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Membership

Whether you are a master or beginner gardener, a birdwatcher, hiker, five years old or 105, you’ll agree that Royal Botanical Gardens is paradise found. History, culture, science, recreation and beauty—we have it all.

As Canada’s biodiversity hotspot, Royal Botanical Gardens provides its members with a one-of-a-kind experience, harmonizing cultivated gardens and natural landscapes with entertaining recreation and beauty.

Attention Members: The best way to purchase a new membership or renew your membership during the national Canada Post strike is in person at RBG Centre or online. If you purchase in person you will receive your cards immediately. If purchasing or renewing online, please use your confirmation email as your membership card for admission to RBG. Upon the conclusion of the strike, all membership cards from purchases through the mail, phone and online will be mailed out. Thank you for your understanding.

Member Benefits

Members have access to the following benefits when presenting their membership card and one piece of photo identification.

  • Garden admission all year round*
  • Parking pass/card for use at RBG’s trail heads and garden areas.
  • 10% discounts at RBG restaurants and Garden Shop
  • Pre-Sales opportunities for  Special Ticketed Events, programs and day camps
  • Subscription to Members’ Magazine,  Paradise Found
  • Free Admission and Discounts to over 200 other Botanical Gardens Across North America

*Some blackout dates apply. Benefits are subject to change at any time.

Membership Levels

All membership levels receive the core benefits for cardholders.
Accompanying children must be under the age of 18 to qualify. Does not apply for school, youth or other group tours
RBG considers a senior to be a person of 65+ years of age
Prices subject to HST

Single: $85

  • 1 Cardholder
  • $85 + HST
  • Senior: $65 + HST

Single Plus: $120

  • 1 Cardholder plus 1 guest (guest must accompany cardholder)
  • $120 + HST
  • Senior: $100 + HST

Family: $130

  • 2 Cardholders plus up to 6 children
  • $130 + HST
  • Senior: $110 + HST

Family Plus: $175

  • 2 Cardholders, up to 6 children, plus 2 guests (guest must accompany cardholder)
  • $175 + HST
  • Senior $155 + HST

Charitable Membership Levels

Contributing $300 (HST included)

  • 2 Cardholders and children, plus 2 guests
  • Tax receipt for maximum allowable portion
  • Invites to preview of special exhibitions
  • Additional Benefits

Supporting $600 (HST included)

  • 2 Cardholders and children, plus 2 guests
  • Tax receipt for maximum allowable portion
  • Invites to preview of special exhibitions
  • Additional Benefits
  • + Behind the scenes tour

Sustaining $1,000 (HST included)

  • 2 Cardholders and children, plus 2 guests
  • Tax receipt for maximum allowable portion
  • Invites to preview of special exhibitions
  • Additional Benefits
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • + VIP invites to preview events

Curator’s Circle $2,500 (HST included)

  • 2 Cardholder and children, plus 2 guests
  • Tax receipt for maximum allowable portion
  • Invites to preview of special exhibitions
  • Additional Benefits
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • VIP invites to preview events
  • + Curator’s Choice educational tour

Benefactor’s Circle $5,000 (HST included)

  • 2 Cardholders and children, plus 2 guests
  • Tax receipt for maximum allowable portion
  • Invites to preview of special exhibitions
  • Additional Benefits
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • VIP invites to preview events
  • Curator’s Choice educational tour
  • + Private RBG garden tour for 2-4 people

RBG Guardian Circle $10,000 (HST included)

  • 2 Cardholders and children, plus 2 guests
  • Tax receipt for maximum allowable portion
  • Invites to preview of special exhibitions
  • Additional Benefits
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • VIP invites to preview events
  • Curator’s Choice educational tour
  • Discounts on event space rentals
  • + Private Gathering with the CEO and donors
  • + Private RBG garden tour for 10-12 people

Give the Gift of Membership

Gift them the gift that never goes out of style… give them the great outdoors! Share a one-of-a-kind experience that lasts all year long, harmonizing cultivated gardens and natural landscapes with an entertaining adventure in education.

Full Member Benefits

Benefits are subject to change at any time.

All members have access to the following benefits when presenting their membership card and one piece of photo identification. Membership benefits and discounts do not transfer to guests accompanying members.

Royal Botanical Members enjoy special offers and discounts from our partner organizations.

All levels of membership enjoy:

  • Complimentary one-year digital subscription to Harrowsmith Magazine. Your subscription link will be sent with your membership cards or in your online confirmation email upon your membership purchase/renewal. 

Contributing

All core benefits PLUS:

  • Tax receipt for maximum allowed portion
  • Invites to preview of special exhibitions

Supporting

All benefits of previous level PLUS:

  • Behind-the scenes tour

Sustaining

All benefits of previous level PLUS:

  • VIP invites to preview events

Curator’s Circle

All benefits of previous level PLUS:

  • Curator’s choice educational tour

Benefactor’s Circle

All benefits of previous level PLUS:

  • Private RBG garden tour for 2–4 people

RBG Guardian Circle

All benefits of previous level PLUS:

  • Private gathering with CEO and donors
  • Private RBG garden tour for 10–12 people

Other ways to Purchase or Renew a Membership

  • In person: at the main desk in RBG Centre during our business hours. Receive your permanent membership cards on the spot!
  • By Phone: Call us at 905-527-1158
  • By Mail: Download the membership form. Fill the form out and mail to Royal Botanical Gardens, Membership, P.O. Box 399, Hamilton, Ontario L8N 3H8

Need some assistance? Contact the membership team using the form below.

Giving Programs

You can help us Plant Seeds for Life! With a donation, you can ensure an active, vibrant and healthy future for the children of today and tomorrow through our horticultural and conservation projects and award-winning educational programming.

Learn More

Membership F.A.Q.

Have a question about your membership? Click the topics below for more information. If you have a question that is not answered, send us a message or give us a call at 905-527-1158 ext. 514.

What is included in my member admission?

Your RBG membership provides you with complimentary admission to Royal Botanical Gardens; simply present your membership card and one piece of photo ID to the kiosk attendant upon arrival. General Admission includes access to our cultivated garden areas (during regular operational hours), as well as any discovery activities, taking place during your visit.

While some activities and events are included in your membership, others require a separate event ticket and/or pre-registration. If you are interested in a specific event, please check the admission requirements at rbg.ca/events.

Benefits are subject to change at any time.

Can I bring guests with my membership?

The number of visitors you can bring under your membership is dependant on your membership type. Guests must accompany member cardholders. Please see the details under the membership charts above. Please note that the membership benefits and discounts associated with your membership are not transferable to guests of members on plus memberships and apply only to complimentary garden admission.

How long will it take for my membership to arrive?

Memberships purchased or renewed online may take up to 10 business days to process before mailing to the address provided. Are you a new member waiting on your cards to arrive, but still want to visit the gardens? No problem! Just print off your confirmation email and present that upon arrival.

If you would like to receive your membership cards and passes on the spot, consider visiting our membership representatives at the RBG Centre kiosk to purchase or renew.

When does my membership start?

Memberships begin at the date of purchase and expire the following year, at the end of the month.

How do I upgrade or change my membership?

If you would like to change your membership type at the time of renewal, simply select a different membership category, or if you are renewing in person, let us know at the start of the process.

If you would like to upgrade an active membership before the expiry date, please visit RBG Centre where a membership representative would be happy to upgrade your current category and print a new card for you.

How do I update my personal information?

If you experience a change in mailing address or contact information (including phone number and email address), please get in touch online, or notify the membership representative at RBG Centre during your next visit.

What happens if I lose my membership card?

There is a $10 reprint fee for all lost or stolen membership cards or parking passes.  Cards can be reprinted once the fee is paid in person at the RBG Centre Kiosk.

Why don't I receive member emails?

RBG members receive updates on upcoming events, programs, and more. It is possible we do not have the correct email address on file, or that you have unsubscribed from our email list. Please get in touch online and we can look into this for you.

Please sign up for our weekly e-newsletter here.

Don’t forget to check your spam / junk / promotions folders!

Can I change a named cardholder?

Membership cardholders can be changed at the time of renewal only, but if there is a special situation to consider please get in touch online  and we’d be happy to try and help!

Contact the Membership Team

The membership team will do our best to reply to your message within 5 business days. If you have an urgent request, please give us a call at 905-527-1158 and ask to speak to a membership representative, or visit the membership desk at RBG Centre during regular business hours.