royal botanical gardens

Probably the most beautifully landscaped gardens in Ontario. This place is so tranquil and stunning. I take my kids there every week. There are always organized activities happening such as jazz nights in the summer, jazz brunches in winter, santa and raindeers... The RBG offers the best summer camps for children and lots of interesting programming throughout the year. Everyone is friendly and warm and it's a truly wonderful place to be.

This was my first visit to the RBG in over 30 years and the first time seeing the Centre. I came for the annual RBG Orchid Society Show. The show was excellent with numerous displays and vendors, although, for the size and integrity of this orchid society, it was a small show. (I'm told that in the past it was far bigger.) There were a few good seminars for learning how to grow and maintain orchids. As a bonus, the RBG opened the facility at 8am Sunday morning to accommodate nature photographers with tripods! It would have been better if they also opened early Saturday morning so that I and others did not have to miss Sunday church activities. Once the Centre opened, the place became very crowded by 11am and it was difficult to navigate the building. Spicer Court was continuously buzzing with families watching and participating nearly non-stop science and nature presentations by the staff. I stopped to take in one of the shows and it was excellent, kids of all ages LOVED it! As good as the Centre is the very expensive food services seriously compromised the RBG's "family friendly" reputation. Most annoying was having to leave the property to find an affordable lunch venue. When I returned, it took nearly 20 minutes to find a place to park in the small crowded parking lot. This was 90 minutes that I could have been enjoying the Centre. (See my TA review - RBG Garden's Café.) There are snack vending machines laden with expensive junk food. They cheapen the appearance and atmosphere of this beautiful venue and should be removed. They could repurpose the space with more coat racks that are very much lacking during the winter months. I would prefer a checked coat area and would be willing to pay extra for this service. IT would have helped during this visit as it took 15 minutes to find my coat when leaving. Someone had moved it for their own benefit of having the "end" hangar. Silly people. The entrance staff are welcoming and efficient although they did not offer a map of the facility. It would have been helpful as I was made aware when leaving that there is a succulent plants (ie orchids, cactus) exhibit. I would have taken the time to go see it had I known it was there. I'm surprised the RBG Orchid Society did not promote it. Even though I missed much of the Centre's exhibits, I live close enough that I can revisit. In good weather, the outdoor gardens will be open. Now I wish I had taken advantage of purchasing an annual membership and having my daily admission applied to the membership rate. The building appears to be accessible throughout and there is free guest WiFi! With the exception of the food services, the RBG is family friendly, affordable, a great place for a day trip and a photographers' paradise.

The RBG is an excellent spot to escape to for a relaxing stroll through multiple types of gardens. Flowers are only one type of flora available to explore. There is a garden of healing herbs. There are water plants on display. There is a Mediterranean garden inside to explore (regardless of weather). There are also long and longer nature walks to explore the marshes around the massive grounds. Eventually the rock garden will be open again - it is an excellent spot to spend an afternoon. There is a tea house on the main grounds where we frequently enjoy scones and tea. RBG is also available for special occasion bookings. The gift shop has unique gifts and collectables.

We went to meet friends and go for a walk. Turned into a fun adventure with a ton of stuff to see. Very nicely kept grounds. Yearly family pass worth it if you live locally.

RBG is a beautiful, peaceful place with the faint scent of flowers everywhere. In Summer there are trails and gardens and musical presentations. There's a lovely and inexpensive dining room, with wine available for those who wish. There are washrooms, coat room, art exhibits, beautiful hand made jewellery and crafts, a book store, and recently, a frog exhibit of frogs from all over the world. At Christmas Santa visits and the youngsters can enjoy a fantastic train exhibit, annually. In summer you could spend hours just wandering. In winter, probably for lunch and touring 2 - 21/2 hours . Since we had neither stroller nor the need for storage, I cannot reliably comment on these.

If you enjoy flowers and plants that is the place to visit! I visited with my granddaughter and it was a special afternoon. I would recommend it to families with children or people looking for some peace and tranquility and beauty.

If you are in Niagara Falls area in summer, then Hamilton's Royal Botanical Garden (RBG) is worth a visit.Not only are the various gardens and plants worth seeing ( like roses, lilly etc ) but there are nature trails worth exploring. The Japanese Garden is truly worth seeing.There is even a restaurant within the RBG.In short, a good place to spend a summer day

The RBG is a wonderful place for families and people interested in the plant world or the environment. The head office hosts amazing displays throughout the year and has all sorts of things to see including my favourite...the indoor greenhouse called the Mediterranean Gardens. There you can feel like it's summer any time of the year. The child's outdoor playground is also a great addition, and I love to browse in the Gift Shop. But I like to support this charity as well for the scientific work it does preserving and cataloging plant species and taking care of a large swath of important and very biodiverse land in the Hamilton area. If you're coming to visit Hamilton or Burlington, this is a spot you should plan to see...as well as the Bruce Trail (Canada's oldest and longest marked footpath) which is easy to get to from the RBG.

I enjoy going here occasionally to just relax and wander, taking in the sights, smells of the gardens

love their restaurant, enjoy the rest. It is huge if you like to hike or just stroll. There is a fee for some stuff, not for others

We have been RBC members for many years. It was one of the first things we did when moving to Burlington. It is a treasure within the Hamilton / Burlington area. Whether it is a walk in the spring to see the nesting bald eagles (yes really) or cross-country skiiing, or the halloween pumpkin walk there are always things to do here, all seasons.

I had not been to the RBG for 30 plus years and wound up going twice in the same month.First was for a company function that was well presented with good food and service.The second time was for one of their first night walks they were attempting to start as an additional thing to do and attend at the RBG.Good experiences both.Will go back to see the gardens in full bloom ... facilities are well maintained .. atmosphere pleasureable ... well marked and lots of information available.A gem in Hamilton

We visited the frog display at the RBG on a cold and snowy day. It was a great way to spend a few hours. The kids enjoyed story time, but we just missed their visit the animals feature. I would recommend calling ahead to find out when the programs are, and plan accordingly, since the visit won't take all day.

We have been visiting the RBG for the last three Xmas seasons with our grand sons to experience their train exhibit. This years was by far the best. The lay out was the same but the way things were laid out allowed the boys to easily view all of the different train sets that were set up this year. The RBG Xmas program for children and families is excellent. A great way to spend quality family time during a very busy time of year.

Visited the Gardens just before Christmas and thoroughly enjoyed walking round the trails through the floodplain. Best thing was feexing the Black Capped Chicadees who feasted off the seeds, sunflower seeds are the ones they love, from your open hand. They have obviously got this tourist thing sussed. We even had a woodpecker get in on the act!Lunch in the cafe was excellent which a great choice and great service. All in all a lovely day out