9 Best Gardens in Burlington, Ontario: Where to Stop and Smell the Roses

Burlington is home to the largest botanical garden in Canada, plus a handful of neighbourhood gardens that are worth a detour in their own right. Whether you want rose beds and sculpture, a terraced perennial garden, a lilac walk, a waterfront garden, or a community plot with a story, here are the 9 best gardens in Burlington, Ontario, with tips on when to go and what to see.

Best Gardens at Royal Botanical Gardens

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is headquartered in Burlington and covers roughly 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres) of gardens and nature sanctuary, including five major garden areas and about 27 kilometres of nature trails. Admission applies to the cultivated gardens, so check rbg.ca for current hours and pricing.

1. Hendrie Park

Hendrie Park at 680 Plains Road West is RBG's largest cultivated garden, at nine hectares, and it truly illustrates the diversity of plants and garden design. It has 12 themed garden areas, more than 1,400 types of plants, a renowned rose garden, and a large sculpture collection that includes the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Garden. Seasonally, the Turner Pavilion Tea House in the Rose Garden serves light snacks and warm teas. Hendrie Park also leads to the 100-hectare Hendrie Valley trails, and in October it hosts the Great Pumpkin Trail, which we cover in this post on the Great Pumpkin Trail at Hendrie Park.

2. Laking Garden

Laking Garden sits on a fertile terraced plain that was once a market garden, and today it is home to RBG's herbaceous perennial collections. It is known for its irises and peonies, which peak in late spring and early summer, and it is a peaceful alternative if you want something quieter than the main gardens.

3. The Arboretum

The Arboretum feels more like an English landscape park than a formal garden. It is home to RBG's lilac collection, which Tourism Hamilton describes as the world's largest, and a wide variety of trees, with mostly informal paths. It is a lovely place to wander in spring when the lilacs bloom and in fall for the colours.

4. The Mediterranean Garden at RBG Centre

RBG Centre is the year-round focal point of the gardens, with indoor and outdoor displays and RBG's only conservatory, the Mediterranean Garden. It is the best garden stop on a cold or rainy day, and an underground tunnel connects it to Hendrie Park. RBG Centre, the Arboretum, and Hendrie Park stay open through winter, with the outdoor gardens open weather permitting.

5. The Rock Garden (David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden)

Built in the early 1930s on the site of an abandoned gravel pit, the historic Rock Garden is considered the birthplace of RBG. Its limestone steps, ponds, and streams make it one of the most special spots in the system, and after a major rejuvenation it reopened in 2016 with a focus on sustainable garden design. Note that the Rock Garden is located just across the border in Hamilton, though it is part of the same Burlington-headquartered RBG, so it makes an easy pairing with a visit to Hendrie Park. Read about summer canoe tours at Cootes Paradise for more of the RBG experience.

Best City and Neighbourhood Gardens in Burlington

Beyond RBG, Tourism Burlington points to several parks where gardens are part of the experience, and many are free to visit.

6. Paletta Lakefront Park

Paletta Lakefront Park at 4280 Lakeshore Road combines waterfront trails with perennial gardens, a 14-acre setting, and a mansion dating to 1930. Its gardens include a donation of rhododendrons from Burlington's sister city, Itabashi, Japan, and the Discovery Trail winds through wetlands and over two suspended iron bridges. The mature maples make it especially beautiful in fall.

7. Central Park

Central Park has beautiful rose and perennial gardens near its bandshell and library, with community garden plots tucked behind the Central Arena. It is an easy stop if you are already downtown or visiting the library, and its recently remodelled playground makes it a good family outing too.

8. Maple Park

At Maple Park, you can discover community gardens tended by the local Horticultural Society, just steps from Mapleview Centre. It is a charming reminder that Burlington's gardening tradition runs deep: Spencer Smith, for whom the waterfront park is named, was a former president of the Burlington Horticultural Society.

9. Spencer Smith Park

Burlington's waterfront park has beautifully landscaped gardens, open lawns, and lakeside paths, plus the 137-metre Brant Street Pier, which makes for easy photos and a gentle garden walk by the lake. Learn more in the history of Spencer Smith Park.

When to Visit Burlington's Gardens

• Spring: RBG is known for its spring bulbs, and the Arboretum's lilacs bloom. Tourism Hamilton notes around 100,000 spring bulbs across the gardens.

• Summer: roses, irises, peonies, and perennials are at their best, and the waterfront gardens are in full bloom.

• Fall: the maples at Paletta and the trees in the Arboretum and Hendrie Valley turn colour. See our guide to escarpment fall hikes near Burlington for more.

• Winter: head to the Mediterranean Garden at RBG Centre, which stays open year-round.

Garden Tips

• Free vs. paid: RBG's cultivated gardens charge admission, while city parks like Paletta, Central Park, Maple Park, and Spencer Smith Park are free to enjoy.

• Pets: leashed pets are welcome in RBG's outdoor areas, and Burlington has leash-free dog parks for off-leash time. See our guide to dog-friendly trails in Burlington.

• Parking: parking is available at each of RBG's garden areas and trailheads, and there is a free shuttle on select weekends.

• Bring a camera: these are among the most photogenic spots in the city.

Burlington Gardens FAQ

What Is the Largest Garden in Burlington?

Royal Botanical Gardens, Canada's largest botanical garden, covers about 1,100 hectares (2,700 acres), including five major garden areas.

Which Burlington Gardens Are Free?

City gardens like Paletta Lakefront Park, Central Park, Maple Park, and Spencer Smith Park are free to visit. RBG's cultivated gardens charge admission.

When Is the Best Time to See Roses at RBG?

Roses are generally at their best in summer, and the Rose Garden at Hendrie Park is the main spot to see them. Check RBG's website for what is in bloom.

Is RBG Open in Winter?

Yes. RBG Centre, the Arboretum, and Hendrie Park stay open through the winter season, with the outdoor gardens open weather permitting, and the Mediterranean Garden is a warm indoor option.

Are Dogs Allowed at RBG?

Leashed pets are welcome in outdoor areas at RBG.

Where Can I Find Community Gardens in Burlington?

Central Park has community garden plots behind the Central Arena, and Maple Park has community gardens tended by the local Horticultural Society. The City of Burlington also lists community gardens among its community supports.

Explore More of Burlington

Looking for more green space? Follow Burlington 365 for local events, seasonal outings, and things to do across Burlington and the surrounding area.