Membership | Price (+HST) |
---|---|
Single | $85/year |
Single Plus | $120/year |
Family | $130/year |
Family Plus | $175/year |
Contributing | $300/year |
Supporting | $600/year |
Sustaining | $1,000/year |
Benefactor's Circle | $2,500/year |
Director's Circle | $5,000/year |
President's Circle | $10,000/year |
Things To Do By Season
Things To Do By Season
The gardens and trails are ever-changing, and so are the activities, events, and programming! Stay connected with nature all year long.
![purple-lilac-bunch-in-spring-arboretum Purple Lilac Bunch In Spring Arboretum](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/purple-lilac-bunch-in-spring-arboretum-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Spring Blooms
The gardens come alive with brilliant and showy blooms in the spring months! From delicate and ephemeral flowering trees, to bright and showy perennials, the gardens are constantly changing; visit again and again to see all our key collections as they reach peak bloom.
- Spring Ephemerals (April to May)
- Flowering Cherries (Late April or early May)
- Magnolias (Late-April, early-May)
- Lilacs (Mid-May to early-June)
- and more!
![Plant-Faire-volunteer-helping-visitor-select-plants Plant Faire Volunteer Helping Visitor Select Plants](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/Plant-Faire-volunteer-helping-visitor-select-plants-1024x689.jpg?x14255)
Special Events
Celebrate spring with a host of special events at the gardens! Start the gardening season off right with Plant Faire, celebrate our key bloom collections, and enjoy brunches and taste the gardens with culinary events.
Some events require pre-purchsed tickets (separate from General Admission or Membership).
![Staff-gardening-with-children-credit-markzelinski.com Staff Gardening With Children](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/Staff-gardening-with-children-credit-markzelinski.com_-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
Discovery Activities & Tours
Join us for daily activities in the late spring and summer! From mid-May through August, drop-in for daily tours, discovery stations, and more. Weekends include even more fun!
Activities rotate between RBG’s five cultivated garden areas depending on the bloom periods in each garden. Check the events calendar closer to your visit for more details on activity topics and locations.
- Garden Tours
- Discovery Stations
- Rock Garden Self-Guided Activities and Tours
![yoga-class-in-royal-court-credit-markzelinski.com Yoga Class In Royal Court Credit Markzelinski.com](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/yoga-class-in-royal-court-credit-markzelinski.com_-1024x678.jpg?x14255)
Courses, Camps and Programs
Learn and grow in the gardens by registering for educational programs! From yoga and gardening courses to programs for kids and families, there are exciting learning opportunities for everyone.
These programs require pre-registration, and space is limited. Select from the list below for more information.
![YES-alliance-walking-on-boardwalk-trail Yes Alliance hiking A Boardwalk Trail](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/YES-alliance-walking-on-boardwalk-trail.jpg?x14255)
Spring Hiking
Explore RBG’s Nature Sanctuaries with 27km of hiking trails through Hamilton and Burlington!
Seasonal Highlights: Spring brings new life to RBG’s conservation areas, including the return of migratory birds, and spring ephemeral wildflowers starting to bloom. Trails can be damp this time of year, so dress accordingly!
![in-the-presence-of-sakra-sculpture-peter-killeen In The Presence Of Sakra Sculpture Peter Killeen](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/in-the-presence-of-sakra-sculpture-peter-killeen-1-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Art in the Gardens
Art brings beauty into our gardens, adds a human element, tells a story, and creates dialogue. Discover the abundance of art installations that grace our garden setting that include the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection, Earth Art, and other lesser known works that have found their home at the Gardens throughout its rich history.
![Rock Garden Bistro - Menu-30 waldorf salad with radishes, walnuts, and grapes](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/Rock-Garden-Bistro-Menu-30-3-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
Dining
Each season offers a cornucopia of fresh new ingredients that grace our kitchens and with two restaurants and a tea house on site, Royal Botanical Gardens is your destination for dishes inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients.
With unique culinary events infused with music, arts, and culture. Culinary experiences at RBG embrace sustainable choices and choice ingredients, many of them straight from our gardens to your plate. Now that’s fresh.
![shop-succulent-containers Shop Succulent Containers](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/shop-succulent-containers-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Shop
The Garden Shop is known for its distinctive merchandise including gardening accents and tools, containers and statuary, home décor, jewelry and fashion, educational games and toys for children, gardening and nature books, and more. Our trained staff and volunteers can help you select the perfect gift for any occasion!
![bee-on-purple-betony-blooms Bee On Purple Betony Blooms](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/bee-on-purple-betony-blooms-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Summer Blooms
Brilliant blooms continue as the weather heats up! Visit our new Rose Garden in Hendrie Park and discover the history of this beloved species as you stroll through a spectacular display of roses and companion plants. The Rock Garden’s ever-changing display of brilliant perennials are pure magic while a walk through Laking Garden’s Iris and Peony Collection will take your breath away. Our gardens are constantly changing, so visit again and again to see all our key collections as they reach peak bloom.
- Iris (June)
- Peonies (June)
- Roses (June/July, repeat blooms through September)
- Rock Garden Perennials
- and more!
![Rock garden lit up for RBG after dark Rock garden lit up for RBG after dark](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/Rock-garden-lit-up-for-RBG-after-dark-1024x768.jpg?x14255)
Special Events
Get the most out of summer with amazing events in the garden! Take in the music and theatre, explore the garden as a family, or join us for a 19+ garden party.
Many of RBG’s special events require tickets and are separate from General Admission or Membership.
![child-smelling-edible-flower-credit-markzelinski.com Child Smelling Edible Flower Credit Markzelinski.com](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/child-smelling-edible-flower-credit-markzelinski.com_-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
Discovery Activities and Tours
Enjoy self-guided activities and spend some time with our Garden Interpreters to discover plants in a new way. Visit our Discovery Carts, go on a guided tour, and much more!
Activities rotate between RBG’s five cultivated garden areas depending on the bloom periods in each garden. Check the events calendar closer to your visit for more details on activity topics and locations.
- Garden Tours
- Discovery Station
- Self-Guided Rock Garden Activities and Tours
![boy-watering-vegetable-patch-credit-markzelinski.com Boy Watering Vegetable Patch Credit Markzelinski.com](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/boy-watering-vegetable-patch-credit-markzelinski.com_-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
Courses, Camps and Programs
Learn and grow in the gardens by registering for educational programs! From yoga and gardening courses to programs for kids and families, there are exciting learning opportunities for everyone.
These programs require pre-registration, and space is limited. Select from the list below for more information.
![group-with-dog-at-hiking-lookout-credit-markzelinski.com Group With Dog At Hiking Lookout Credit Markzelinski.com](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/group-with-dog-at-hiking-lookout-credit-markzelinski.com_-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
On the Trails
Explore RBG’s Nature Sanctuaries with 27km of hiking trails through Hamilton and Burlington!
Seasonal Highlights: The nature sanctuaries are abuzz with life in the summer months! Explore the trails, see how many species you can spot, and take some time to relax and appreciate the views at our many lookouts.
![two-people-paddling-canoe-at-sunset-credit-markzelinski.com Canoeing On Cootes Paradise At Sunset](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/two-people-paddling-canoe-at-sunset-credit-markzelinski.com_-1-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
Paddle
Explore Cootes Paradise by canoe to get a glimpse of the astounding life that depends on the health of the marsh for its survival.
Join a tour by canoe with Paddling in Paradise! Register for these guided tours to view wetland plants and wildlife and hear about some of our restoration efforts that help keep Cootes a Paradise. We supply the canoes, paddles and lifejackets.
Have your own vessel? RBG is home to two canoe launches: Princess Point along Cootes Paradise, and Valley Inn at Grindstone Creek. Note: RBG does not supply canoes for general rental.
![group-looking-at-bloodroot-sculpture Group taking a tour, lookingat Bloodroot Sculpture](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/group-looking-at-bloodroot-sculpture-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Art in the Gardens
Art brings beauty into our gardens, adds a human element, tells a story, and creates dialogue. Discover the abundance of art installations that grace our garden setting that include the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection, Earth Art, and other lesser known works that have found their home at the Gardens throughout its rich history.
![turkey-club-sandwich-on-wooden-platter Turkey Club Sandwich On Wooden Platter](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/turkey-club-sandwich-on-wooden-platter-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Dining
Each season offers a cornucopia of fresh new ingredients that grace our kitchens and with two restaurants and a teahouse on site, Royal Botanical Gardens is your destination for dishes inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients.
With unique culinary events infused with music, arts, and culture. Culinary experiences at RBG embrace sustainable choices and choice ingredients, many of them straight from our gardens to your plate. Now that’s fresh.
![shop-selection-of-summer-garden-decor Shop Selection of Summer Garden Decor](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/shop-selection-of-summer-garden-decor-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Shop
Shop at the Gardens is known for its distinctive merchandise including gardening accents and tools, containers and statuary, home décor, jewelry and fashion, educational games and toys for children, gardening and nature books, and more. Our trained staff and volunteers can help you select the perfect gift for any occasion!
![floribunda-rose-in-fall Floribunda Rose In Fall](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/floribunda-rose-in-fall-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Fall Colours and Blooms
When the weather cools, our gardens and trails come to life with warm autumn hues. As a nature sanctuary between climate zones with incredible plant biodiversity, RBG is the perfect location to watch the seasons change.
Enjoy late Roses and companion plants in Hendrie Park, autumn perennials at Rock Garden, and stunning hues in trees throughout the garden areas and on the trails.
![great-pumpkin-trail-jack-o-lantern-on-hay-credit-markzelinski.com Great Pumpkin Trail Jack O Lantern On Hay Credit Markzelinski.com](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/great-pumpkin-trail-jack-o-lantern-on-hay-credit-markzelinski.com_-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
Special Events
Ease into fall with a host of autumn events! Enjoy floral society shows, celebrate Halloween as a family, or join us for a seasonal movie night.
Many of RBG’s special events require tickets and are separate from Garden Admission or Membership. See the specific event requirements and details at the links below.
- The Great Pumpkin Trail (late October)
- and more!
![staff-in-vegetable-garden Staff In Vegetable Garden](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/staff-in-vegetable-garden-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
Courses and Programs
Learn and grow in the gardens by registering for educational programs! From yoga and gardening courses to programs for kids and families, there are exciting learning opportunities for everyone.
These programs require pre-registration, and space is limited. Select from the list below for more information.
![father and daughter hiking boardwalk fall father and daughter hiking on staircase along boardwalk fall](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/father-and-daughter-hiking-boardwalk-fall-1024x683.jpg?x14255)
Fall Hiking
Explore RBG’s Nature Sanctuaries with 27km of hiking trails through Hamilton and Burlington!
Seasonal Highlights: Our nature sanctuaries are the perfect place to watch the seasons change. Experience peak fall colours while hundreds of migrating species pass through Cootes Paradise.
![school-of-fish-sculpture-in-fall School Of Fish Sculpture In Fall](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/school-of-fish-sculpture-in-fall-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Art in the Gardens
Art brings beauty into our gardens, adds a human element, tells a story, and creates dialogue. Discover the abundance of art installations that grace our garden setting that include the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection, Earth Art, and other lesser known works that have found their home at the Gardens throughout its rich history.
![Rock Garden water feature river in June Rock Garden water feature river in June](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/Green-lull-2019-1024x768.jpg?x14255)
Rock Garden Self-Guided Activities
Daily, Seasonal hours
A variety of self-guided activities are available year round a the peaceful Rock Garden.
Tree Mindfulness Walk
Wish You Were Here: The Rock Garden’s History in Postcards
Rock Garden Favourites Tour
Self-Guided
![turkey-club-sandwich-on-wooden-platter Turkey Club Sandwich On Wooden Platter](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/turkey-club-sandwich-on-wooden-platter-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Dining
Each season offers a cornucopia of fresh new ingredients that grace our kitchens and with two restaurants and a teahouse on site, Royal Botanical Gardens is your destination for dishes inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients.
With unique culinary events infused with music, arts, and culture. Culinary experiences at RBG embrace sustainable choices and choice ingredients, many of them straight from our gardens to your plate. Now that’s fresh.
![shop-fall-display Shop Fall Display including coloured mason jars hanging from chains](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/shop-fall-display-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Shop
Shop at the Gardens is known for its distinctive merchandise including gardening accents and tools, containers and statuary, home décor, jewelry and fashion, educational games and toys for children, gardening and nature books, and more. Our trained staff and volunteers can help you select the perfect gift for any occasion!
![aloe-candelabra-plant-bright-orange-bloom Aloe Candelabra Plant Bright Orange Bloom](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/aloe-candelabra-plant-bright-orange-bloom-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Mediterranean Garden & Outdoor Winter Interest
Escape winter weather and keep the green thumb satisfied with a stroll through RBG Centre’s Mediterranean Garden! Don’t miss the seasonal breezeway display, the Orchid Case, and the Cacti and Succulent Collection.
Enjoy a winter walk through the gardens! Get some “winter interest” garden inspiration, and appreciate conifer displays, berry-producing shrubs, and the many textures of deciduous tree bark.
![WW1920x1080 winter wonders Winter Wonders, discover the magic of nature and light! Graphic with snowy starlight night illustration](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/WW1920x1080-1024x580.jpg?x14255)
Special Events
Ease into winter with a host of festive events! Enjoy floral society shows, celebrate the holiday season as a family at Winter Wonders, or join us for a 19+ garden party with RBG After Dark.
Many of RBG’s special events require tickets and are separate from General Admission or Membership. See the specific event requirements and details at the links below.
- Winter Wonders
- Breakfast with Santa & Mrs. Claus
- and more!
![RBG-Express RBG Express Ride-Along Train in Snowy Hendrie Park](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/rbg-markzelinski.com-243-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
RBG Express
All Aboard! Don’t miss a ride on the RBG Express during your day visit the Gardens. Purchase tickets at the door to take a round-trip train ride through beautiful Hendrie Park to round out your RBG experience.
See calendar for operation details.
![botanical-train-display Botanical Train Display](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/2020/03/Botanical-train-display-with-children-credit-MeaghanEady-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Botanical Train Display
The Botanical Train display returns to RBG Centre! Constructed from over seven tons of cedar slabs, 3,000 pounds of rock and 250 feet of track, the Botanical Train Show features model trains amongst famous Canadian landmarks from coast to coast!
![winter-exhibit-wildilfe-rescue-setup-in-atrium Winter Exhibit Wildlife Rescue Setup In Atrium](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/winter-exhibit-wildilfe-rescue-setup-in-atrium-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Winter Exhibit
Each January to April, RBG Centre is transformed into an exciting family experience! Learn with hands-on stations, Meet the Animal Shows, special guests, storytime, self-guided activities, and more.
The Winter Exhibit changes each year, so check back in late fall for the following year’s theme.
![Couple skating on cootes paradise - 2019 Couple skating on cootes paradise with a dog on a leash](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/Couple-skating-on-cootes-paradise-2019-1024x768.jpg?x14255)
Skating on Cootes Paradise
Princess Point provides access to a skating area across Cootes Paradise. Ice is measured each Friday (before end of day), and updated at the on-site signage, at rbg.ca, and on our Facebook page.
![boers-falls-frozen-in-winter Boers Falls Frozen In Winter](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/boers-falls-frozen-in-winter-1024x768.jpg?x14255)
Winter Hiking
Explore RBG’s Nature Sanctuaries with 27km of hiking trails through Hamilton and Burlington!
Seasonal Highlights: Plant life slumbers, but the nature sanctuaries are still full of life and interest. Enjoy ice skating, find animal tracks in the snow, explore indigenous plant use, and spot raptors and arctic waterbirds.
![rejoicing-family-sculpture-covered-in-snow Rejoicing Family Sculpture Covered In Snow](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/rejoicing-family-sculpture-covered-in-snow-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Art in the Gardens
Art brings beauty into our gardens, adds a human element, tells a story, and creates dialogue. Discover the abundance of art installations that grace our garden setting that include the Dan Lawrie International Sculpture Collection, Earth Art, and other lesser known works that have found their home at the Gardens throughout its rich history.
![rock-garden-lower-bowl-in-winter Rock Garden Lower Bowl In Winter](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/rock-garden-lower-bowl-in-winter-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Rock Garden Self-Guided Activities
Daily, Seasonal hours
A variety of self-guided activities are available year round a the peaceful Rock Garden.
Tree Mindfulness Walk
Wish You Were Here: The Rock Garden’s History in Postcards
Rock Garden Favourites Tour
Self-Guided
![botanicals-in-containers-with-oils Botanicals In Containers With Oils](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/botanicals-in-containers-with-oils-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Courses & Programs
Learn and grow in the gardens by registering for educational programs! From yoga and gardening courses to programs for kids and families, there are exciting learning opportunities for everyone.
These programs require pre-registration, and space is limited. Select from the list below for more information.
![turkey-club-sandwich-on-wooden-platter Turkey Club Sandwich On Wooden Platter](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/turkey-club-sandwich-on-wooden-platter-1024x682.jpg?x14255)
Dining
Each season offers a cornucopia of fresh new ingredients that grace our kitchens and with two restaurants and a teahouse on site, Royal Botanical Gardens is your destination for dishes inspired by fresh, seasonal ingredients.
With unique culinary events infused with music, arts, and culture. Culinary experiences at RBG embrace sustainable choices and choice ingredients, many of them straight from our gardens to your plate. Now that’s fresh.
![mother-with-child-looking-at-christmas-decor-credit-markzelnski.com Mother With Child Looking At Christmas Decor Credit Markzelnski.com](https://rbg-1c124.kxcdn.com/app/uploads/mother-with-child-looking-at-christmas-decor-credit-markzelnski.com_-757x1024.jpg?x14255)
Shop
Shop at the Gardens is known for its distinctive merchandise including gardening accents and tools, containers and statuary, home décor, jewelry and fashion, educational games and toys for children, gardening and nature books, and more. Our trained staff and volunteers can help you select the perfect gift for any occasion!