Royal Botanical Gardens
Royal Botanical Gardens
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is the largest botanical garden in Canada, a National Historic Site, and registered charitable organization with a mandate to bring together people, plants and nature. Royal Botanical Gardens is located at the western tip of Lake Ontario. Four distinct formal gardens are contained with 1100 hectares of nature reserve, nestled into the slopes of the Niagara Escarpment World Biosphere Reserve. The ever changing seasons, blooms, and natural phenomenon make each visit a new experience. Explore and enjoy the many historical plant collections, the Mediterranean Greenhouse, 27 km of nature trails and special events such as art and music in the gardens, blooms festivals and more.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
870 reviews
Excellent
506
Very good
233
Average
57
Poor
28
Terrible
46
thevacationlovers
Ancaster, Canada34 contributions
Jan. 2023
We attended the Winter Wonders event at the Royal Botanical Gardens and must say that it is an absolute flop! The 20 dollars plus event walks you through chinsey lighted pathways. No musicians as advertised and barely a delight to see! No one to explain anything, no one to present any RBC features, no small tokens as you make your way through this BORING and pointless path!
Written January 9, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Eric N
73 contributions
Oct. 2022
We had a wedding at this place from my niece. The service & food was really good. The surrounding gardens make it perfect !!
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Miss M
2 contributions
Jul. 2022
Easy to find. Large parking lot. Expensive for what it is. Layout is very confusing.
The 'succulent' garden and the 'tropical' garden are stuck at the back of the main building and are no more than these two little rooms with a few plants and flowers in them with a fish pond. Yes, the plants and flowers are pretty and impressive but the presentation of them leaves a lot to be desired.
The underground tunnel and Hendrie Park are quite nice. The rose gardens are beautiful. It was a shame the water features were turned off. The flowers in bloom were full of life with the bees and butterflies. Lots of vibrant colors. The number of volunteers working faithfully and hard was impressive to see.
The rock garden was very peaceful. The paths and stairways were like walking through a secret garden opening up to another path or walkway. The lily pads were full of colorful flowers which was beautiful!
The gift shop is quite expensive and like many others, has wandered away from actual 'garden' gifts into the world of just unrelated overpriced giftware. Didn't purchase anything. Would have loved to explore more, but the need to drive back and forth made it quite inconvenient. Definitely not a 'one day' excursion.
The 'succulent' garden and the 'tropical' garden are stuck at the back of the main building and are no more than these two little rooms with a few plants and flowers in them with a fish pond. Yes, the plants and flowers are pretty and impressive but the presentation of them leaves a lot to be desired.
The underground tunnel and Hendrie Park are quite nice. The rose gardens are beautiful. It was a shame the water features were turned off. The flowers in bloom were full of life with the bees and butterflies. Lots of vibrant colors. The number of volunteers working faithfully and hard was impressive to see.
The rock garden was very peaceful. The paths and stairways were like walking through a secret garden opening up to another path or walkway. The lily pads were full of colorful flowers which was beautiful!
The gift shop is quite expensive and like many others, has wandered away from actual 'garden' gifts into the world of just unrelated overpriced giftware. Didn't purchase anything. Would have loved to explore more, but the need to drive back and forth made it quite inconvenient. Definitely not a 'one day' excursion.
Written September 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
John C
Toronto, Canada6 contributions
Aug. 2022
This is a fantastic location for anyone interested in learning about nature in a relaxed environment. I went on a Tuesday and enjoy the beauty of the gardens with my friends. Highly recommending learning more about flowering trees. The Arboretum was my favourite location!
Written August 12, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris
1 contribution
Oct. 2021 • Friends
Really regret getting married here. The restricted time slots ruined my wedding. At the end of the day I was really angry, disappointed and sad. We had to skip so much in our wedding and I dont know how they expected us to have a wedding in such a short period of time. On top of that we were told they were hosting "NO" receptions so we had to book elsewhere yet directly after our wedding was a reception. Never will I EVER recommend this place.
Written July 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Darlene W
14 contributions
Jun. 2022
Beautiful place for a wedding. The ceremony was held in the Royal Court surrounded by tropical plants and flowers. The reception followed in a large room, which was beautifully decorated.
Written June 28, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris T
1 contribution
Jun. 2022
My wife and I have been wanting to come here for awhile. Because of the pandemic we haven’t been to Canada in over two years. We live in the States and it’s a two hour drive to these gardens. They did not disappoint. My wife and I have been to the Kew Gardens in London and this place is as good or better. Plan to spend at least three hours here. The section we both enjoyed the most was The Rock Garden.It was incredible. Also , the volunteers here were very helpful and pleasant. Also a shout out to Suzanne Burchell who volunteers at the Rock Garden. She was very knowledgeable and welcoming. We spent at least a half hour with her. It was like chatting with an old friend..When you visit , seek her out. My wife and I will be back...in fact we bought a membership.
Written June 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
canadian_investor
Toronto, Canada459 contributions
Jun. 2021 • Couples
The grounds consisting of several parks, are all well maintained. There is a great assortment of things to see from gardens to trees and shrubs to waterfront areas with trails, paths and sitting areas with benches and picnic tables. Multiple access points and parking areas. Not too pricey but membership is always a great investment.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Maps561041
1 contribution
May 2022 • Family
May 8th, 2022 Mother’s Day brunch.
I was so looking forward to a Mother’s Day brunch with my daughter AT the RBG. This will be the first time. I’ve wanted to go for years and just havnt got around to it. So I bought tickets for my daughter and I. Well, what a complete disappointment. I have never been so disappointed. For a huge $$ per ticket I expected better. Firstly waiting in line as it was 20 min late opening the door to the brunch . I lot of elderly people standing in line. When we finally entered, I noticed many folks almost tripping over the table covers as they were too big for the tables and draped on the floor. Then we proceeded to the wonderful looking buffet, only to try and find a clean plate. Finally got one , only to load my plate with what I thought was a hot buffet, but nope everything was cold. What was suppose to be hot buffet, was not even warm. Nothing went right. Even the wrong spoons for serving as they were too short and kept falling into the prepared food containers.
Well ate what I could but not enjoyed, so I proceeded to the juice and coffee serving table. Try and find a clean glass for orange juice didn’t help my mood. Got a coffee, drank it and left very disappointed.
I was so looking forward to a Mother’s Day brunch with my daughter AT the RBG. This will be the first time. I’ve wanted to go for years and just havnt got around to it. So I bought tickets for my daughter and I. Well, what a complete disappointment. I have never been so disappointed. For a huge $$ per ticket I expected better. Firstly waiting in line as it was 20 min late opening the door to the brunch . I lot of elderly people standing in line. When we finally entered, I noticed many folks almost tripping over the table covers as they were too big for the tables and draped on the floor. Then we proceeded to the wonderful looking buffet, only to try and find a clean plate. Finally got one , only to load my plate with what I thought was a hot buffet, but nope everything was cold. What was suppose to be hot buffet, was not even warm. Nothing went right. Even the wrong spoons for serving as they were too short and kept falling into the prepared food containers.
Well ate what I could but not enjoyed, so I proceeded to the juice and coffee serving table. Try and find a clean glass for orange juice didn’t help my mood. Got a coffee, drank it and left very disappointed.
Written May 10, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
thaddeus R
1 contribution
May 2022
The buffet advertised coffee and roasted vegetables,neither of which were available the several times I when to the appropriate stations. Can you imagine a brunch without coffee available?
Written May 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Birgida
Terrebonne, Canada
A quelle date Pour voir Les Lilas et les tulipes à leur meilleur ?
Carol from Ottawa Canada
Ottawa, Canada69 contributions
We are passing through and will have only a few hours from 10:00 to about 1:00 on July 16/19. What gardens would you recommend, and how can i find them?
julesmax31
Hamilton, Canada169 contributions
I always recommend checking out Cherry Hill (across the street from the main building). Bring some bird seed with sunflower seeds in it. The birds and chipmunks are very friendly and will land in your hands for treats! It’s a nice easy hike also.
The Main building is located 680 Plains Road West, Burlington. L7T 4H4
What gardens / areas have parking that's NOT included in the daily admission price? I thought only if you don't buy a ticket but want to park and use the trails without entering any of the gardens would you need to pay for parking.
PatsyCanuck
Ontario, Canada185 contributions
I parked in the small lot beside the Rock Garden Restaurant and did not have to put a parking pass in my window. Those who parked across the street had to have the pass in the window.
Liverpool Y
Toronto, Canada3 contributions
When does the blooming starts.. ?
k w
kw86 contributions
Check the Royal Botanical Gardens website as most of it is dependent upon weather
How much walk does it entail? M asking from n arthritic persons perspective
Deb K
Burlington, Canada203 contributions
Hi, it is a lot of walking. But for walking around the rose garden, or the Rock Garden or around the main building, I believe you can use a wheelchair. But for the trails, walking may present a challenge as the trails are natural with a lot of gravel, tree stumps and uneven ground. Call the Royal Botanical and ask about the availability of wheelchairs or walking aids.
Can I bring my dog to walk in gaedens
Deb K
Burlington, Canada203 contributions
Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash. My friend brings her dog all the time but he's always on the leash.
Can I bring my dog into gardens
asiashin
Tofino, Canada6 contributions
Yes. On a leash and pick up the waste and have a great fun.
ROYAL BOTANICAL GARDENS (Burlington) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Botanical Gardens
- Royal Botanical Gardens is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Royal Botanical Gardens:
- (0.36 km) Esquire Motel
- (10.48 km) The Barracks Inn
- (3.66 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- (15.02 km) Courtyard by Marriott Burlington
- (3.76 km) Visitors Inn
- Restaurants near Royal Botanical Gardens:
- (0.00 km) Turner Pavilion Teahouse
- (0.06 km) Greenhouse Cafe
- (0.14 km) Easterbrooks Hotdog Stand
- (0.40 km) Rose Garden Family Restaurant
- (0.44 km) Tim Hortons