Related: Hiking Trails

Step into a lush oasis found right here in the city. Take a break from concrete buildings to inspect the curiosities of curated plantings and don’t forget to grab your camera to snap some photos.

Situated in Centennial Park, this conservatory offers three separate greenhouse areas with displays of seasonal flowers, tropical plants, and more.

Personal Note: Allan Gardens usually gets all the glory in terms of greenhouses within the city, but this is a gem of a place if you don’t mind commuting to Etobicoke. If you finish early, there are a few plant nurseries not too far away so you can make an afternoon of exploring the area. TTC’ing is a bit tedious (though not impossible - I did it!), so bring a car if you can.

Located in downtown Toronto, this historic conservatory features a diverse collection of tropical plants, cacti, succulents, and seasonal flower displays.

Personal Note: This conservatory is always worth a visit, especially being so close to central downtown. Allan Gardens packs a wide variety of plant species in really beautiful rooms, and it’s a great spot for photos. If you’re visiting Toronto, I would add this as a stop before or after going to the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) or Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO). Or try greenhouse hopping and visit Cloud Gardens nearby (see below).

Cloud Gardens in downtown Toronto is a serene escape featuring a glass-domed conservatory and lush botanical displays.

Personal Note: Although the pictures here look magnificent this place is tiny, so don’t have big expectations. I’d recommend popping in if you happen to be in the area, or have a day planned with other activities because the hours here are limited. This is just a small “add-on” to your day time adventures.

TBG includes several themed gardens as well as the Edwards Gardens, providing a beautiful and educational setting for plant enthusiasts.

Personal Note: We found this place fun to explore and a more bite-sized version of the Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) that didn’t overwhelm you. A comfortable visit for an afternoon with some hikes nearby and opportunities for picnics.

Spadina Museum is a historic mansion in Toronto, offering a glimpse into early 20th-century. With its preserved interiors and lush gardens, it transports visitors to a bygone era of opulence and culture.

Personal Note: This spot is usually overshadowed by Casa Loma nearby, but it’s truly a gem - it has a small but beautiful outdoor garden (unfortunately you can’t go into the greenhouse), but what I would recommend is taking the tour as the Spadina House is a historic museum that showcases a way of life unattainable to most of us. You also see their incredible sun room full of houseplants.

Scadding Cabin in Toronto is a historic gem from the 1790s, offering a direct link to the city's pioneer past.

Personal Note: I used to live nearby so this spot has a soft spot for me, but realistically similar to Cloud Gardens, this is an “add-on” pitstop if you happen to be in the area where you don’t necessarily want to plan your day around here. Instead, make a day of enjoying the greenspace along lakeshore in general, pop by Scadding Cabin, and then the Rose Garden. Try to time a visit during peak bloom time for roses which is usually from late June to early July.

High Park gardens in Toronto offer a vibrant blend of meticulously designed flowerbeds, native plants, and serene landscapes.

Personal Note: High Park's gardens are highly underrated because most people I know just head straight to the grassy picnic areas south by Grenadier Pond or north of the park close to Bloor. But if you start at Hillside Gardens and meander your way through all the small paths towards Colborne Lodge Drive, there are a ton of well thought out, well maintained public gardens with dense, lush plantings. High Park is fantastic for birding, so keep an eye out for our resident Red-Tailed Hawks, woodpeckers, warblers and you may even spot a Ruby-throated hummingbird by one of the butterfly bushes.

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