Royal Botanical Gardens Canada image

Royal Botanical Gardens Canada

Tourist attraction Historical landmark Event venue Hiking area Garden Nature preserve Botanical garden

One of the Most Revieweds in Burlington


Address

680 Plains Rd W, Burlington, ON L7T 4H4, Canada

Website

www.rbg.ca

Contact

+1 905-527-1158

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (5.9K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: gardens (29) garden (23) flowers (17) beautiful (15) nice (14) trails (13) time (11) plants (11) staff (11) great (10)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Priyanka S. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful Garden and lots of areas to explore. This garden is very big and you can spend a whole day here. Also its best to bring your own food so you can have a picnic here. We visited here for the first time and could not get our eyes of Tulips and other flowers. The walk through the garden is very nice and lots of spots to clicks photos along the way. There are lots of varieties of trees and plants. The pond and waterfall are great too. There is board walk. Plenty of free parking across the street from the entrance. Highly recommend the Royal Botanical Gardens.
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shashank D. 2 years ago on Google
    Mesmerizing place to visit any season. We were there for the Winter Wonder walk and was amazed with the seasons lightening and the 7 Station passage that was well arranged. This is supposedly Canada's largest botanical garden and one of the largest of the world too. Shout out to the support staff who are there for the visitors help/support even in the hardest of weather! Definitely worth visiting in both spring and fall and a perfect getaway with kids!!!
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Dorothy L. 3 months ago on Google • 323 reviews New
    Wonder Lights at Xmas was delightful. Well thought out designs and pathways with stunning array of lights and music. Most enjoyable walk with sparkle and magic wherever you look.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 P K. 9 months ago on Google
    The rose garden is great to see. And the gift shop is nice too. I can't say anything about the other gardens because we lost a lot of time trying to find the main entrance to the building. RBG, please invest in better signage. There are no signs to the various gardens. Everything is hard to find without signs. Until they fix this issue, I don't recommend you go there, especially if you go there by bus or are a senior, you'll waste a lot of time trying to find the paths, and be too tired to see the rest. Very disappointing.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Stacey-Lee W. 9 months ago on Google
    The roses and flowers are beautiful, but many areas have a lot of weeds and seem unkept. There isn't much a design to it, I was expecting more. There also isn't a clear trail of where to go to get the most out of the experience. Best part? The staff are super friendly and you could have a lovely picnic there if you pack your own.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Shiva Khadem M. 6 months ago on Google • 52 reviews
    There are different gardens with the verity of trees and flowers, spend 5 hours but still was not enough. Three weddings and beautiful place to celebrate. Guides were very helpful. It was clean and accessible washrooms all around. I was stunned by all the work they have done to build those gardens and taking care of them all year around. There is a Tea House with the view to the garden and pools. I will go again for sure and recommend to visit if you love flowers .
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kofka 1 year ago on Google
    Most beautiful botanical garden I've seen! My favorite destination for a day trip, one ticket would give you access to all gardens (or you can get access to one garden for smaller price). We buy membership every year.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Deborah D. 2 months ago on Google • 129 reviews New
    Without saying, the indoor gardens & pavilions are stunning but the hidden gem is tucked away in the spectacular landscape and trails of the RBG! Breathtaking views of the marsh, lookouts & those majestic trees with well maintained paths and trails for all levels of hikers, strollers, runners or just a Sunday stroll with your dog. Ample outdoor sitting areas, limited heated restrooms near the gatehouse and ample parking either with RBG pass or on site paid parking. Dress in layers with appropriate footwear & icers just in case. Ensure you have some snacks, hydration and a camera for some incredible & picturesque photos! Footpaths & trails are predominately flat however, occasional inclines and bridges with possible ice patches. If, it’s this magical at the end of January, can only imagine the incredible beauty of fall & serenity of spring/summer seasons. Happy hiking or trail 🏃

  • 4/5 Jacqueline H. 2 years ago on Google
    Visited for Family Day 2022. Apparently the "event" was hourly presentations, featuring 2 creatures. One staff member told me that they change which creatures they are featuring. While I found navigating the event/building a little confusing, the staff was excellent. Everyone I spoke with was friendly and quite happy to answer any and all questions. My favorite room was just before entering the Mediterranean area. The flowers smelled wonderful- in felt like spring in February!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Marly H. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited the Hendrie Park over the long weekend. Our favourite was the vegetable garden because of its variety and wonderful smells. The area where the ancient trees are is very refreshing after walking for a while. The healing garden tour is highly recommended to learn about healing plants available in Canada. Abby, the tour guide was very diligent to answer the group’s questions. The Greenhouse Cafe was a fantastic option for lunch. My hubby and I had burgers and they were very yummy. And I very much loved the super fresh salad that was part of the dish. This cafe is beautiful place with ample windows, perfectly comfortable temperature and nice customer service. The Summer Tide event at the Rock Garden was very organized and nicely decorated. All in all, a great experience.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Salome O. 6 months ago on Google • 38 reviews
    The Royal Botanical Gardens is an absolute gem. Its serene, lush landscapes offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The well-maintained gardens provide ample space for leisurely strolls and moments of reflection. The diversity of plant life is astonishing, showcasing the beauty of nature from around the world. The informative signage enhances the educational experience. Additionally, the staff is knowledgeable and friendly. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or simply seeking a tranquil retreat, the Royal Botanical Gardens is a must-visit destination.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John J. 2 months ago on Google • 31 reviews New
    Nature's Superheroes exhibit. What a great display it is. Lots of interesting information for kids and adults too (I'm an adult!) I learned a lot! Well worth visiting.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nedim B. 10 months ago on Google
    There are 3 (maybe 4) gardens. They are about 1.5 km apart from each other. You can use the trail between them. You can also ride between the gardens and park nearby parking area. I liked the rock garden the most. Check which flowers blossom before your visit. Based on your timing it may be more beautiful.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Wendy L. 10 months ago on Google
    The flowers are nice at the garden and the greenhouse has a lot of plants to see and enjoy. The space at the gardens is huge and include a rock garden which is also a wonder to walk through. Though I really enjoyed the space, the place isn’t well maintained the best. A lot of dead flowers or dried flowers during the summer time and the parks and gardens where plants or flowers grow, they are grown wildly and isn’t pruned often.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christina V. 3 years ago on Google
    The Rose Gardens are amazing. When they were redesigned a couple of years ago the entire concept was overhauled. As a result they are stunningly beautiful even at the end of October. Many last blooms are there to be enjoyed, as well as the rose hips. A major change was the companion planting and many of these plants are in full bloom and simply gorgeous. The educational posters offer fascinating history and visual guides. A must-see in all seasons!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Riyaz K. 1 year ago on Google
    Visited here and had a wonderful experience. Everything is very beautifully presented. Lots of areas to explore, nice restaurant with a patio, ample places to sit and soak in the nature around you. Great trails, paths and plants of all sorts. Enjoyed my time here and recommend going a little early to thoroughly soak in the environment. Better to drive to the locations than to walk. Staff was very polite and the place is very clean.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cathy Y. 1 year ago on Google
    I love the RBG ! It's beautiful and relaxing 😌 only $20.00 to get in and you can spend the entire day there. The staff are super friendly and welcoming. The gardens, flowers, tropicals and displays are stunning. Take a day trip there, you will not regret it!!! I must of took at least 50 photos 📸 maybe more.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Roselle A. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely rose garden, vegetable garden and hiking trails. There is a small tea house that serves a nice selection of coffee and baked goods. There's a comfortable patio to lounge. The gift shop in the main building has great items at reasonable prices. Always worth having a browse. A recent discovery for us are the hiking trails beginning at Cherry Hill Gate. The trails are well kept, along with boardwalks and an assortment of cute critters along the way. We fed 3 chickadees out of our hands and some chipmunks. Also saw many ducks and 4 swans. Best spot for nature lovers. You won't be disappointed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 A T. 1 year ago on Google
    Went there two days ago.. not much of a crowd. Parking was included in the full ticket. Different kinds of plants and flowers but not many as expected. They should have signs for people to follow so you dont miss a path. They give discount on ticket if you show your Presto card. We didnt see any seeds or flowers/ plants for sale either... everyone would have loved that.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aisha R. 5 months ago on Google • 36 reviews
    This park is a must visit; it consists of different types of park located near each other that you must drive to in between. The parks are big and well-tended. One has trails into forest, one leads you to an indoor arboretum, and one leads to an expansive flower garden. You have to come to this park at least twice to see the most of it.

  • 5/5 Faryn R. 7 months ago on Google • 34 reviews
    I love plants, flowers and trees so naturally this is my favorite place! My fiance proposed one year ago in the upper gardens of the Rock Garden overlooking the lower garden... one of the best days of my life ❤️ Excited to return every year to see all the spectacular additions.

  • 5/5 Duncan P. 8 months ago on Google
    Sunday evening jazz is terrific especially if you are a member. A couple of items though: 1) get there early as it can get busy both in the space and for parking; 2) they have food but not a wide selection and zero options for people with dietary concerns - even easy ones like gluten 3) be aware of the weather. Enjoy your time there.

  • 5/5 Steven Van E. 1 year ago on Google
    What a fantastic place! We were only in the area for a day on a road trip with the kids, but they loved exploring this place and looking at all the different plants and flowers. Also, there’s a snag pond by the tea house and they had a lot of fun finding frogs and turtles in the pond. They also loved the koi fish in the indoor pond.

  • 5/5 Nicholas S. 1 year ago on Google
    Enjoyed the visit to the RBG. Make sure you come early to have enough time to see all the amazing gardens and trails opened to public. Staff was very nice and helpful. No complains to make except a quick suggestion. The drinks vending machine it's broken at RBG and it should be fixed since there was no other sources for refreshments in the RBG establishment. Please was really nice, clean and we'll maintained.

  • 5/5 Theresa S. 1 year ago on Google
    Very nice to see some of the gardens. We only got to 1 of them. I was pleased that there was a wooden ramp going thru an area that might have otherwise have been stairs. Perfect for those with mobility devices and strollers. Will need to plan better and see all the other gardens.

  • 4/5 Oksana G. 4 months ago on Google
    Went for Christmas lights. It’s beautiful. The lantern garden was the best part. Lots of food options. Pretty thought through but hope will be more interesting in the future for the money.

  • 5/5 Mohamad Absi H. 4 months ago on Google • 18 reviews
    The Royal Botanical Gardens in Ontario, Canada, offer a captivating blend of natural beauty and botanical diversity. Nestled in lush landscapes, the gardens boast meticulously curated collections, from vibrant flower displays to tranquil walking trails. A visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens is a delightful journey through flora, making it a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

  • 5/5 Simply D. 5 months ago on Google
    There’s free tours but you’d have to wait for it…definitely allocate a minimum of 2-3 hrs just for this garden. There’s 3 gardens all 3 in different locations not in close proximity!! You will have to drive about 3-5 min to each if you’re not prepared to walk/bike the wooded trails which can take 30 min to an 3 hrs. If your adventurous I HIGHLY recommend taking the trails with the appropriate people who can withstand the woods, rugged path and bugs. This garden has a very pretty tea house and it’s perfectly situated and ideal for anyone who wants to take a rest here. If you’re picky about your tea bring an empty thermos ask for boiled water and add your own tea bag.

  • 5/5 Lyse B. 6 months ago on Google
    Loved spending a day with my mom, sis and niece. We had so much fun, learned and discovered a lot. And of course we took a millions pictures that we will remember forever. I will definitely return and totally recommend

  • 5/5 Da-Nel E. 5 months ago on Google
    The staff were all so friendly and truly enthusiastic in sharing their knowledge and fun facts. Loved the rock garden most of all and the gift shoppe really cool. A lovely day!

  • 4/5 Mary Ann V. 5 months ago on Google
    I enjoy going so much I bought a membership. I love taking pictures so the gardens and the trails are equally inviting to me. The high tea at the new tea house was a bit of a disappointment, though the building and location are very nice.

  • 5/5 Fiona C. 2 years ago on Google
    Wonderful evening of beautiful lights and displays ! Outing with my daughter's in law and grandkids , had a fantastic evening . Staff were friendly and welcoming , hope to make this a yearly event for my family !

  • 5/5 Kevin D. 1 year ago on Google
    First visit with the kids (5.5, 3, 1) and they loved it. Very well laid out gardens - inside and outside - with a few interesting attractions to see - kids liked the turtles and the frogs. We stopped by the adventure playground and also drove down the road to the Rock Garden. Lots of free parking, $44 for a family ticket wasn’t bad. We’ll probably come back again.

  • 4/5 Dew 10 months ago on Google
    Exceptionally beautiful gardens with the unique atmosphere and friendly staff though the same can’t be said about the admission staff of the LAKING GARDEN. They were very rude and unwelcoming. Didn’t even say hi or welcome to us, and when I thanked, she didn’t even reply. So unprofessional and unfriendly!! I would give one star because of their attitude but preferred to withdraw it from the overall rating not to be unfair to the great staff in the other two gardens. Making reservations in advance is recommended though the line up is not usually that long.

  • 5/5 dthompson1313 8 months ago on Google
    Can't believe I've never been to this place before, it's stunning. Attended my husband's cousin's wedding here last weekend and it was fabulous. The staff were friendly and accommodating. The manager in charge of the ⛺️ set up or just general manager overseeing everyone was absolutely amazing. I forgot his name but he was so charming and we all had a great conversation. The wedding ceremony went off without a hitch and the photos that followed around the grounds were stunning. I would definitely throw a wedding here or a party 🥳 🎉 And I'm most definitely coming back, this time to as a regular visitor.

  • 5/5 Jayaprakash S. 10 months ago on Google
    Fantastic place to relax and a feast for your eyes to witness the variety of flowers along with tulips. If you’re interested in trailing then this is one of the best places to visit. Three gardens are really awesome..try to be early for parking and to catch the shuttle to other gardens.

  • 4/5 Jeff E. 1 year ago on Google
    This is another nice RBG garden. I visited both Laking Garden and the Rock Gardens on the same day and I preferred the Rock Garden, but this is still a very nice garden. There are lots of paths and many places to explore, and there are several art installations scattered through the park as well. The fee of $22 will get you into everything, which I found quite reasonable. Free parking is available across the street at the main RBG centre and there is tunnel that connects to park. Definitely a nice place to spend a day.

  • 4/5 Mark P. 1 year ago on Google
    The gardens are still beautiful even in the fall. There were a huge number of carved pumpkins along the pathways, which would look spectacular at night when they are lighted.

  • 5/5 Mary 1 year ago on Google
    I've only been here once in the past and really enjoyed it. This time I went to see the outdoor Christmas display and was so glad I did. The lights are absolutely beautiful and the music is wonderful. Staff members are outside to direct and help those with questions. There is both an indoor bar area and outdoor area which was surprising. There is also a very large tree toward the end of the display that responds to "singing" or "clapping" and changes lights accordingly. This is a really great activity for children and adults alike. The Royal Botanical Gardens has put so much into this. Well worth the trip.

  • 5/5 Maria O. 9 months ago on Google
    Each time I've visited the RBG, I found something new and beautiful to enjoy. Whether in early, middle, or late summer, or even at the beginning of fall, the gardens always have something lovely to offer. Beautiful pictures and even more beautiful memories!

  • 4/5 Arnab D. 9 months ago on Google
    We went on a very hot day. Outside is little tough to enjoy, but garden is really large to cover. We have a brunch there, one day time spend is fine.

  • 5/5 sarah-leanne d. 1 year ago on Google
    Loved this experience! We went for the Winter Wonderland exhibit in December to see the Christmas lights. The displays were gorgeous, the volunteers were very helpful, and we appreciated the 'pit-stops' throughout the walk where you could stop, listen to music, have a drink, etc. This was a lovely event and serves as a food reminder that the gardens are still worth visiting in the winter.

  • 4/5 Shani M. 1 year ago on Google
    It was very nice and beautiful in the inside gardens, but in the outside gardens there were many dead plants and dead flowers which were ugly and it was disappointing (but understandable since it was autumn) though, I think they should be "cleaned up" a little bit. I believe springtime is absolutely incredible. We walked on the trail inside the forest was a great experience. We saw a blue jay and chipmunks. Was super fun. Many great locations for pictures. There is a playground for children, a cafe and a gift shop.


Call +1 905-527-1158 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Pets
    • ✓️ Dogs allowed
  • Activities
    • ✓️ Hiking
  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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