.
Dates: Toronto Botanical Gardens May–October, 2025
Location: 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto
Dates: Through the Garden Gate runs June 7 and 8, 2025
Location: various locations throughout Hogg’s Hallow
Humber Arboretum
Humber Arboretum is a 100-hectare public garden and arboretum located behind Humber Polytechnic in the Humber River watershed of North Etobicoke.
Tour a variety of gardens, such as the tranquillity bird garden and the native pollinator garden. You can also learn about the trees on the tree caching trail.
Dates: Year-round
Location: 205 Humber College Boulevard, Etobicoke
Lake Shore West Garden Tour
The Lake Shore West Garden Tour is a free one-day event featuring private self-guided garden tours in the neighbourhoods of West Lakeshore, including Long Branch, Alderwood, New Toronto and Mimico.
Each garden is hosted by the homeowner. Pick up a map of the participating gardens from one of the local stores listed on the website.
Date: June 21, 2025
Location: Various gardens throughout Etobicoke
York, Durham and Headwaters
Parkwood National Historic Site
Built by the founder of General Motors of Canada, Parkwood National Historic Site is one of the last grand heritage estates of Canada.
The property gardens are influenced by the English Arts and Crafts gardening movement. Garden tours are available on Wednesdays and Fridays during the summer. Book a garden tour to learn about the former owners of the mansion. For something extra special, make a reservation for High Tea in the Formal Garden overlooking beautiful views.
Dates: Wednesdays and Fridays, June–August, 2025
Location: 270 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa
Artists in the Garden
Artists in the Garden is a yearly garden tour of private gardens in the Durham region.
The tour celebrates beautiful gardens and stunning landscapes and proceeds are donated to charity. In addition to touring gardens, purchase art from local artists and listen to live music.
Date: June 14, 2025
Location: Various gardens throughout the Durham region
Kawarthas and Northumberland
Port Hope Garden Tour
Experience beautiful blooms, lush greenery and natural delights on the Port Hope Garden Tour.
Organized by the Port Hope Heritage Foundation, this annual event not only showcases the creativity of local gardeners, but also serves to protect and maintain the architectural heritage and conservation of Port Hope.
Date: June 14, 2025
Location: Various gardens throughout Port Hope
Alderville First Nation Black Oak Savanna
The Alderville First Nation Black Oak Savanna is the largest intact tract of native grassland in Central Ontario. This important site supports two types of endangered grasslands: tallgrass prairie and oak savanna, making it a unique eco-region. Thanks to committed ecological restoration work, native plants and seeds, as well as at-risk flora and fauna, call the area home.d team of educators and ecologists provide informative two-hour guided tours for a maximum of 25 people.
Dates: Monday–Thursday, year-round
Southeastern Ontario
1000 Islands Rideau Canal Garden Adventures
Take a self-guided tour to view a variety of private and public gardens, as well as garden centre displays in the internationally recognized 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways region in South Eastern Ontario. Explore the unique perennials, shrubs, trees and plants ranging from native species to rare varieties. The trail includes shade, sun, bog, woodland, scree and pollinator gardens.
Admire the native butterflies, honeybees and birds and don’t miss the monarch butterfly way stations and contemporary art exhibits.
Download the adventure guide and map and check if reservations are required in advance.
Other gardens you can visit during your time in the 1000 Islands and Rideau Canal include:
Dates: Select garden events in July and August 2025
Location: Various gardens throughout Leeds and Grenville Counties
Haliburton Highlands to the Ottawa Valley
Perth and District Home & Garden Tour
Explore 11 one-of-a-kind gardens filled with colourful perennials, shrubs, trees and even vegetables. You'll discover a mix of native favourites and rare plant varieties.
Three of the stops feature live music and local art. And don’t miss the high tea–inspired lunch served by the scenic Tay River—it’s the perfect way to relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
Purchase a raffle ticket for the chance to win a gift package.
Date: July 12, 2025
Location: Various gardens in Lanark County
Ottawa Region
The Garden Promenade
Explore the beautiful gardens of Canada’s capital at your own pace on a self-guided garden tour.
Choose a route to bike or walk along Ottawa’s interconnected pathways. Follow the Rideau Hall Gardens Self-Guided Tour and marvel at the gardens inspired by British landscape tradition. Head to the idyllic International Peace Garden before ending your tour at Rockcliffe Park to take in the unique rock gardens.
Dates: Year-round
Location: Various gardens throughout Ottawa
Hamilton, Halton and Brant
Dundurn’s Historic Kitchen Garden Tour
Take a self-guided tour of the kitchen garden at Dundurn Castle.
Guided tours are also available to learn about the history of the garden, its restoration and the hundreds of heirloom fruits and vegetables that are grown. Smell the fragrances, sample the produce and enjoy the manicured pathways with a knowledgeable guide.
Date: Mid-May to mid-October
Location: 610 York Boulevard, Hamilton
Niagara Region
Shaw Guild Annual Garden Tour
This popular self-guided tour of eight beautifully curated private gardens in the historic Niagara-on-the-Lake region celebrates its 19thyear in 2025.
Wander the gardens of historic properties, chat with Master Gardeners and take in the natural beauty of this picturesque region. In past years, properties featured live music and artists for added ambiance. Stay tuned to the Shaw Guild website for a list of the featured gardens.
The Garden Tour Magazine, containing information about the properties and plantings, will be handed out at the event. All proceeds from this tour go to support the Shaw Festival.
Date: June 14, 2025
Location: Various gardens throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake
The Gardener’s Garden Tour
This annual self-guided tour of residential gardens is organized by the Niagara-on-the-Lake Horticultural Society.
Homeowners will be on-site to answer any questions and share gardening tips. Proceeds from this event support horticultural scholarships for students at Niagara College School of Environment and Horticulture and Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
A map of the participating gardens will be sent to ticket holders closer to the event date.
Date: July 12, 2025
Location: Various gardens throughout Niagara-on-the-Lake
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Last updated: June 4, 2025