Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is an ecological tribute to the wondrous natural world in Ontario. It is Canada’s largest botanical gardens and has been designated a national historic site.
This massive attraction spans over 1,000 hectares of nature reserve, including four formal gardens, over 27 kilometres of walking trails, and over 180,000 plants representing over 2,300 plant species.
Attracting hobbyist gardeners, nature lovers and curious kids, RBG showcases seasonal indoor and outdoor exhibits and hosts special events and activities throughout the year.
Royal Botanical Gardens | Hamilton Halton Brant
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.
Things to do at Royal Botanical Gardens
Discover more activities and experiences.
Take a guided tour
A guided tour is a great way to learn the lay of the land. Join a Garden Interpreter for a 25-minute tour with commentary on the gardens or arrange a private tour.
Visit the rose garden
At nine hectares, Hendrie Park is the largest of the gardens. It features 12 themed garden areas, a vast sculpture collection, the renowned rose garden and over 1,400 types of plants.
Enjoy seasonal blooms
Walk on the terraced plain of Laking Garden. Blooming perennials paint this beautiful garden with a rainbow of colour, especially spectacular in June when the irises and peonies shine.
Admire diverse trees
Indigenous plants, flowering trees and other woody plants showcase the natural beauty of Ontario’s tallest flora in the landscaped Arboretum.
Explore the trails
Hike extensive nature trails that wind across steep grades and challenging landscapes through Hamilton and Burlington.
Stop for refreshments
The Greenhouse Cafe and the Rock Garden Bistro are open seasonally and feature curated menus, including cheese boards.
Articles and itineraries
Get ideas and inspiration for your next trip.
Interesting facts about the Royal Botanical Gardens
The historic David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden was built in 1932 as one of RBG’s first sites. After undergoing monumental changes, the Rock Garden now serves as a memorial to RBG’s humble beginnings and a testament to its willingness to embrace the future. The limestone steps, ponds and streams make the Rock Garden one of RBG’s more special locations.
Learn about Indigenous flora used by First Nations Peoples on the Journey to Anishinaabe Knowledge Trail. It was developed with the direction of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation and with consultation from Joseph Pitawanakwat, plant educator from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Nation.
Accessibility features
Accessible parking
Service animals welcome
Support persons welcome
Wheelchair accessible
Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available
Last updated: May 23, 2024