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Peak Bloom Hours at the Arboretum: Members-only parking weekends 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (pre-registration required). Non-members: book your shuttle tickets!

The Enchanted Garden

Calling all gnomes, elves, fairies, pixies, and sprites!

Saturday July 12 to Sunday July 13, 2025 
9 a.m. to 3 p.m. (*time ticketed); Rock Garden

Step into a world of magic and mischief deep within the historic Rock Garden. Young explorers are invited to embark on The Quest for Lost Magic—a whimsical journey where enchanted pathways hold secrets waiting to be uncovered. Along the way, discover hidden nooks where fairies dance among the blooms, elves whisper ancient wisdom beneath the trees, gnomes guard secret hideaways, and playful sprites dart between the leaves. With every step, your quest brings you closer to restoring the garden’s lost magic. Let your imagination lead the way as you uncover the wonder that lies within this enchanting realm.

Recommended Audience: This event is recommended for enchanted families with children aged 4 to 7. Parents are encouraged to join in on the fun and explore the wonders of the Rock Garden with their little ones. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Looking for a 19+ version? Check out RBG After Dark!

We invite all attendees to come dressed in their most enchanting costumes! Whether you’re a mischievous elf, a forest sprite, a graceful fairy, or wise wizard, let your imagination guide your attire. 

*Pre-Purchased Tickets Required. Every person attending must have an event ticket for entry including children under the age of 2.   

  • Two children in the Rock Garden dressed as fairies
  • child dressed as a fairy standing with an adult in a garden
  • Girl With Fairy Wings At Enchanted Weekend

The Enchanted Garden Event Tickets

The Enchanted Garden requires pre-purchased tickets, available online at the dates above. Your event ticket includes access to the Rock Garden, parking (available in the lot across the street) and event programming. This event does NOT include access to all RBG’s garden areas. Should ticket-holders wish to visit RBG’s other garden areas, garden tickets can be purchased separately.

Member Pre-Sale: Tuesday June 3, 11 a.m.
Tickets Available: Wednesday June 4, 11 a.m.

NOTE: a virtual waiting room will be in place for these sale dates. Depending on ticketing demand, the wait time may be significant.

Ticket Type Price
Adults $20 (+ HST & $2 Service Fee)
Children $20 (+ HST & $2 Service Fee)
Infant / Toddler
(age 0-2)
FREE (registration still required)
Add-On a Picnic Box for 2 $40 (+ HST)
  • Provides access to Rock Garden for the duration of the event. Food and beverage available for purchase.
  • Your ticket is for this event only, and does not include general admission for the full day.
  • Tickets are non-refundable and final sale
  • General admission discounts and coupons are not applicable to this ticketed event.
  • Members do not receive a discount but have access to a presale.
  • RBG Gift Certificates are not redeemable on OpenTable

Tickets purchased are final sale and non-refundable. Tickets for this experience can be transferred to someone else if you can no longer attend the event. Please keep your tickets and confirmation: it is proof of your purchase and allows entry into the experience.

Liability: RBG assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to property, or for personal injury or mishap; all activities are at the risk of the participant.

Filming/Photography Release: Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken at this experience may be used for exhibit, reproduction, and/or distribution for RBG related promotional use, including all forms of print, television advertisement, social media and /or website display. In consideration of your participation as a guest or attendee of this experience, you authorize Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns unrestricted right and permission to copyright and use such photos and images under their sole discretion. Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns are released without limitation of any claims for libel or invasion of privacy.

By purchasing tickets and participating in this event on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests.

To help manage site activity and make registration as fair as possible, RBG has implemented an online waiting room system.

The waiting room will open 1 hour prior to sale time (note: there is no advantage to entering the waiting room earlier than others). When the sale begins, you will be randomly placed in an online queue, with a limited number of registrants let into the site at a time. Complete your purchase, and close the browser tab when complete.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the popularity of this experience and large number of individuals hoping to secure registrations, the waiting room time may be significant. Please factor a long wait into your planning.

Why use a virtual waiting room? A virtual queue allows a limited (and randomly selected) number of individuals into the ticket site at once. This practice:

  • prevents “cart-jacking” (a reduced number of individuals competing to add the same tickets to their carts at the same time)
  • ensures the ticketing site can operate without being overwhelmed by web traffic
  • accommodates those working with slower internet connections without fear of competing
  • creates a fairer system overall by randomly assigning places in the virtual line

To access the member presale, simply log in to your RBG online account using the email address associated with your membership. Once your account is set up, visit the registration page during the pre-sale time.

Do NOT make a new account; any new account created will not have access to your member benefits, and will not permit you access to the pre-sale.

New Members: How To Activate Your Account (do this prior to the sale date to avoid disappointment)

  1. Visit secure.rbg.ca/account/login
  2. Enter your email address and “submit” (NOTE: RBG members must use the email associated with their current membership)
  3. Check your email for a link to reset your password
  4. Log in with your new credentials and check your account information. Ensure your updated membership is showing.

Once your member account is set up, visit the registration page and your tickets will be available!

If you do not receive a password reset email within 10 minutes, or if you log into and your membership is not showing in your account information, it is possible that email address is not the primary contact on your RBG Membership. Get in touch with the memberships team for more information.

Thank You for Supporting RBG!

Royal Botanical Gardens is a registered charitable organization dedicated to connecting people, plants and place. By attending this event, you’re supporting our efforts in areas like plant science, conservation, horticulture and education.

Time Ticketing

9 to 9:30 a.m., 9:30 to 10 a.m., 10 to 10:30 a.m., 10:30 to 11 a.m., 11 to 11:30 a.m., 11:30 to 12 p.m., 12 to 12:30 p.m., 12:30 to 1 p.m., 1 to 1:30 p.m., 1:30 to 2 p.m.  

When planning your visit, please note that you may arrive at any time within your timeslot (indicated on your ticket). 

  • children visiting with a staff member dressed as a fairy
  • Children at an activity station working on a craft
  • child dressed as a fairy on a garden bridge, holding a wand
  • Children and parents sitting on the grass in front of two staff members dressed as fairies, telling a story

Whimsical Activities

The Quest for Lost Magic

Embark on a magical quest to restore the garden’s magic, help its enchanted creatures, and weaken the dragon’s power along the way!

Your quest includes five magical tasks:

  1. Pollinator Splash Pad*
    Create a bee bath to help the garden’s pollinators thrive.
  2. Potion of Power*
    Mix nature’s ingredients to create a magical potion that will protect the garden’s plants and restore its power!
  3. Enchanted Hideaways
    The gnomes have lost their guarding powers! Help them find the enchanted hideaways and protect them from the dragon’s reach.
  4. Riddle of Legends
    The dragon took the Wise Elf’s knowledge and power, leaving him only able to speak in riddles. Can you solve his riddle to restore his wisdom and save centuries of enchanted garden magic?
  5. Whispers and Wishes
    What will you promise to protect, cherish, or grow? Leave your wish for nature behind.

* You can take me home!

Timed Programming

  • Fairy Tales: Hear enchanted fables and stories.
    9:30 a.m., 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m.
  • Enchanted Bubbles: Marvel as bubbles big and small glide, twirl, and sparkle in the air during this dazzling show.
    10 a.m., 12 p.m., 2 p.m.

More Magical Fun

  • Mystical Faces ($) — Transform into a mystical creature with face painting. Face painting is first come, first served. $10 per person, card only, no cash.
  • Whimsy Wanderers — Keep an eye out for roaming enchanted creatures.
  • Fantasy Makeover — Step in front of our magical camera to be transformed into a whimsical character.
  • Tinker Treats ($) — Refuel and recharge with a delectable array of food and beverages.
  • Treasure Trove Boutique ($) — Step into our whimsical pop-up gift shop, brimming with enchanting treasures and magical keepsakes.
  • Garden Games — Discover a treasure trove of outdoor games that may test your wit and your skills.

$ Extra cost associated with these activities.

Food & Drink

Grab and go fare available for purchase.

Pixie Picnic Box

Appropriate to share for 1 adult and 1 child

  • Available to pre-order during registration.
  • $40 + HST / box

Inclusions

  • Enchanted Garden: Hummus, pita and veggies
  • Elf’s Crescent Moon: Chicken Salad (or chickpea) Croissant
  • Pixie Pocket: Ham and Cheese Croissant
  • Toadstools and Fairy Wands: Mini desserts
  • Nymph’s Nectar: Lemonade – 16oz (in jar)

BBQ Menu

Prices subject to HST

BBQ

  • Beastly Dragon Dogs – Hot Dog $7
  • Uni-corn – Eloté (Mexi Corn on the Cob) $7
  • Sorcerer’s Sword – Sausage $10
  • Ogre’s Delight – Burger $10
  • Gnome’s Garden – Veggie Burger $10
  • Wizard Sticks – Mediterranean Veggie Skewer $10
  • Spellbound Sammie – Feature Sandwich $10
  • Pot o’ Gold Kettle Chips – Kettle Chips $5
  • Pixie Potato Salad – Potato Salad $5
  • Leapin’ Leprechaun Coleslaw – Coleslaw $5
  • Fairy Wands – $4 (Rice Krispies)

Rock Garden Bistro

11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Enjoy a sit-down meal at the Rock Garden Bistro! First-come, first-served seating.

At RBG’s Rock Garden

1185 York Blvd. Hamilton ON

Built in 1932, the historic Rock Garden is considered the birthplace of Royal Botanical Gardens. Following a significant rejuvenation, the Rock Garden reopened in 2016 to embrace sustainable trends in garden design and management while respecting the integrity of its heritage setting.

aerial photo of Rock Garden with a lively event below. On the left hand side, guests can be spotted relaxing in the grass and around firepits in the lower garden. On the right hand side there is a stage with rows of chairs filled with guests watching.

Looking for a 19+ Alternative?

RBG After Dark

Thursday July 11, 2024
6 to 10 p.m.; Rock Garden

Enchanted FAQ

Have a question about RBG’s Enchanted Garden? Click the topics below for more information. If you have a question that is not answered, give us a call at 905-527-1158 or send us a message.

Tickets

Pre-purchased tickets are required for this special event. Upon purchasing, you will be required to select an entry time. When purchasing your tickets, please ensure you select the appropriate date/time, as switching your tickets after purchase will not be possible. Tickets are final sale. Every person must have a ticket.

Your tickets will be emailed to you as a pdf attachment shortly after online payment. You will be required to present these tickets upon arrival, either printed out or digitally on your personal device.

Arrival and Event Length

This event is time-ticketed. Please arrive within your designated time slot and prepare to immerse yourself in The Enchanted Garden for at least an hour of magical experiences. 

RBG’s other garden areas are open 10 a.m to 5 p.m. this weekend. Should you wish to visit RBG’s other garden areas, garden tickets can be purchased separately at secure.rbg.ca or day of at any of the garden kiosks.  

Weather

The Enchanted Garden welcomes you rain or shine, because the magic of this place knows no bounds. RBG reserves the right to cancel the event due to inclement weather.

Directions and Parking

This event is held at the historic Rock Garden, 1185 York Blvd. Hamilton. Parking is included, available in the lot across the street.

This garden is located along bus routes for Burlington Transit and Hamilton Transit, with stops a short distance from the entrance. See rbg.ca/directions for more details.

Accessibility

The Rock Garden features some wide, paved paths that descend with a slope into the lower bowl of the garden. Some stations will take place on grassy areas. If you have any questions about accessibility at this event, please contact us at 905-527-1158.

Pets & Service Animals

With the exception of service animals, personal dogs/cats/animals are not permitted at this event.

Terms & Conditions

Tickets purchased to special events are final sale and non-refundable. Tickets for this event can be transferred to someone else if you can no longer attend. If RBG cancels a special event, ticketholders will be fully refunded. Please keep your tickets and confirmation: it is proof of your purchase and allows entry for the event. 

Liability: RBG assumes no responsibility for loss or damage to property, or for personal injury or mishap; all activities are at the risk of the participant. 

Filming/Photography Release: Please be advised that all photos, audio-video, and static images taken at this tour may be used for exhibit, reproduction, and/or distribution for RBG related promotional use, including all forms of print, television advertisement, social media and /or website display. In consideration of your participation as a guest or attendee of this event, you authorize Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns unrestricted right and permission to copyright and use such photos and images under their sole discretion. Royal Botanical Gardens, its legal representatives, suppliers, invited media and assigns are released without limitation of any claims for libel or invasion of privacy. 

By purchasing tickets and participating in this event on RBG properties, you are agreeing to the above release for yourself, and on behalf of your guests. 

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