The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is Canada’s largest botanical garden and nature sanctuary, spanning across Hamilton and Burlington, Ontario. Set along the Niagara Escarpment, it blends cultivated gardens, historic landscapes, and wild nature trails. With five distinct garden areas, 27+ km of trails, and countless plant collections, it’s a must-visit for plant lovers, families, hikers, and anyone seeking calm beauty.
Getting There
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By Car: RBG spans Hamilton and Burlington, with separate entrances for each garden (RBG Centre/Hendrie Park, Rock Garden, Laking Garden, Arboretum). Parking is available at all sites, with fees unless you’re a member. Follow signs for each specific garden area.
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By Transit: Burlington Transit and Hamilton Street Railway (HSR) buses stop near some garden entrances. Check local schedules for the closest routes.
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By Bike: Trails and bike-friendly roads connect parts of the RBG. Bike racks are available at the main garden entrances.
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From Toronto/Niagara: The RBG is about 1 hour by car from Toronto and 45 minutes from Niagara Falls, just off the QEW highway.
You can also check the Translink website for the current Skytrain schedules.
What You’ll Find & Highlights
Gardens & Indoor Displays
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RBG Centre (Burlington): Visitor hub with admissions, gift shop, café, and the Mediterranean Garden greenhouse. Perfect place to start your visit.
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Hendrie Park (Burlington): The largest formal garden, featuring themed garden rooms, sculptures, and roses in season.
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Rock Garden (Hamilton): Historic garden (opened 1932, restored in 2016) with dramatic stone landscaping, waterfalls, and seasonal plantings.
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Laking Garden (Burlington): Known for herbaceous perennials and colorful displays in spring and summer, plus panoramic escarpment views.
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Arboretum (Hamilton): English landscape–style parkland with one of Canada’s largest lilac collections and impressive mature trees.
Nature Trails & Sanctuaries
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Over 27 km of trails winding through forests, wetlands, and meadows.
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Four trailheads and two canoe launches for exploring nature.
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Special routes like the Anishinaabe waadiziwin Trail focus on Indigenous plant knowledge and cultural ties.
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Excellent for birding, hiking, and seasonal photography.
Hours & Entry
Operating Hours
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Gardens (Spring–Fall): Daily 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
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Tuesdays (summer season): Extended to 8:00 PM.
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Fall/Winter: Hours may be reduced; check the official site before visiting.
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Last admission: 1 hour before closing.
Admission Fees (2024)
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Adult (25+): $19.50
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Senior (65+): $16.50
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Student (with valid ID): $17.50
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Child (4–12): $11.50
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Infant (0–3): Free
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Single Garden Admission: Available at select times (e.g., Rock Garden, Laking Garden), typically priced at around $10–12.
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Memberships: Worth it if visiting more than once — includes free admission, parking, and discounts.
Note: Admission covers garden sites but not always events or parking at trailheads.
Planning Your Visit
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Map & Layout: Start at RBG Centre to grab a visitor map and see what’s in bloom.
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Parking: Each garden has its own lot (paid). During peak seasons (like lilac bloom at the Arboretum), parking may be restricted or reserved for members.
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Seasonal Blooms:
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Spring: Tulips, lilacs, magnolias.
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Summer: Roses, perennials, rock garden colour.
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Fall: Foliage, asters, ornamental grasses.
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Indoor Options: If weather is poor, the RBG Centre’s Mediterranean Garden is a great backup.
Suggested Self-Guided Visit (2–3 Hours)
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Begin at RBG Centre (Burlington): Explore the Mediterranean Garden, check bloom updates.
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Walk Hendrie Park: Enjoy the themed gardens, sculptures, and rose garden if in bloom.
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Head to Rock Garden (Hamilton): Experience water features, stone pathways, and seasonal plantings.
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Explore the Arboretum: Choose a trailhead, walk among lilacs and mature trees.
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Optional: Stop at Laking Garden for summer perennials and panoramic views.
Bonus: Take a break at one of the cafés — Greenhouse Café, Rock Garden Bistro, or Tea House.
Tips & Practicalities
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Wear comfortable shoes; some trails have hills and slopes.
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Bring sun protection and water in summer.
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For photos, morning light is best, and crowds are lighter.
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Check the RBG Hours & Map page before going for closures or event changes.
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Consider membership if you’ll return often.
Final Note
The Royal Botanical Gardens offers more than just flowers — it’s a living museum of plants, a wildlife sanctuary, and a peaceful retreat for people. Whether you’re here for a quick walk, a full-day garden hop, or a deep nature hike, RBG has something to inspire every visitor.