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755 Lawrence Ave E, North York, ON M3C 1P2, Canada
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Phone +1 416-392-8188
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Feel like getting away from it all, without actually leaving the city? Make your way to serene Edwards Gardens in North York. Edwards Gardens sits adjacent to the Toronto Botanical Garden and offers both Toronto locals and visitors the chance to enjoy the great outdoors in a scenic setting. The former estate garden is the ideal place to rejuvenate or embark on a leisurely walk among themed gardens, a rockery, wildflowers, and water features. If you’re curious about visiting or want to learn more, read on for everything you need to know about Edwards Gardens in Toronto.
Background
Before it was a vast expanse of manicured public space, Edwards Gardens was the private estate of Alexander Milne. The land was eventually purchased by Rupert Edwards in 1944, who transformed the then-neglected property into a beautiful garden. Edwards subsequently sold the land to the City of Toronto in 1955, and it was named Edwards Gardens in 1956. Today, the 35-acre gardens are a popular destination for anyone seeking to enjoy nature in a tranquil environment.
What to See & Do
Visitors typically spend anywhere from one to three hours at Edwards Gardens, depending on the season and their purpose—be it a short interruption or an extensive stroll through the grounds.
The sprawling site is divided into an upland area and a lower valley section. The upper area hosts perennials and roses, while the valley showcases vibrant wildflowers, rhododendrons, and a large rockery. During your visit, you’ll also encounter formal gardens, colorful floral displays, a greenhouse, wooden arch bridges (ideal for photographs), a waterwheel, fountains, and numerous walking trails.
On the upper level of the valley, you’ll find an arboretum and the Children’s Teaching Garden (part of the Toronto Botanical Garden), making it a wonderful stop for families with children. The educational garden features plants with names that begin with the letters of the alphabet, a sensory garden encouraging kids to engage with their surroundings, and the Dinosaur Garden, complete with a model of a stegosaurus and a variety of plants dinosaurs would have devoured.
During July and August, guests can enjoy the Edwards Gardens Summer Music Series, a complimentary summer concert event that takes place in the gardens, rain or shine. The concert area is situated at the courtyard adjacent to the historic barn in Edwards Gardens. As seating is limited, it’s advisable to bring your own chairs or a blanket.
Since Edwards Gardens encompasses the Toronto Botanical Garden (TBG), it is sensible, if time allows, to visit both. The TBG features 17 award-winning themed gardens covering nearly four acres. In summer, expand your knowledge of Edwards Gardens and the TBG with a free garden tour. Volunteer-led tours last 90 minutes and occur at 10 a.m. on Tuesdays and 6 p.m. on Thursdays from late May through September. Additionally, be sure to check out the TBG’s organic farmers’ market operating year-round (outdoors in summer, indoors during colder months).
If you feel peckish, there’s a café within the TBG (open seasonally from May to October) along with a garden shop (open year-round).
Location & When to Visit
Edwards Gardens is situated at 755 Lawrence Avenue East and is easily reachable via public transit.
TTC buses frequently service the corner of Leslie Street and Lawrence Avenue, allowing you to take the Lawrence East 54 bus or the 54A bus to the gardens. Alternatively, from the Yonge subway line, alight at Eglinton Station and take the 51, 54, or 162 bus to Lawrence Avenue. If you’re driving, take Highway 401 to the Leslie Street exit (there is free parking available).
The gardens are open year-round from dawn until dusk, and admission is free of charge.
What to Do Nearby
There are several other notable attractions in close proximity to Edwards Gardens. Consider visiting the Aga Khan Museum, the Ontario Science Centre with interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages, and CF Shops at Don Mills for some enjoyable retail therapy.
