20+ Best Gardens in Toronto & Nearby To Escape The City (2025 Guide)

Tired of the concrete jungle and the constant TTC delays? Sometimes you just need to find a patch of green to chill out. If you’re looking for the best gardens in Toronto, we’ve got you covered with spots that are perfect for a solo walk, a cute date, or just to see some colour that isn’t a condo ad.

Heads up: Hours and details can change. It’s always a good idea to check the official websites before you head out.

20+ Best Gardens in Toronto To Escape The City Buzz (2025 Guide)

Allan Gardens Conservatory

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Friends of Allan Gardens (@foallangardens)

This place is a true Toronto classic. Step inside this historic cast-iron glass dome and you’re instantly transported out of the city. Allan Gardens has six greenhouses featuring everything from tropical plants to a whole room of cacti. It’s one of the best indoor gardens Toronto has to offer, especially on a dreary winter day.

Price: FREE
Location: 19 Horticultural Ave, Toronto
Contact: www.toronto.ca
Pro Tip: It’s a popular spot for photoshoots, so be prepared for a few cameras. The surrounding park also has a great off-leash dog area.

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG)

Okay, this one’s a bit of a road trip, but it’s totally worth it for the best place to visit outside Toronto. The Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington is massive and is often considered one of the most famous gardens in Canada. It features multiple distinct garden areas, from the stunning Rose Garden to the serene Rock Garden, plus miles of trails.

Price: $$
Location: 680 Plains Rd W, Burlington
Contact: www.rbg.ca | (905) 527-1158
Pro Tip: This is a top-tier garden restaurant Toronto-area experience. Check out the Greenhouse Café for a casual bite or the Rock Garden Café for scenic views.

Toronto Botanical Garden & Edwards Gardens

This is a two-for-one deal. The Toronto Botanical Garden is nestled within the larger Edwards Gardens, creating a huge, beautiful space to explore. It’s a fantastic garden Toronto residents love for its themed areas and educational programs.

Price: FREE (Donations welcome for TBG)
Location: 777 Lawrence Ave E, Toronto
Contact: https://torontobotanicalgarden.ca | (416) 397-1341
Pro Tip: Grab a Toronto Botanical Gardens map online or at the entrance to navigate the sprawling grounds of both TBG and the connected Edwards Gardens. There’s also a seasonal Garden Café.

Toronto Music Garden

Best gardens Toronto — *Photo via* *@torontophotography_to* */ Instagram*

Designed in collaboration with the famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma, this garden is inspired by Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1. While the CN Tower might be the #1 attraction in Toronto for tourists, locals know the real gems are quiet escapes like this. Each section reflects a different dance movement from the suite, creating a unique and peaceful vibe right on the waterfront.

Price: FREE
Location: 479 Queens Quay W, Toronto
Contact: www.toronto.ca | 416-973-4000
Pro Tip: Check their schedule for free summer concerts in the garden’s outdoor amphitheatre.

High Park

Everyone knows High Park for the cherry blossoms, but its gardens are stunning all year. From the formal gardens at the Hillside Gardens to the tranquil Sunken Gardens, there’s always something in bloom. It’s a massive park, so you can easily spend a whole day here.

Price: FREE
Location: 1873 Bloor St W, Toronto
Contact: www.toronto.ca | 416-338-0338
Pro Tip: Parking is a nightmare, especially during peak season. Your best bet is to take the TTC to High Park station.

Guild Park and Gardens

*Photo via* *@scarboroughspots and @scarboroughsgotjokes* */ Instagram*

This spot is a hidden gem in Scarborough. It feels like stepping into a different world with its collection of architectural fragments from demolished Toronto buildings scattered among the gardens. The Greek Theatre overlooking the Bluffs is a must-see.

Price: FREE
Location: 201 Guildwood Pkwy, Scarborough
Contact: www.toronto.ca
Pro Tip: It’s a popular wedding photo location, so weekends can be busy. Go on a weekday for a more peaceful visit.

Rosetta McClain Gardens

If you want gardens with a view, this is your spot. Perched atop the Scarborough Bluffs, it offers incredible views of Lake Ontario. The gardens are meticulously maintained with a focus on roses, and it’s also a designated Monarch butterfly waystation.

Price: FREE
Location: 5 Glen Everest Rd, Scarborough
Contact: www.toronto.ca | 416-396-7378
Pro Tip: This garden is all about accessibility, with paved pathways perfect for strollers and wheelchairs.

James Gardens

Located along the Humber River, James Gardens is known for its beautiful flower beds, rock gardens, and mature trees. It was once a private estate, and you can still feel that elegant, secluded vibe. The terraced stone pathways are a highlight.

Price: FREE
Location: 99 Edenbridge Dr, Etobicoke
Contact: www.toronto.ca | 416-392-8188
Pro Tip: There are multiple ponds and a small waterfall, making it a great spot for a peaceful afternoon walk.

Casa Loma Gardens

*Photo via* *@eunice.yuching.wang* */ Instagram*

The gardens at Casa Loma are as grand as the castle itself. Spanning five acres, they feature fountains, sculptures, and beautifully structured perennial borders. The vibe is very formal and elegant, offering a perfect backdrop for the city’s most famous landmark.

Price: $$$ (Included with castle admission)
Location: 1 Austin Terrace, Toronto
Contact: https://casaloma.ca | (416) 923-1171 | info@casaloma.ca
Pro Tip: The gardens are typically open from May to October. They also have a seasonal restaurant, The Gardens at Casa Loma, for an upscale dining experience.

Spadina Museum Gardens

Right next door to Casa Loma, the Spadina Museum offers a glimpse into Toronto life in the early 20th century, and its gardens are a huge part of that. The restored historic gardens are beautiful and much quieter than its famous neighbour.

Price: FREE (to access the gardens)
Location: 285 Spadina Rd, Toronto
Contact: www.toronto.ca | 416-392-6910
Pro Tip: Pack a lunch. There are plenty of benches where you can sit and enjoy the historic atmosphere.

St. James Park

This downtown park is an urban oasis right next to the St. Lawrence Market. It features a beautiful formal Victorian garden, a stunning fountain, and plenty of green space to relax. It’s the perfect spot to unwind after grabbing a bite at the market.

Price: FREE
Location: 120 King St E, Toronto
Contact: www.toronto.ca | 416-392-2489
Pro Tip: The park hosts events throughout the summer, including free concerts and movie nights.

Humber Arboretum

*Photo via* *@324kristinmarie* */ Instagram*

This is a huge 250-acre site of botanical gardens and natural areas surrounding the Humber River. It’s a joint venture between the City of Toronto, Humber College, and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority. It features themed gardens, ponds, and extensive walking trails.

Price: FREE
Location: 205 Humber College Blvd, Etobicoke
Contact: https://humber.ca/arboretum | 416-675-5009 | arboretum@humber.ca
Pro Tip: Great for bird watching. The Centre for Urban Ecology is a stunning building and a hub for their educational programs.

Centennial Park Conservatory

Another great indoor option, this conservatory in Etobicoke has a tropical house filled with exotic plants and a second house dedicated to cacti and succulents. It’s smaller than Allan Gardens but just as charming and usually less crowded.

Price: FREE
Location: 151 Elmcrest Rd, Etobicoke
Contact: www.toronto.ca | 416-394-8543
Pro Tip: Right next door is the Centennial Park Pan Am BMX Centre and a playground, so you can make a full day of it with the family.

Alexander Muir Memorial Gardens

*Photo via* *@realtorheatherlee* */ Instagram*

This formal garden feels like a secret slice of Europe. With its stone walls, sunken gardens, and elegant pathways, it’s one of the most beautifully landscaped spots in the city. It’s also the start of a trail system that leads down into the ravine.

Price: FREE
Location: 2901 Yonge St, Toronto
Contact: www.toronto.ca | 416-338-4386
Pro Tip: It’s located across from the Lawrence Park subway station, making it very easy to get to via the TTC.

Kew Gardens

Located in The Beaches, arguably one of the coolest areas in Toronto, this spot is perfect for a full day out. The gardens are lovely, but the real draw is the location. You can wander through the flower beds and then head straight to the boardwalk and the lake.

Price: FREE
Location: 2075 Queen St E, Toronto
Contact: www.toronto.ca| 416-392-2489
Pro Tip: It’s home to a library, a playground, and the Dr. William D. Young Memorial Fountain. It gets very busy on summer weekends.

Parkwood Estate National Historic Site

*Photo via* *@baileedownerrr* */ Instagram*

Another destination just outside the city in Oshawa, Parkwood is a stunning mansion with incredible gardens designed by some of the best landscape architects of the early 20th century. It features a Sunken Garden, Italian Garden, and beautiful fountains.

Price: $ (for garden access only)
Location: 270 Simcoe St N, Oshawa
Contact: www.parkwoodestate.com | (905) 433-4311 | info@parkwoodestate.com
Pro Tip: You might recognize it from movies and TV shows like X-Men and The Handmaid’s Tale.

McMichael Canadian Art Collection

While known for its incredible collection of Canadian art, the McMichael in Vaughan sits on 100 acres of forested land. The grounds feature outdoor sculptures, walking trails, and the McMichael Cemetery where six members of the Group of Seven are buried.

Price: $$ (Grounds access may have a fee)
Location: 10365 Islington Ave, Kleinburg
Contact: https://mcmichael.com | (905) 893-1121 | info@mcmichael.com
Pro Tip: The combination of art, architecture, and nature makes it a unique cultural experience.

Grange Park

Located just behind the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), this park was revitalized a few years ago into a beautiful, modern green space. It features beautiful perennial gardens, a large open lawn, and Henry Moore’s famous Large Two Forms sculpture.

Price: FREE
Location: Beverley St & McCaul Street, Toronto
Contact: https://grangeparktoronto.ca
Pro Tip: It’s a great spot to relax before or after a visit to the AGO or to people-watch students from the nearby OCAD University.

Sherwood Park

This is a local favourite known for its incredible canopy of old-growth trees and its off-leash dog area. While less of a formal garden, its natural beauty, boardwalks, and extensive ravine trails make it a top contender for a nature walk.

Price: FREE
Location: 190 Sherwood Ave, Toronto, ON M4P 2A8
Contact: www.toronto.ca
Pro Tip: The Taddle Creek ravine runs through it, offering a cool escape on a hot summer day.

Ireland Park

This park on the waterfront is more of a contemplative space than a traditional garden. It’s a memorial to the Irish Famine, with striking bronze sculptures and a towering limestone wall. It’s a quiet, powerful, and beautiful green space with an uninterrupted view of the skyline.

Price: FREE
Location: 5 Eireann Quay, Toronto
Contact: www.canadairelandfoundation.com/explore/ireland-park | 416-601-6906
Pro Tip: It’s located right at the base of the Billy Bishop Airport ferry terminal, making it a unique spot to watch planes take off and land.

Craigleigh Gardens

Photo via @terrygreybrand / Instagram

This one’s a bit of a hidden gem in Rosedale. Once home to the historic Castle Frank estate, Craigleigh Gardens is now a peaceful green escape with winding pathways, mature trees, and colourful flowerbeds. It’s quiet, local, and feels miles away from downtown—even though you’re just a short walk from Bloor Street.

Price: FREE
Location: 160 South Dr, Toronto
Contact: www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/parks-recreation/places-spaces/parks-and-recreation-facilities/location/?id=370 | 416-338-4386
Pro Tip: Visit in early fall for a postcard-worthy mix of autumn colours and skyline peeks through the trees.

Ivan Forrest Gardens

Located right at the bottom of the Glen Stewart Ravine, Ivan Forrest Gardens is one of those small but stunning neighbourhood spots that locals love. It’s got a mix of native plants, winding paths, and a calming fountain that makes it perfect for a quiet break before heading to The Beach.

Price: FREE
Location: 20 Queen St E, Toronto
Contact: https://www.toronto.ca | 416-392-2489
Pro Tip: Combine it with a walk through Glen Stewart Ravine and end your stroll at Kew Gardens for the ultimate east-end nature fix.

Planning a Day in the Distillery District?

Once you’ve had your fill of flowers and fresh air, you might be looking for a different kind of scenery. If you’re craving some historic charm, cobblestone streets, and maybe a craft beer or two, the Distillery District is your next stop. Get the inside scoop with A Local’s Guide To The Distillery District In Toronto to find the best shops, galleries, and patios.

More…