Toronto Botanical Garden

If you’re looking for somewhere beautiful and relaxing, where you’ll walk away with a head full of new knowledge, look no further than Toronto Botanical Garden. Browse at your leisure through 17 award-winning gardens, each demonstrating a particular aspect of plant life. The centre champions organic and sustainable growing methods and has a strong emphasis on education.

For good weather and a particularly colourful experience, your best bet is to visit the Botanical Garden in spring or autumn. During these months you’ll also be able to take in a free guided tour if you plan your visit right. You’ll be guided by a volunteer who will take you on a 90-minute exploration of the gardens' highlights and provide in-depth explanations. Check the website to find out when tours are running.

Your first port of call on entering the garden is the Arrival Courtyard which features a geometric hedge sculpture. The courtyard was designed by landscape architect Martin Wade and Dutch gardener Piet Oudolf. It was also Oudolf who created the entry garden walk using only self-seeding plants.

The Woodland Walk is an absolute must for any birdwatchers: the habitat recreates the Carolinian forest of eastern North America and attracts a host of different bird species. In stark contrast is the Beryl Ivey Knot Garden, which is a well-manicured area based on English, French and Italian gardens from the 16th century. To get an overview of the different gardens, take a hike up the Spiral Mound and watch the panorama open out in front of you.

The Botanical Garden hosts many events throughout the year, so it’s always worth checking their website before a visit. These events include open-air concerts and educational camps for children. An organic farmers’ market runs from May to October giving you a chance to see the wealth of local produce the region has to offer. There is also an on-site café serving seasonal food.

Toronto Botanical Garden is located in Edwards Gardens, about a 20-minute drive from the city centre. City buses stop just outside, or why not rent a bike and cycle? It is open daily, from dawn to dusk, although you should check the site for the opening hours of the café, library, shop and reception. Entry is free.