A Garden Escape: Plan Your Weekend in Burlington with Royal Botanical Gardens 

June 25, 2025

You’ve earned a weekend that feels easy. Somewhere quiet, but exciting. Familiar, but refreshing. In Burlington, our gardens do more than grow; they offer space to stretch your legs and put your mind at ease. And at the heart of it all? Burlington’s beautiful botanical gem, ready to welcome you into a weekend rooted in nature. 

Keep reading to uncover must-see spots at the Royal Botanical Gardens, nearby green escapes, places to stay, and everything you need to plan your perfect garden getaway. 

Every Path Leads to Something Beautiful  

Royal Botanical Gardens is Canada’s largest botanical garden, featuring impressive landscapes and beautiful cultivations of gardens, packed year-round with events such as Concerts in the Garden, Alice in Wonderland features, and RBG After Dark. 

Hendrie Park 

Hendrie Park is the largest garden featuring over 1,200 types, including 55,000 individual plants spread across 22 acres. Hendrie Park is home to a worldly collection of seasonally themed gardens, magical designs and hidden within lies the Dan Lawrie international sculpture collection. Make your afternoon by stopping at the Turner Pavilion Tea House for high tea, coffee or a sweet treat. All at your fingertips for $19.50 with purchase of a garden admission ticket.  

Rock Garden 

The Rock Garden marks the origins of RBG. First opened in 1932, it continues to evolve with contemporary touches while holding onto its historic charm. Limestone paths wind through tiered flower beds, showcasing over 1,600 plant types and 112,000 individual specimens in vibrant seasonal displays. This garden invites a slower pace and a curious eye. And if you’re feeling hungry, the Rock Garden Bistro is just steps away, perfect for a relaxing drink or bite to eat. A single garden ticket will gain you access for only 10 dollars. 

Arboretum 

The Arboretum feels more like a park than a garden. Discover woodland wonders and curated collections spread across 116 acres. Find English gardens home to over 1,000 species, including a world-class lilac collection, it offers all year seasonal highlights such as magnolias and cherry blossoms in spring and fiery maples in fall. Travel the gravel paths to the Nature Interpretive Centre, cruise the 1.1 km Anishinaabe Waadiziwin Trail, or even the Cootes Paradise trails, totaling 18 km. Admission is free (parking fees apply); early mornings or weekday visits beat the peak-season crowds. As well, you can explore 27 km of scenic trails, from Hendrie Valley’s forests to Cootes Paradise marshlands and the escarpment’s edge. 

Laking Garden 

The Laking Garden, once a market plot, now covers four acres in iris spires and peony drifts. A terrace-top belvedere offers stunning views, while the Heritage Garden revives Ontario’s past horticulture history with edible plantings beside ornamental blooms. Admission to all gardens is $19.50, or $10 for the Laking Garden alone; members enter and park free. Parking is $3 / hr (max $15).  

Pick the ticket that suits your visit, then secure your garden escape today! 

Complement Your Garden Visit 

While the Royal Botanical Gardens are the weekend highlight, Burlington’s outdoor offerings extend far beyond. Stroll the waterfront promenades at Spencer Smith Park, bask in the glory of escarpment trails and cliffside views at Mount Nemo, or unwind with a picnic in LaSalle Park’s open lawns. Explore Burlington’s parks & gardens to discover even more green escapes.  

Where to Stay 

Burlington’s accommodations cater to every taste and budget. Indulge in luxury at The Pearle Hotel & Spa, where spa treatments and views on the lake await. For an affordable option just minutes from the action, choose one of our well-known local or franchise hotels. Book your stay in Burlington, and find the perfect place for your weekend escape. 

Getting to RBG 

• By GO Train 
  Year-round Lakeshore West service brings you straight to Burlington. Show your PRESTO card when purchasing your ticket at the door for 15% off general adult tickets with PRESTO Perks. 

• By Car 
  Easy highway access via QEW from Niagara and the GTA, or Highway 403 from upstate New York. Ample parking is available at all garden sites. 

• By Local Transit 
  From Burlington GO Station, board Burlington Transit Route 1 (Plains to Hamilton) and arrive at RBG Centre. 

Click here for full directions and parking details.  

Plan Your Trip  

• Book your garden tickets 
  Secure entry to all Royal Botanical Gardens experiences at rbg.ca. 

• Download the Burlington Visitor Guide 
  Find tips on dining, itineraries, and hidden gems in our official Burlington Visitor Guide. 

• Explore more parks & gardens 
  Browse Burlington’s full directory of green spaces!  

• Book your stay 
  Easily reserve your ideal Burlington accommodation and check availability for your garden getaway using our reservation system!