We all need a breather from the city chaos, right? Luckily for you, I’ve come up with a list of the perfect places for that when you’re in Toronto. So, if you’re daydreaming of a nature getaway without leaving the city, you’ve struck gold with this list!
Here, we’re diving into the cream of the crop – the absolute best gardens in the city that will leave you in awe when you explore!
Toronto Botanical Gardens
Website: https://www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/
Address: 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-397-1341
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Toronto Botanical Gardens stands out for its concept of “city-sized gardens.” With 17 distinct themed gardens packed into just four acres, it offers fascinating variety within a manageable space.
You can casually walk through a Japanese Zen garden, a Mediterranean herb garden, a butterfly garden, and more – all in one trip. Unlike other botanical gardens, TBG is open year-round (the best time to visit is in spring and summer when the colors pop!).
However, the charm of the garden lies in the ever-changing experience. They keep things fresh with regular updates and a mix of seasonal plants, from local favorites to exotic varieties.
So, if you’re into a laid-back and ever-evolving garden scene, Toronto Botanical Gardens has you covered.
Edwards Gardens
– Media by daryna626
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/473/index.html
Address: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON M3C 1P2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-8188
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM
Edwards Gardens is situated right next to the Toronto Botanical Gardens, so you can totally stroll from one to the other. The gardens’ landscape is adorned with winding paths, charming bridges, and serene ponds – all creating this delightful ambiance.
As you wander around, you’ll find a bit of everything, from the flower-packed upland area to the valley rocking wildflowers and rhododendrons.
The whole setting is perfect for family-friendly activities, especially for kids. In fact, up in the valley, there’s the famous arboretum and the Children’s Teaching Garden, made to be a blast for the little ones.
Kids can go on a plant adventure, checking out plants that match each letter of the alphabet. And if that’s not enough, there’s a sensory garden where they’re actually encouraged to touch and sniff the plants.
Allan Gardens
– Media by saantiii
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/gardens-and-horticulture/conservatories/allan-gardens-conservatory/
Address: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-7288
Operating hours: Monday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
You’ll adore Allan Gardens, a hidden gem in Toronto that beckons year-round exploration, rain or shine. It’s because it’s an indoor wonderland with six greenhouses, each packed with loads of colorful and exotic plants and flowers from all over the world.
The arid house, in particular, is beloved by both tourists and locals. It features a captivating array of cacti, succulents, aloe, agave, and more.
But that’s not all – apart from just taking in nature, you can also check out some awesome seasonal displays during spring, Easter, fall, and Christmas. They go all out with arrangements of plants, flowers, and other natural elements that match the season or occasion.
Toronto Music Garden
– Media by marketyourhealth
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1707/index.html
Address: 479 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3M8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-973-4000
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
If you’re ever in downtown Toronto and want a laid-back garden to explore, hit up the Toronto Music Gardens. It’s a cool spot if you’re into the whole nature-meets-art vibe.
You might be curious about the name. It’s called a music garden because it draws inspiration from Johann Sebastian Bach’s Suite No. 1 in G Major for unaccompanied cello, BWV 1007 (try saying that 3 times fast!).
Actually, it goes beyond mere inspiration – the three-acre garden is divided into six sections with a diverse array of plants. Each of these sections represents a movement from Bach’s suite.
You’ll love it even more here if you time your visit during the summer months. They host live performances featuring classical music, which is a treat for those who enjoy that genre of music.
Gardens in High Park
– Media by kevin.braganza
Website: http://www.highparktoronto.com/
Address: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-338-0338
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
High Park is a massive green getaway in Toronto, and it’s basically a giant garden smack in the middle of the busy city. But here’s the thing – it’s not just one big garden – there are different spots in the park with unique gardens that you might want to check out.
One such gem is the perfectly landscaped hillside garden, which boasts moss-covered rocks, a charming small fountain cascading into a pond, and vibrant flowers scattered all around.
Then, at the bottom of the slope, there’s a cool floral display shaped like a stylized sugar maple leaf. Plus, there’s a hanging garden area with different sorts of plants – great for snapping some sweet wedding pics.
The best of all? All of these enchanting features and more are open for locals and tourists to enjoy throughout the year, completely free of charge!
City Hall Green Roof Garden
– Media by scottwebb
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/services-payments/venues-facilities-bookings/booking-city-facilities/city-hall/podium-green-roof/
Address: 280 The PATH – City Hall, Toronto, ON M5G 1P5, Canada
Contact details: +1 715-259-3062
Operating hours: Monday – Friday: 7:30 AM – 8:00 PM | Saturday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Have you heard about this hidden garden in Toronto? It’s right on top of the Toronto City Hall podium roof!
The City Hall Green Roof Garden spans a whopping 35,000 square feet of living vegetation, offering a lush green retreat for everyone. Fun fact: it also plays a crucial role in minimizing the building’s environmental footprint.
There are courtyards, terraces and landscaped gardens. For a quiet day, there is comfortable furniture to relax on, well-designed walkways to stroll along, and amazing views you can enjoy from up top.
Feel free to drop by in the morning or evening any day of the week (except on Sundays!) for a laid-back time. And if you’re up for it, make it a regular thing!
Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens
– Media by julieannaweddings
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/193/index.html
Address: 2901 Yonge St, Toronto, ON M4N 3N8, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-338-4386
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
This garden near Yonge St. and Lawrence Ave. is so pretty that it’s the go-to spot for the occasional photoshoot, especially for weddings. Whether you’re here for those photos or just hanging out, you can enjoy these beautiful grounds to unwind.
Fun fact: these formal gardens are named after Alexander Muir, the man who wrote ‘The Maple Leaf Forever’ in 1867. That’s why you’ll find maple leaves all over the place, designed in different artsy styles.
So, perhaps the unique thing to do here is spot those maple leaves all around! Bring some friends over and turn it into a quick, fun game in the city.
Kew Gardens
– Media by erwinbuck
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/107/index.html
Address: 2075 Queen St E, Toronto, ON M4E 2N9, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
In a place where water activities take center stage, everyone craves something different. And what’s a better way to balance the aquatic excitement than with a detour to Kew Gardens in the Beaches neighborhood?
It’s like stumbling upon a peaceful retreat amidst the lively water scene. So, the next time the waves beckon you in the area, consider a spontaneous pause at Kew Gardens.
This place isn’t your typical garden, though; it has a bit of everything for a fun family weekend – sports pads, tennis courts, a spot for summer concerts, cool trails, a baseball diamond, and, of course, some colorful flower beds.
And don’t think the fun stops when winter rolls in. During the colder months, the space where the park meets the beach transforms into a lively artificial ice rink!
St. James Park
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/408/index.html
Address: 120 King St E, Toronto, ON M5C 1G6, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-2489
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Sometimes, the best greenery is surrounded by concrete, and that’s precisely the case for St. James Park. It’s this garden oasis located next to St. James Cathedral, making it accessible for those in downtown Toronto.
This park is a series of formal gardens (you’ll see lots of tulip gardens, in particular) and is a nice place to just relax and soak in nature. A grand gazebo can be found in the center of the park, and walking trails cut through the grassy and tree-dotted area.
Strolling here, you’ll feel like you’re living in the Victorian era with the Victorian-inspired landscape, featuring a central fountain that takes you back to a time when Toronto was young. And, of course, the view of the historic cathedral adds to its charm.
Rosetta McClain Gardens
– Media by sophie.stetsenko
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/19/index.html
Address: 5 Glen Everest Rd, Scarborough, ON M1N 1J2, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-8188
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
The lovely Rosetta McClain Gardens is a haven for flower, bird, and butterfly enthusiasts alike. You’ll spot plenty of them when you take a leisurely stroll around the area, which is why it’s no surprise that it’s a popular spot for wedding photos.
Now, decked out with raised planters, rose gardens, and a rock fountain surrounded by a pergola, this place is just perfect for settling in for a calm afternoon in nature. Plus, the park treats you to spectacular views of Lake Ontario from the top of Scarborough Bluffs.
If you’re not into just walking around, grab a picnic, lay down a cloth on the grassy area, and make it a cozy afternoon.
Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat
– Media by davidhatton416
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/data/parks/prd/facilities/complex/1073/index.html
Address: 100 Humber Bay Park Rd W, Etobicoke, ON M8V 3X7, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-396-7378
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
If you’re all about butterflies when visiting a garden, then the hidden gem that is Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat should be at the top of your list of gardens to visit in Toronto.
Inside Humber Bay Park, there’s this beautiful butterfly garden where they’ve set up the perfect hangout for native butterfly species with all kinds of wildflowers, shrubs, trees, and grasses. So, when you take a stroll, you’re bound to bump into some fluttery friends.
Besides enjoying the butterflies, you can also chill by the two serene ponds. Or, if you’ve got your bike, cruise through the whole park on two wheels along the many bike trails in the area.
Cloud Gardens
– Media by houseplantjournal
Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-gardens-beaches/gardens-and-horticulture/conservatories/cloud-gardens-conservatory/
Address: 14 Temperance St, Toronto, ON M5H 1Y4, Canada
Contact details: +1 416-392-7288
Operating hours: Open 24 hours
Tucked away behind bustling Yonge Street in an unassuming building is this wonderful greenhouse – the Cloud Gardens are literally one of Toronto’s hidden gems! While it may be small, the real magic happens inside.
Within this two-level conservatory, you’ll experience the cool and moist conditions of a cloud rainforest, surrounded by lush tropical plants like tree ferns, palms, and other exotic greens. There’s even a five-story waterfall, though it only flows in the summer.
After you’ve had your tropical fix, there’s a park outside where you can do the usual stuff, like having a picnic or just watching people go about their day.