Toronto Botanical Garden is a free outdoor garden in Edwards Gardens, a public park in Toronto. If you’re planning things to do in Toronto Botanical Garden from Bowmanville, you can wander themed gardens and extend your visit with a walk through the surrounding parkland.
- Location: 777 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, Ontario M3C 1P2.
- Outdoor gardens: Open daily from dawn until dusk, year-round.
- Admission: Free.
- Visitor Centre: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
At a glance
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01What to see at Toronto Botanical GardenToronto Botanical Garden has nearly four acres of contemporary themed gardens, with paths designed for a…
02Gardens and seasonal highlightsThe outdoor gardens are open throughout the year, from dawn until dusk.
03Hours, admission and visitor accessAdmission to the outdoor gardens is free, and the grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk.- 04FAQsYes.
What to see at Toronto Botanical Garden
Toronto Botanical Garden has nearly four acres of contemporary themed gardens, with paths designed for a self-guided visit. The garden began as a gardening education and information centre, and its current setting is Edwards Gardens, a public park owned and administered by the City of Toronto.
The gardens opened in 2006. The grounds connect with Edwards Gardens and the Don Valley ravine trails south of the garden, so you can add a longer walk to time spent among the themed plantings. There is no greenhouse; the gardens are outdoors, while the Visitor Centre lobby has houseplants and seating.
Gardens and seasonal highlights
The outdoor gardens are open throughout the year, from dawn until dusk. Seasonal changes shape what’s growing along the paths, but the garden’s outdoor setting—not a greenhouse—forms the core of a visit.
The Dandelion Cafe operates in spring, summer and fall and closes from December through March. The Garden Shop is open daily from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. If you’re planning around the cafe or shop, check the official site before you go.
A guided tour of Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens takes 90 minutes, includes both the themed gardens and Edwards Gardens, and requires pre-registration. Tour schedules can vary, so confirm current arrangements with the garden.
Hours, admission and visitor access
Admission to the outdoor gardens is free, and the grounds are open daily from dawn until dusk. The Visitor Centre opens daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; the Weston Family Library is open weekdays from 10:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and weekends from 12 to 4 p.m.
The adjacent parking lot is paid: $4 per hour, up to $16 per day, with free parking for Toronto Botanical Garden members. Paid parking is enforced around the clock, and overnight parking is not permitted. You can pay at a machine by debit card, credit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay or cash, or use TAP2PARK.CA with site code 6119.
The main-floor Visitor Centre has accessible washrooms, and an elevator connects the first and second floors. Three wheelchairs are available to borrow during a visit. Ten accessible parking spaces sit near the building’s front entrance and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Accessible parking permit holders still pay unless they are garden members.
Edwards Gardens restrictions apply on the grounds: pets other than service animals, cycling, rollerblading, skateboarding, picnicking, sports, feeding wildlife, barbecues, fires and picking flowers are not allowed. Service animals are welcome in the Visitor Centre and gardens.
How do you get from Bowmanville to Toronto Botanical Garden?
The garden is at 777 Lawrence Avenue East, near Leslie Street. If you’re driving from Highway 401, take the Leslie Street exit and head south to the Lawrence Avenue stoplights. Turn right for an Edwards Gardens driveway, or continue straight through the lights and turn right into the large parking area.
For TTC access, one recommended route is Line 5 Eglinton to Laird Station, then the northbound 51 Leslie bus to Lawrence Avenue East near Leslie Street. From Line 1, take the subway to Lawrence Station and transfer to the 162 Lawrence-Donway bus toward Leslie Street; get off at Leslie and Lawrence.
One TTC fare covers subway, LRT and bus transfers within the system. Service times can vary, so check current schedules or the TTC trip planner before setting out.
You can also reach Edwards Gardens and Wilket Creek by walking and cycling paths through the City of Toronto Parks system, including routes through Sunnybrook Park and Wilket Creek. For another Toronto park outing, browse things to do in Biidaasige Park.
FAQs
Is Toronto Botanical Garden free to visit?
Yes. Admission to the outdoor gardens is free.
Are the gardens open all year?
The outdoor gardens are open daily from dawn until dusk, year-round. The Dandelion Cafe is seasonal and closes from December through March.
Can you take a guided tour?
Yes. The guided tour covers Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens, lasts 90 minutes and requires pre-registration. Check with the garden for current tour arrangements.
Is there a greenhouse?
No. The gardens are outdoors; the Visitor Centre lobby has houseplants and seating.