Summary
777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2, Canada
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Phone +1 416-397-1341
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Located in North York adjacent to Edwards Gardens, the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG) is a must-visit for anyone with even a passing interest in horticulture or plants and flowers. TBG not only offers the opportunity to enjoy acres of manicured grounds and themed gardens, but also provides educational experiences through various programs, guided tours, workshops, and special events throughout the year. This article provides a complete guide to visiting the Toronto Botanical Garden.
History
The land which is now known as Edwards Gardens was settled in 1817 by Alexander Milne. Various changes occurred over the years; however, significant development took place starting in 1944 when Toronto businessman Rupert Edwards transformed the property into a sprawling garden. He sold the land to the City of Toronto ten years later, aspiring to preserve it as a public park. Consequently, Edwards Gardens opened to the public in 1956. In 1958, the Garden Club of Toronto established the Civic Garden Centre, which is now the Toronto Botanical Garden. Thus, TBG was founded with the intent of being a center for gardening education and information, a goal it fiercely maintains today.
Location and When to Visit
To visit TBG, you can find it within the expansive Edwards Gardens Park at Lawrence Avenue East and Leslie Street. The gardens are open year-round from dawn until dusk, and admission is free (donations are welcomed). While the gardens are beautiful throughout the year, they particularly thrive during the spring and summer months.
If you plan to drive, take Highway 401 to the Leslie Street exit. Drive south until you reach the stoplights at Lawrence Avenue, then take the first right into the large parking area, which also offers free parking.
For those using public transport, TTC buses frequently pass the intersection of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue. You can catch the Lawrence East 54 bus or the 54A bus. Alternatively, if you are on the Yonge subway line, disembark at Eglinton Station and then take buses 51, 54, or 162 to reach Lawrence Avenue. TBG is situated on the southwest corner.
What to Expect
Visiting TBG means experiencing 17 award-winning themed gardens that span nearly four acres. With so much to see, planning your time efficiently is essential. The gardens are designed to be enjoyed while also imparting knowledge about horticulture. They showcase a diverse range of plant species, representing numerous designs, habitats, and climates. Some of the gardens include carpet beds, an herb garden, a kitchen garden featuring vegetables from different cultures, a teaching garden, a green roof, a woodland walk, and a bird habitat. To enhance your experience, a downloadable app is available that provides customized tours and detailed information about the plants.
On-site, there is a café and a garden shop. The café operates seasonally from May to October, serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks in a historic barn. The garden shop is open year-round, offering a variety of gardening supplies including seeds, tools, and live plants.
Please note that dogs, picnics, bicycle riding, and sporting activities are not allowed in the gardens.
Highlights
Highlights at TBG include the Edwards Summer Music Series, a complimentary concert series running from early July through late August, held in the gardens regardless of weather conditions. During the summer, visitors can also enjoy free garden tours led by volunteers. These 90-minute tours occur at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and 6 p.m. on Thursdays from late May to September.
Furthermore, TBG hosts an organic farmers’ market open year-round (outdoor in summer, indoor in colder months), showcasing a variety of vendors selling baked goods, fresh produce, and more. The market operates on Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Events and Learning Experiences
The Toronto Botanical Garden is renowned for its multitude of indoor and outdoor educational experiences catering to all ages. These include garden tours, kids’ summer camps, field trips, lectures, and an extensive horticultural library. For adults, programs and classes cover a broad spectrum, from food and wellness to plant care and garden design. Additionally, TBGKids Programs offer engaging learning experiences for children, facilitated through camps, family events, and the Children’s Center and Teaching Garden.
