Amelie CameronPeriod dramas are my current obsession, thanks to Bridgerton and The Buccaneers, and one thing this obsession has led me to do is to go find a beautiful garden and walk around, pretending I’m a debutante looking for a husband.
And fortunately, Edwards Gardens is here to fuel my delusions. This former estate garden is now a public park, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. It’s home to wildflowers and perennials, so no matter when you visit, the whole place is just blooming with colour.
If you’re planning to check out Edwards Gardens soon, here’s a guide to prepare you for your visit.
Things to Know
Address: 755 Lawrence Ave E, North York
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 8:30 pm
Contact Number: +14163928188
How to Get Here
By Transit. I recommend taking a Line 1 train (Yonge–University to Finch Station) from St. Patrick Station and alight at Eglington. Then, walk to the bus stop at Duplex Ave at Eglinton Ave West, ride bus service 54B, and alight at the bus stop at Leslie Street at Lawrence Ave East. From there, you can walk to the garden, which should take you about five or so minutes.
By Car. There’s a parking lot near Edwards Garden, but it’s operated by the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG), so it’s not free; you’ll have to pay C$4 per hour. If you are a TBG member, however, you can enjoy free parking.
Amenities
Here are the different amenities you can find within Edwards Gardens:
- 1 changeroom facility
- 4 drinking fountains
- 1 fieldhouse
- 1 gazebo
- 2 greenhouses
- 3 kitchens
- 3 picnic shelters
- 1 washroom facility
Guided Tours
If you’re planning to visit Edwards Gardens soon, I recommend booking a guided tour. Sure, you can explore the park on your own, but in my opinion, a tour will make the experience more immersive.
This is because you’ll be accompanied by a knowledgeable guide who’ll inform you about the history of the gardens and provide more information about the plants in bloom.
Sometimes, the tour will take you to certain parts of the park, such as a close-up look at Wilket Creek Ravine and a tour around one of the greenhouses.
These tours are operated by TBG, so you’ll have to pay a fee. The rates are as follows:
- Adult: C$15
- Student or senior citizen (aged 55 years old and above): C$10
- Child (aged 12 years old and below): C$5
If you’re visiting in the summer, you’re in luck because they offer free tours every week throughout the season!
What to Expect
A Floral Heaven
From: rjevskiy
The first thing you’ll notice when you set foot on the grounds of Edward Gardens is that this park is undeniably a floral heaven. Almost everywhere you look, there will be a riot of colours that change depending on the season!
Personally, I love coming here during the spring because that’s when ephemeral wildflowers bloom and thrive. It’s also during this season when my favourite flowers grow, such as irises, daffodils, tulips, and magnolias.
But other seasons have their own floral highlights as well. Summer brings forth peonies, shrub roses, coneflowers, and globe thistles, while autumn paints the park with vibrant colours from asters, Chinese witch-hazel, and hydrangeas.
Hidden Sights
From: ed_fh_
Flowers aren’t the only things you can look forward to here. There are also a few hidden gems that you’ll only discover if you take the time to explore the park.
The first hidden gem I love here is the mini waterfalls. I love the peaceful atmosphere that they create. Near the waterfalls, you can find Ken Duncan’s Rhododendron Dell, a green paradise full of rhododendron trees.
Another hidden gem that many people haven’t encountered in the park is the Milne cemetery, which is situated near the parking lot. It’s nothing grand, just a small family cemetery, but it’s still pretty cool to see.
An Abundance of Hiking Trails
From: letshiketo
Are you fond of hiking? Then, good news: Edwards Gardens has several hiking trails that you can check out!
The Wilket Creek Recreational Trail is a crowd favourite and for good reason. Hiking this trail is simple enough, so beginners can enjoy it as well, and the scenery is just gorgeous. The creek is the main highlight, but you can also revel in the sights of the towering trees and the occasional birds flying by.
The Edwards Gardens Trail is another popular one, and it’s perfect for more experienced hikers because this trail connects you to other trails that lead to other parks, like Sunnybrook Park to the south.
The Toronto Botanical Garden
From: tbg_canada
Many people assume that Edwards Gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) are one and the same. And I can understand that; after all, TBG is housed within Edwards Gardens. But in reality, they’re actually different.
Edwards Garden is a public park that’s owned by the City of Toronto, while TBG is a volunteer-driven charity that focuses on educating people on horticulture and gardening. All proceeds they get from visitors go to maintaining their venues and funding more programs.
But since they operate in Edwards Gardens, TBG is something you might want to check out. This charity has classes and programs for adults, and if you have a child, you might want to send them to a summer camp here.
TBG also has the Weston Family Library, which is the largest privately held botanical and horticultural collection in Canada. This is perfect for people who are studying botany and horticulture, or if you’re interested in learning more.
There are still many perks that you can enjoy with TBG. And if you become a member, you can enjoy some of these perks for free.
A Destination for Weddings and Other Special Photoshoots
From: sapphicsundrop
Since Edwards Gardens has many picturesque areas, it has become a popular destination for special events. Weddings are the most commonly held event here, but some people also host birthdays and gatherings. Some even rent a venue to have a special photoshoot with friends.
You can rent a venue here via TBG. The charity even has a select group of catering and event suppliers if you want to streamline the planning process.
Where to Eat
TBG Bloom Cafe
From: tbgbloomcafe
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—9 am to 4 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 5 pm
Located near the park’s Lawrence Avenue entrance is TBG Bloom Cafe, the only place to get something to eat and drink here. This cafe is pretty simple, and the menu isn’t extensive, but so far, the food and drinks I’ve tried have been pretty good.
I recommend ordering the spinach pie, which is so filling and bursting with savoury and earthy flavours. For your drink, the Very Berry Smoothie is a must-try. It’s sugar-free, but it’s still sweet and slightly tart, thanks to all the berries mixed in.
