Outstanding Gardens of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Garden Design's self-guided day trip to 3 unique Toronto gardens.

Written and produced by Karen Chapman as recommended by local garden expert Helen Battersby

Although Toronto is the largest city in Canada, it is both safe and easily walkable, while having all the amenities and vibrancy of a much larger city.

Visitors here enjoy the wealth of museums, theaters, and sporting events, and no trip to Toronto is complete without taking the short ferry ride to the Toronto Islands. This vehicle-free island is actually a group of 15 islands interconnected by pathways and bridges. You can enjoy swimming, kayaking, walking, and cycling, as well as visit a charming 150-year-old community of cottage-like homes.

When you’re ready for something different, long-time resident and garden coach Helen Battersby suggests this relaxing day trip exploring three very different public gardens in Toronto.

Begin your day at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Though currently only 4 acres in size, it is about to embark on a significant expansion program and “delightful to visit.” From here, it’s just a few minutes’ drive to the Aga Khan Park where Helen describes the grounds as “simple, but grand.” The final stop of the day is at the Evergreen Brick Works, a remarkable outdoor educational and recreational resource created from a former industrial space.

1. Toronto Botanical Garden

In 2006, the Toronto Botanical Garden opened a series of contemporary-themed gardens, where visitors can both enjoy the displays and glean ideas for their home landscapes.

Helen’s favorite garden is the Entry Garden Walk, designed in cooperation with Dutch designer Piet Oudolf. “It’s really quite lovely, even in winter,” enthuses Helen. “It’s wild—Oudolfian!” Here, visitors will enjoy seeing the bold drifts of perennials and grasses planted in a naturalistic style, selected for their architectural form and texture, as well as fall color and winter silhouette.

In marked contrast to this informal design, the Knot Garden is a study in restraint, both in color and structure, yet this unique interpretation is more abstract in style than typically formal European. Here, hedges are created from a combination of deciduous and evergreen plants in a variety of heights and shapes. Helen especially appreciates the monochromatic planting design with white-flowering or silver-foliaged plants predominantly used within the beds.

Allow an hour or more for your visit.

Amenities

Food

Drink

Wheelchair Access

Information

777 Lawrence Ave E,
North York, ON M3C 1P2, Canada GET DIRECTIONS

+1-416-397-1340

Visit Website

2. Aga Khan Park

If you haven’t had lunch yet, the Diwan restaurant here offers modern Middle Eastern cuisine in an attractive setting and is open to guests of both the park and museum.

A museum of Islamic art and culture, the contemporary architecture is truly stunning. Should time allow, this is a wonderful opportunity to learn more through the special exhibitions and collections of historical manuscripts, textiles, and other arts.

Visitors to the Park do not need to purchase museum tickets and are welcome to explore the immense reflecting pools, framed and complemented by allées of serviceberries (Amelanchier spp.), which are especially beautiful in spring and fall.

“This really is quite unique.”

Allow half an hour if just visiting the grounds, more if staying for lunch or touring the museum.

Amenities

Food

Drink

Wheelchair Access

Information

77 Wynford Dr,
North York, ON M3C 1K1, Canada GET DIRECTIONS

+1-416-646-4677

Visit Website

3. Evergreen Brick Works

Open year-round, the site of Evergreen Brick Works has been reclaimed and transformed from a series of dilapidated buildings, an abandoned quarry, and industrial wasteland into a vibrant, educational and inspirational hub for sustainable practices. Today’s visitors will enjoy revitalized outdoor spaces, including six themed gardens, a beaver pond, and wildlife- and pollinator-friendly habitats.

There is also an active farmer's market on Saturdays, an organic garden center, and an exciting children’s education center with a range of camps and programs.

Art lovers will also appreciate both the permanent and visiting exhibits at Evergreen. There really is something for everyone.

“It’s the country in the middle of a city,” comments Helen.

Allow 1 to 2 hours for your visit

Amenities

Food

Drink

Wheelchair Access

Information

550 Bayview Ave,
Toronto, ON M4W 3X8, Canada GET DIRECTIONS

+1-416-596-1495

Visit Website

About Your Local Garden Expert Helen Battersby

As a dry-shade gardener, I’ve developed an appreciation for perseverance in the garden—as well as a dry-shade sense of humor. Maybe that’s why I tend to be a fangirl when it comes to beautiful gardens, anywhere. Luckily, Toronto has many to rave about!

A grad of Ryerson University's Landscape Design program, I share my knowledge as a garden coach and a frequent speaker. Besides collaborating with my sister Sarah on our award-winning blog TorontoGardens.com, I’ve had writing and photography published in GardenMaking and Trellis magazines, the UK digital magazine IntoGardens, and have even contributed to Garden Design. In 2017, Sarah and I became publishers of the Toronto Gardener’s Journal, a local fave for nearly three decades.

I’m also in my 15th year as a volunteer Master Gardener, including presenting on the Master Gardeners of Ontario stages at our country’s top garden show, Canada Blooms.

When you come to Toronto, be sure to get in touch!

Website: www.torontogardens.com

Toronto Botanical Garden

Aga Khan Park

Evergreen Brick Works

Outstanding Gardens of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

1. Toronto Botanical Garden

Amenities

2. Aga Khan Park

Amenities

3. Evergreen Brick Works

Amenities

United States

International

About Your Local Garden Expert Helen Battersby