Toronto Botanical Garden
A Garden for All
At a Glance
Best Ages
All ages
Cost
Free
Time Needed
1-3 hours
Indoor/Outdoor
Outdoor
Weather Fit
Best in spring through fall
Stroller Access
Yes, mostly step-free
Washrooms
On-site during Visitor Centre hours
Food
Seasonal cafe (spring–fall)
Parking
Paid lot; free for members
Booking
Not required for gardens
Parent Effort
Low (self-guided)
A wonderfully accessible green escape in the city where families can wander 17 themed gardens at their own pace. The free admission, Teaching Garden for kids, and seasonal nature camps make it an easy, budget-friendly outing with real educational value.
About This Place
Toronto Botanical Garden is a beautifully landscaped public garden in the Don Valley neighbourhood of Toronto, featuring 17 distinct theme gardens spread across four acres. Highlights include a herb garden, a trial garden showcasing new plant varieties, a sensory garden, a children's kitchen garden, and a woodland walk. The garden also hosts workshops, horticultural courses, special events, and a well-stocked garden store. Admission to the grounds is free; fees apply for some courses and events.
Official Website open_in_new- Monday – Sunday
- 09:00 – 16:30
Hours were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date opening times.
- Admission
- FREE
Prices were last verified in 2026. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date rates.
Free Admission
Explore 17 themed gardens and the adjacent Edwards Gardens at no cost.
Hands-On Learning
TBGKids camps, birthday parties, and school programs connect children with nature.
Beautiful Seasonal Displays
Pollinator gardens, woodland walks, and trial gardens offer something new each visit.
Easy City Access
Reachable by TTC bus; paid parking available for drivers.
Good to Know Before You Go
- Dogs/Pets
- Not allowed (service animals welcome)
- Bicycles & Skates
- Not permitted in the gardens
- Picnicking
- Not allowed in Edwards Gardens/TBG grounds
- Parking Cost
- $4/hour, max $16/day; free for members
- Cafe Hours
- Dandelion Cafe open spring–fall; closed winter
- Garden Shop
- Open daily 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
- Trail Closures
- Some paths may close due to weather or construction
- Membership
- Starts at $60/year; includes free parking and program discounts
Kid Fit by Age
Easy stroller paths and sensory greenery; bring a carrier for ravine trails.
Spiral Mound, Teaching Garden, and open lawns perfect for little explorers.
Nature programs, scavenger hunts, and hands-on garden activities available.
Camps, birthday parties, and school programs tailored to this age.
Photography, art exhibitions, and guided tours offer engaging experiences.
Horticultural workshops, volunteering, and serene study spots appeal to older youth.
Insider Tips
Arrive early on weekends to snag parking and enjoy the gardens before crowds build.
Check the 'What's in Bloom' page before visiting to catch peak floral displays.
Combine your visit with Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek for a longer nature adventure.
TBG Family Membership pays for itself quickly if you visit more than a few times a year.
- •Some ravine trails may be uneven or slippery after rain—supervise young children closely.
- •No dogs or bicycles allowed; this reduces tripping hazards but check rules before visiting.
- •Path closures occur seasonally due to construction or storm damage; check the website before heading out.
- •Visitor Centre and gardens are mask-friendly with hand-sanitizing stations available.
- •Most garden paths are level and stroller-friendly; some ravine trails are more rugged.
- •Public washrooms available in the Visitor Centre during open hours.
- •Additional city-managed washrooms in adjacent Edwards Gardens (May–Oct 9 a.m.–10 p.m.; Nov–Apr 9 a.m.–8 p.m.).
- •No greenhouse or fully indoor garden; all plant displays are outdoors.
schedule Best Time to Visit
Spring through early fall offer the fullest blooms and open cafe. Weekday mornings are quietest. Winter visits are peaceful but the cafe is closed and some paths may be icy.
shopping_bag What to Bring
- check_boxWeather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes
- check_boxSunscreen and hats in summer
- check_boxWater bottles (picnicking not allowed, but hydration is key)
- check_boxCamera for seasonal blooms and art installations
- check_boxStroller or baby carrier for little ones
Location
Address
777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2
Phone
+14163971341
Make it a half-day
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Last checked: 2026