Edwards Gardens Shopping Guide

Why You Should Visit

• A Serene Escape: You'll find a stunning garden perfect for a peaceful stroll, offering a welcome break from the city's noise.
• Beautiful Blooms: The location offers a diverse array of plant collections, including vibrant flowerbeds, ornamental shrubs, and unique botanical varieties, with something in bloom in every corner. You can expect a mix of carefully curated landscapes and native flora.
• Photography Paradise: The well-manicured landscapes, vibrant colors, and diverse plant life make this a photographer's dream, with endless opportunities to capture stunning landscapes and flora.
• Free Entry: Admission to the gardens and the Toronto Botanical Garden is free, making it an accessible option for families and individuals.
• Family-Friendly Activities: The location is ideal for family outings, picnics, educational field trips, and romantic strolls. Children especially enjoy playing in the area.
• Seasonal Beauty: The gardens showcase seasonal blooms, so you'll discover different scenery throughout the year. Spring and summer offer vibrant flowers and greenery. May is an especially beautiful time with tulips in bloom.
• Variety of Activities: You can walk, hike, meet friends, or enjoy a picnic. There are dedicated areas for cyclists.
• Well-Maintained Features: The gardens feature paved paths suitable for strollers and flip-flop wearers, as well as off-the-beaten-track paths for a more adventurous experience.
• Wildlife Encounters: Expect to see birds, chipmunks, and other wildlife adding to the charm of your visit.
• Educational Opportunities: The Toronto Botanical Garden, located within the park, provides informative displays and often hosts educational programs and workshops.
• Quaint Gift Store: You'll find a quaint gift store with unique and hard-to-find items, perfect for picking up a souvenir.
• Historical Significance: Discover the history of Edwards Gardens, which dates back to the early 20th century, and explore the original estate home, now a visitor center.
• Various Amenities: Benches and picnic areas are scattered throughout the gardens for visitors' convenience and enjoyment. There is an ice cream truck on site.

Why You Might Consider Alternatives

• Parking Costs: Be aware that you will need to pay for parking, which can be $4 per hour, potentially making a long visit expensive. Parking can be limited, especially on weekends, and requires patience.
• Busy Times: Weekends can be very busy, leading to difficulty with parking. Consider visiting on weekdays if possible.
• Maintenance Concerns: Some visitors have expressed a desire for better maintenance or upgrades to roads, benches, and other facilities.
• Closed Buildings: Be aware that when you visit, the buildings may be closed. However, there's still much to explore and enjoy.
• Pet Restrictions: Remember there are areas where pets are not allowed.
• Cherry Blossom Disappointment: If you're hoping to see cherry blossoms, be aware that they may not always be in bloom or present.
• Pricy Gift Shop: Although the gift shop has a lot of unique and hard to find items, it is considered pricey.