As temperatures rise, you might be daydreaming about embarking on a road trip or taking relaxing day excursions. But have you thought about adding a public garden visit to your summer plans? Across Canada, unique green spaces are opening up for the season, offering a rare chance to unwind and slow down.
These exquisite gardens not only offer a chance to relax but also provide opportunities to learn about native plants, sustainable gardening practices, and the essential role of pollinators, knowledge that you can apply in your own backyard.
Discover some of the top and most stunning garden experiences across Canada below. Visit their websites to confirm their opening dates for the season, explore tour options, special events, and the blooming schedule during your visit.
British Columbia
The Butchart Gardens
Brentwood Bay, B.C.
Admission fee required
The Butchart Gardens on Vancouver Island welcomes over a million visitors annually, boasting a rich horticultural history of over 120 years. Known for its vibrant and picturesque blooms spread across 22 hectares, this garden is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and Instagrammers alike.
The Sunken Garden, situated in a former limestone quarry, is a favorite spot featuring 151 flower beds and meandering paths, with the dahlia border being particularly captivating in the autumn.
The Gardens at Horticulture Centre of the Pacific
Victoria
Admission fee required
The Horticulture Centre of the Pacific near Victoria offers a tranquil experience with various themed spaces across three hectares. Visitors can explore attractions such as the largest outdoor bonsai garden in Canada, a bridal garden, a garden dedicated to birds, bees, and butterflies, and a children’s garden with interactive educational activities. Additionally, the gardens host an arts and music festival in August.
UBC Botanical Garden
Vancouver
Admission fee required