Toronto Botanical Garden

Toronto Botanical Garden

The Toronto Botanical Garden is one of Toronto’s largest and most stunning parks with 17 themed gardens featuring over 4,000 different varieties of plants and flowers within the Edwards Gardens.

Walking through the Toronto Botanical Garden is a journey through an oasis of green, beauty and tranquillity. Welcoming flower aromas float through the air as your eyes feast on the splendid vegetation. Among the best gardens in Toronto, this glorious site is always being updated to feature seasonal varieties of plants, both local and exotic.

Lush bushes, shrubs, flowers and trees surround a glass building at Toronto Botanical Garden.

Toronto Botanical Garden | Janet Davis

How to get to Toronto Botanical Garden

Location: 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto

By car: Travel south on the Leslie Street exit from Highway 401 to Lawrence Avenue. Turn right and then left to enter Edwards Gardens and Toronto Botanical Garden. Paid parking is available onsite.

By transit: Exit the Toronto Transit (TTC) at Eglinton Station on the Yonge subway line, then take the 51 or 54 Lawrence Avenue bus to Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue.

By bike: Bike racks are available in several locations around the gardens.

Know before you go

The Toronto Botanical Garden is free to visit daily from dawn to dusk, though donations are gladly welcomed. The Visitor Centre is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Please note some trails may be closed during extreme weather conditions.

Washrooms in the Visitor Centre are wheelchair accessible. Additional on-site washrooms are available in the adjacent Edwards Gardens.

Things to do at Toronto Botanical Garden

Discover more activities and experiences.

Tour the gardens

Book a guided tour with a knowledgeable volunteer guide. These 90-minute tours take you through the lovely Wilket Creek Ravine or the quaint themed gardens, including Edwards Gardens.

Browse the garden shop

Discover a wide selection of seasonal bulbs, live houseplants, sustainable products, nature-inspired home décor and other garden essentials in the Garden Shop.

Take a coffee break

Treat yourself to a delicious treat at the Bloom Cafe. Located in the historic barn in the Edwards Garden Courtyard, this cafe is open seasonally and serves coffee and light bites.

Learn something new

Discover all things plant-related through the garden’s programs, talks and workshops. Sign up for horticulture classes, family programs, creative workshops and special events.

Visit a kid-friendly garden

Stimulate your child’s curiosity about nature in the Teaching Garden. In a series of demonstration gardens, children will learn how to plant, cultivate, and sow vegetables and flowers.

Host a memorable event

Plan a special event in award-winning gardens. The LEED Silver Certified building offers a uniquely green venue with two large halls, private open-air courtyards, and water features.

Close up of a spring blossom at Toronto Botanical Garden.
Toronto Botanical Garden | Janet Davis

Interesting facts about Toronto Botanical Garden

The Toronto Botanical Garden opened its doors in 2006, but a garden has existed on the site since 1817. Alexander Milne purchased the garden and built his home and business on the extensive plot of land. The area, now known as Edwards Gardens, began to take its modern shape in 1944 when Rupert Edwards purchased and revitalized the property. After 10 years, Edwards decided to sell the outdoor oasis to the Toronto Council.

 

The Toronto Botanical Garden educates over 7,000 children and 10,000 adults annually with nature-based programming that connects people to plants and the natural world.

Last updated: June 28, 2024

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