Toronto Botanical Garden

TORONTO BOTANICAL GARDEN
AND EDWARDS GARDENS

Edwards Gardens

775 & 777 Lawrence Avenue East at Leslie Street.

Edwards Gardens is a former estate garden featuring perennials and roses on the uplands and wildflowers, rhododendrons and an extensive rockery in the valley. On the upper level of the valley there is also a lovely arboretum beside the children's Teaching Garden. Adjacent to Edwards Gardens is Toronto Botanical Garden, a series of 12 contemporary themed gardens spanning nearly four acres. These unique green spaces are designed for Torontonians and visitors to enjoy and engage in the splendour of nature, while learning practical applications for their own gardens. The gardens reflect the scale of a typical urban setting, making it easy for visitors to translate the ideas presented into their own gardens.

Free Tours:
Tuesdays at 10 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m.
June through the first week of September
Meeting place: This 90-minute tour leaves from shopTBG in The George and Kathy Dembroski Centre for Horticulture. Rain or Shine.
Reservations: Not required for individuals or small groups.

Pre-Booked Group Tours
June through September
These tours are designed for groups of adults who wish to have a 90-minute tour of Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens. The theme of a tour can be horticultural, environmental, historical or specific to the group’s interest.
Fee: $5 per person
Meeting place: This tour leaves from the shopTBG at The George and Kathy Dembroski Centre for Horticulture at the Toronto Botanical Garden. Conditions: A minimum of 5 people is required for a group tour. Tours will run as scheduled unless there is heavy rain or lightning.
Reservations are Required. Please book at least 1 week in advance.
Call 416-397-1366.

Seniors Groups
Shorter tours are available on a flat terrain that is wheelchair accessible.
Fee: $3 per person and $1 per helper
Conditions: A minimum of 5 people is required for a group tour. Only 5 group tours per facility per year.
Reservations are required. Please book at least 1 week in advance.
To book call 416-397-1366.

The topic for your tour can be horticultural, environmental, historical or specific to the group's interest. Some examples include:

Historical Tours: Come and walk through Edwards Gardens and discover the history behind this beautiful Toronto Park. Over 150 years ago this was the home and location of a mill owned by William Milne. The property passed through several hands until bought in 1944 by Rupert E. Edwards who turned the 27 acres into his summer place. In 1955 he sold it to the city and it became "Edwards Gardens" a park for everyone to enjoy.
Eco/Nature Tours: This tour is designed for those interested in the environment and how to ensure we have clean rivers and lands for the future. It covers sections of Edwards Gardens including the valley, the creek, the arboretum and the river regeneration area. Some hills and steps are involved so flat, comfortable shoes are recommended. This tour is suitable for any organization, school group or group of active seniors.

Adult ESL Group Tours
Tours are designed for groups of adult ESL students who wish to have a guided tour of Toronto Botanical Garden and Edwards Gardens. ESL Guided Tours will be structured to complement any language instruction programme for newcomers to Canada. On confirmation of a tour, teachers can download a vocabulary package below. This information can be used in class to prepare students for their tour.
Availability: May to September, Any weekday except holidays.
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes.
Cost: $3 per person.
Location: Meet by the front door of the Toronto Botanical Garden.
Conditions: A minimum of 5 adults is required for a group tour. Rain or shine.
Reservations: Required. Please book at least 1 week in advance. To book call (416) 397 1366.
Details: ESL Teachers: Download an ESL Vocabulary Package before your booked tour.