Membership | Price |
---|---|
Student | $55/year |
Single | $85/year |
Single Plus | $120/year |
Family | $130/year |
Family Plus | $175/year |
Contributing | $250/year |
Supporting | $500/year |
Sustaining | $1,000/year |
Benefactor's Circle | $2,500/year |
Director's Circle | $5,000/year |
President's Circle | $10,000/year |
Arboretum
RBG’s Arboretum is more like an English landscape park than a garden. As its name implies, this is the place where you can see a wide variety of trees and other woody plants up close. It is especially beautiful in spring and fall.
This garden area functions as a trailhead for the majority of the year with General Admission applying in May and June during bloom season.
Beginning Saturday, April 10, parking at Royal Botanical Gardens’ Arboretum will be subject to a $10 parking fee between the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., 7 days a week.
The flat rate parking fee applies to each vehicle. Metered parking fees apply outside of the hours of 9:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Parking is FREE to RBG members who provide proof of membership.
Key Attractions
- Flowering Tree Collections (May and June)
- Trailhead leading to Cootes Paradise
- Nature Interpretive Centre
- Anishinaabe waadiziwin (trail featuring indigenous plants)
Quick Facts
- Over 47 hectares (116 acres)
- Showcases 1,152 types and 3,300+ individual plants
- Home to one of the largest lilac collections in the world (over 400 varieties)
Visiting the Arboretum
- Parking charges apply (general admission applies May to June)
- 16 Old Guelph Road, Hamilton, L0R 2H9
- Parking is available on-site
- See below for current hours
Today’s Hours
Seasonal Hours
- 8 a.m. to Dusk (Jan 1 to Apr 30)
Exceptions
- Dec 25 Christmas Day: Closed
- Dec 26 Boxing Day: Closed
- Dec 31 New Years Eve: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
- Jan 1 New Year's Day: Closed
Celebrate spring at the Arboretum
April 2 to 30
Get outdoors and celebrate the emergence of spring as RBG’s Arboretum and surrounding nature trails come alive with inspiring plants and wildlife! From delicate and ephemeral wild plants and flowering trees to beautiful migrating birds and wildlife, every spring visit to the Arboretum brings a new adventure.
Collections & Areas of Interest
Katie Osborne Lilac Collection
Peak Interest: May and early June
The Lilac Dell exhibits over 400 species and cultivars of common lilacs. French hybrids form the basis of the collection, but also displayed are Preston hybrids (originated in Canada by Isabella Preston), early-bloomers such as hyacinth lilacs and a selection of species found in the wild. An introductory Lilac Walk at the entrance to the Lilac Dell is organized in a series of exhibits that interpret the desirable breeding characteristics of lilacs, and major developments in the history of lilac breeding. On more challenging terrain, The Katie Osborne Lilac Collection within the Lilac Dell is one of the most diverse and one of the definitive collections to demonstrate the range of the genus Syringa. A popular seasonal attraction, it provides visitors with weeks of delightful springtime colour and fragrance. Visit during the Lilac Festival (late May) and enjoy special tours and demonstrations.
Magnolia Collections
Peak interest: April and May
Magnolias are among the most primitive of flowering plants, with fossil remains dating back over 100 million years. Relatively unchanged since then, they are found in the wild in tropical and temperate Asia and America. The collection, located in two separate areas of the Arboretum, displays a selection of magnolias that are hardy in our area. The collection also exhibits Ontario’s native magnolia, the Cucumber-Tree (Magnolia acuminata), an endangered species found wild in only a few locations in the Carolinian Zone. The western section of the collection was originally developed as a memorial to local architect Lester Husband, while the eastern section, near the Synoptic Shrub Collection, commemorates past Gardens’ staff member R. A. Sims.
Dogwood and Redbud Collection
Peak interest: May
RBG’s woodlands are home to some species more commonly found in the southern United States. For example, south of the lilac dell the collection of dogwoods (mostly Cornus florida and its cultivars) and redbuds (Cercis canadensis) at the edge of this woodland provide a springtime show of mauve-pink and white blossoms. A member of the Pea family, Redbud reaches the natural limits of its range near Lake Erie, though it can be planted further north. Interestingly, Cornus are commonly used as shrubs in the landscape but can reach 5m tall in their natural habitat.
Crabapple Collection
Peak interest: May (flowers) and fall (fruit)
Our display highlights the range of form and colour in the Malus genus. Crabapples are a common small tree used in residential landscapes. Over the years RBG has grown and evaluated many of the hundreds of cultivars bred from the two-dozen or so wild species found in North America, Europe and Asia.
Flowering Cherries
Peak interest: April and May
At RBG, our flowering cherries are part of our early spring celebrations. Globally, flowering cherry trees have a long history, especially in Japan where cherry blossoms are celebrated, and flowering times recorded dating back 1300 years. RBG also annually records the flowering times of its Cherries as part of a biological science known as phenology which is an important tool in helping to track climate change. In 2010, we added 34 trees to this collection, donated to RBG as part of the Sakura Project. These trees are planted at both the Arboretum and Rock Garden sites and are a must see in early spring.
Synoptic Shrub Collection
Peak interest: all year
The Synoptic Shrub Collection presents a living encyclopedia of shrubs that can be grown in our area. Like a dictionary, it is organized alphabetically, by genus, from A to Z. It includes species as well as cultivated plants commonly available in the horticultural trade as well as unusual shrubs that are harder to find and have been sourced from other botanical gardens through plant exchanges. Currently undergoing rejuvenation, visitors will be able to see how a collection of mature shrubs can be revitalized.
The Pinetum
Peak interest: all year
Also called evergreens, needle-leaved trees or softwoods, conifers are trees whose seeds are open to the air, most often in cones. Most keep their leaves for at least two years, and all have soft resinous wood.
Ontario’s tree emblem reflects the major role that some members of this group of plants have had on our history—the British Navy’s demand for Eatern White Pine (Pinus strobus) shaped the early settlement of our province. Along with pines, spruce, and firs the Pinetum explores the diversity of conifer genera around the world and features 140 unique types represented by over 200 individuals.
The Journey to Anishinaabe Knowledge
Peak interest: all year
Native plants provided indigenous peoples with almost all of life’s essentials. Starting in the Arboretum near the Nature Interpretive Centre, this new trail explores plants used by the Anishinaabe peoples, and their connections to culture, language, ecology and history.
What’s in Bloom & Plants of Interest at the Arboretum
March
- Witch-Hazel
- Avenues of Trees
April
- Witch-Hazel
- Redbud
- Flowering Cherry*
- Magnolia*
- Avenues of Trees
May
- Redbud
- Flowering Cherry*
- Crabapple (flowers)
- Lilac (late-May)
- Dogwood
- Avenues of Trees
Bloom times can vary from year to year as they are influenced by many natural events including temperature and climate. Please bear in mind that if we experience an early or late spring, bloom times could shift up to 10 days earlier or 10 days later.
*These plants have short bloom times and are very weather dependant. Check our social media feeds closer to bloom time for updates.
June
- Lilac (early-June)
- Dogwood
- Avenues of Trees
- Synoptic Shrub Collection
July
- Avenues of Trees
- Synoptic Shrub Collection
August
- Avenues of Trees
- Synoptic Shrub Collection
Bloom times can vary from year to year as they are influenced by many natural events including temperature and climate. As Please bear in mind that if we experience an early or late spring, bloom times could shift up to 10 days earlier or 10 days later.
*These plants have short bloom times and are very weather dependant. Check our social media feeds closer to bloom time for updates.
September
- Seed Bearing Trees
- Crabapple (fruit)
- Synoptic Shrub Collection
October
- Fall Colours
- Pinetum
- Synoptic Shrub Collection
November
- Witch-Hazel
- Pinetum
- Synoptic Shrub Collection
Bloom times can vary from year to year as they are influenced by many natural events including temperature and climate. As Please bear in mind that if we experience an early or late spring, bloom times could shift up to 10 days earlier or 10 days later.
Winter
- Witch-Hazel
- Pinetum
- Fruit-bearing shrubs
- Grasses
Nature Interpretive Centre
Located at the Arboretum the Nature Interpretive Centre (NIC) is RBG’s educational hub for programs, seasonal children’s day camps, and school group programs.
It is the Nature Interpretive Centre’s mission to educate visitors of all ages about nature and environmental stewardship with the hope of inspiring a sense of appreciation and understanding about the value of nature. An outdoor amphitheatre and three classrooms host a variety of nature-related activities, day camps and educational programs for school groups and special interest groups such as Girl Guides, Boy Scouts and various youth groups.
History of the NIC
The Nature Interpretive Centre opened in 1968 as a Centennial Project supported by the Junior League. Members of the Junior League and the RBG Auxiliary quickly began assisting with interpretive programs and nature exhibits at the centre. Today the Nature Interpretive Centre has become the focal point for much of the activity in the Arboretum including many seasonal events and serves as the trailhead for 12 kilometers of footpaths along the valleys and shores of Cootes Paradise.
Garden FAQ
Directions / Parking
Paid parking available inside the traffic circle, or just inside the kiosk gates. Parking passes available from other garden areas as part of general admission. Parking charges do NOT apply during peak bloom time (when general admission is required to visit the Arboretum).
Admission
General Admission applies at the Arboretum during peak bloom season (May and June). Throughout the rest of the year, the Arboretum functions as a trailhead, where only parking charges apply.
General Admission also includes access to all other garden areas for the day, and a parking pass to be used at RBG trailheads (including the Arboretum).
Special events at this location may require separate tickets. Find specific event details at rbg.ca/events
Hours
The Arboretum is open to visitors year-round, functioning as a paid garden area during peak-bloom, and a trailhead throughout the rest of the year.
2020 Hours:
- January 1 to May 8: Dawn to Dusk (no paid admission required)
- May 9 to June 21: 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (admission applies)
- June 22 to December 31: Dawn to Dusk (no paid admission required)
Some holiday hours may apply. See rbg.ca/visitus for details.
How Far is the Arboretum from RBG’s Other Garden Areas?
- Arboretum to Rock Garden: 1.7 km / 1 mile
- Arboretum to Laking Garden: 2.4 km / 1.5 miles
- Arboretum Hendrie Park/RBG Centre: 3.7 km / 2.3 miles
Walking to and from the Arboretum is NOT recommended; Old Guelph Road does not include sidewalks. Please consider driving or biking between locations, or using the shuttle service when available (weekends, spring to mid-summer).
Are there Washroom Facilities Available?
Small washrooms are available at the Nature Interpretive Centre.
Food and Drink / Picnics
Outside food is permitted at the gardens during regular hours (restrictions apply during specific special events). Please pack-out or properly dispose of any waste. Outdoor cooking is not permitted in any of RBG’s garden areas.
Is the Garden Accessible?
The lilac walk at the arboretum is paved / packed gravel, though most of the Arboretum is grassy field, or rough trail pathways. Descending into the lower lilac dell includes a steep slope, not recommended for those with mobility issues.
Can I Bring My Dog?
Leashed dogs are permitted in the gardens for a visit during regular operating hours. Please be responsible and clean up after your dog. Dogs must remain on-leash and on-trail at all times.
Some special events at this location may not accommodate dogs. These are noted in the individual event FAQ’s available on the event pages.