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19+ Evening Events

WinterTide

Thursdays to Saturdays,
February 8 to March 16, 2024

5:30 to 10 p.m., last admission at 9 p.m.
Rock Garden

Discover the enchantment of winter like never before as the Rock Garden turns into the season’s most elegant indoor and outdoor jazz lounge experience.

Adorned in glowing lights and roaring firepits the garden’s natural winterscape is the perfect setting for a night out. Explore the garden pathways or take in the view from inside the Rock Garden Great Room while you enjoy live music, classic cocktails, and a seasonal winter offering at the Rock Garden Bistro.

RBG has partnered with T.U. Jazz Fest to bring live performances from emerging musicians and award-winning artists.

This is a 19+ event. I.D. required at the door.

Tickets & Dinner Reservations

Event tickets are required for access to Rock Garden’s indoor and outdoor spaces, including the lounge, and the Rock Garden Bistro. Tickets and dinner reservations for WinterTide are available online.

Great Room Indoor Lounge

Seating in the lounge area is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please expect to be seated with other guests. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., you may arrive at any time. Last admission for the evening is at 9 p.m.

  • If arriving later in the evening, please expect to wait for a seat or table as seating is first come, first served.
  • If room capacity allows, cruiser tables may be available to stand at. You are also welcome to grab a drink and enjoy the outdoors.
  • Floorplan coming soon

Rock Garden Bistro

A full dinner menu is available from the Bistro. Reservations can be made via Open Table. Please note you will not be able to view the musicians from the Bistro.

Outdoors

Want to Venture outdoors? Additional seating can be enjoyed fireside while listening to jazz music.

Admission with Bistro Reservations

  • $17 + HST & $1 Service Fee
  • Plated Dinner Menu with table seating in the Rock Garden Bistro (no view to stage)
  • Post-dinner access to the Great Room Lounge

Guests wishing to make dinner reservations will do so through OpenTable, paying event cover through that service. Additional tickets are not required to access the lounge before or after your meal. NOTE: Tables do not have direct sightlines to the stage during service. Should space allow, you may move into the Great Room after your meal.

Admission Only

  • $17 + HST & $1 Service Fee
  • Sharable bites menu with varied seating in the Great Room Lounge (sightlines to stage)

Only looking for a small bite and a few drinks while enjoying the music? Purchase event admission through secure.rbg.ca and enjoy the first-come, first-served lounge seating.

Ticketing Details & Terms

  • 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 to WinterTide 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.

Member Pre-Sale Instructions

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.
  5. Optional but recommended: test your member benefits by checking tickets for the Nature’s Superheroes exhibit; if you see free member tickets, this account will have access to the pre-sale.

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.

Non-members: How to create your online account

If you’re an RBG Member, your account is waiting for you! Instead of creating a new account, use “forgot password” option.

  1. Visit secure.rbg.ca/account/login
  2. Click ‘Register’.
  3. Input your user information, customize your email preferences
  4. Once you click ‘Create Account’ you’re all set! You will be redirected to a page where you can purchase tickets for select special events, winter exhibit, and more!

Please note: based on availability, limited tickets may be purchased at the door, though at-the-door entry is not guaranteed. It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance to avoid disappointment.

  • Guests enjoying a live jazz performance at WinterTide
  • jazz quartet playing in the Rock Garden Visitor Centre during Wintertide
  • Trees wrapped in white string lights along the winding snowy pathways of the lower Rock Garden
  • Band view from the stage at WinterTide
  • Person warming themselves in front of an outdoor firepit in the snowy lower bowl of the Rock Garden

Live Music

RBG has partnered with T.U. Jazz Fest to bring live performances from emerging musicians and award-winning artists.

Music begins at 6:30 p.m. with three 45-minute sets throughout the evening (6:30, 7:45, and 9 p.m.)

February

  • Thursday February 8: Queen Kong
  • Friday February 9: Laila Biali (JUNO award winner special)
  • Saturday February 10: Laila Biali (JUNO award winner special)
  • Thursday February 15: Jonathan Nvita & The Alkebulan Sound
  • Friday February 16: TJ & The Crew
  • Saturday February 17: Wanderer
  • Thursday February 22: Luis Anselmi & Gratitud Band
  • Friday February 23: The Beelays
  • Saturday February 24: John Amato Quartet
  • Thursday February 29: El Ceibo

March

  • Friday March 1: Sammy Jackson Quartet (JUNO award winner special)
  • Saturday March 2: Sammy Jackson Quartet (JUNO award winner special)
  • Thursday March 7: Jonathan Nvita & The Alkebulan Sound
  • Friday March 8: Joshua Pascua
  • Saturday March 9: Ori Dagan Quartet
  • Thursday March 14: Luis Anselmi & Gratitud Band
  • Friday March 15: Ryan Gazzola Band
  • Saturday March 16: Junestone

Queen Kong

February 8
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Queen Kong band posing in a small venue with instruments including an electric base and tuba

Bio

Queen Kong is an exploration of sounds inspired by the Radical Jewish Culture movement in New York founded by pioneer John Zorn. Led by Toronto drummer, vocalist and composer, Lorie Wolf, Queen Kong seamlessly blends Ashkenazi Jewish idiom with jazz, free improv, rock and punk to explore new sounds and ideas.

Led by Toronto drummer, composer, Lorie Wolf, Queen Kong seamlessly blends Ashkenazi Jewish idiom with jazz, free improv, rock and punk to explore new sounds and ideas. Shortly after forming Queen Kong in 2019, Wolf traveled to New York to study with Frank London of the famed band The Klezmatics. During this sojourn, Wolf crossed paths with klezmorim clarinet superstar Michael Winograd. Intrigued by the project, Winograd was eager to join the band for the three-day recording session that resulted in this new record. Wolf’s ten originals move through moments of off-kilter syncopation (Bethema), jazz (If/Then), elegiac meditation (Kaddish for Jonny), pizzicato-punctuated Balkan funk (“East 3rd and C”), and more. This year, Queen Kong received a coveted recording grant from CCA and was nominated for “Performance Artist of the Year” by Folk Music Ontario. and has been featured at the Toronto Jazz Festival, Ashkenaz Festival, BLOK Festival of Slavic Music, Parry Sound Festival and Jewish Music Week.

Laila Biali

February 9 and 10
JUNO award winner special
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Laila Biali sitting in a mod style chair

Bio

Multi award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter, pianist and CBC Music national radio host Laila Biali has headlined festivals and venues spanning five continents from New York City’s Carnegie Hall to Beijing’s National Centre for the Performing Arts, and supported international icon Sting. Her 2020 album release, Out of Dust, received rave reviews and was nominated for a 2021 JUNO Award. Laila was also honoured by SOCAN Music with the Hagood Hardy Award for Excellence in Songwriting. In 2019, Laila’s eponymous release won her a JUNO Award (Canada’s GRAMMY) for “Vocal Jazz Album of the Year.” The year prior, she was awarded top prize at the Canadian Songwriting Competition in the Jazz category. Laila was also the youngest-ever double winner at Canada’s National Jazz Awards when she was named “SOCAN Composer of the Year” and “Keyboardist of the Year.” She received her first JUNO nomination for Tracing Light (2011), and a spot on DownBeat Magazine’s “Best Albums of the Year” for both Live in Concert (2013) and Out of Dust (2020). In September of 2017, Laila was brought on as the host for CBC Music’s national radio show, Saturday Night Jazz, a weekly show broadcast to millions of listeners across Canada. While Laila continues to earn high honours in the jazz world, her signature sound transcends genre as she “masterfully mixes jazz and pop, bringing virtuosity and unpredictability to songs that are concise and catchy” (Washington Post). Her latest release – Your Requests – showcases personal arrangements of jazz classics requested by her social media community and features guest vocalists Kurt Elling, Emilie-Claire Barlow, and Caity Gyorgy as well as instrumentalists Anat Cohen, Grégoire Maret, Kelly Jefferson, Michael Davidson, George Koller, Larnell Lewis, Ben Wittman and Maninho Costa.

TJ & The Crew

February 16
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TJ and the Crew - 10 person jazz band posing together near an industrial building

Bio

TJ & The Crew is a Toronto-based, 10-piece funk band here to emulate and evolve the sounds of Tower of Power, Earth Wind & Fire and more. Playing original compositions written by their band leader TJ Campbell. The band tends to focus 50% instrumental music and 50% vocal music branching from covers and arrangements of your favourite R&B, Funk and Soul classics and original compositions. The band members are TJ Campbell (Alto Sax), Abu Ghouri (Vocals), Andrew Svendson (Trumpet), Riley Maguire (Bari Sax), Matthew Wong (Bari Sax), Mikael Johansson (Trombone), Ross Morgan (Guitar), Peter Holbrook (Keys), Devon Goping (Bass) and Zach Lewinson (Drums).

Wanderer

February 17
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Man playing drums behind a group on performers on a stage

Bio

Wanderer is an 8-piece band led by Zachary Lewinson which showcases original compositions and unique arrangements of jazz and pop songs in a way that opens rooms for jazz improvisation and expression. In 2023 they released their factor-funded debut album “Summer Travels” which puts their love for jazz, jazz fusion, and funk music on full display. In their first year as a band, they played at several local venues across the GTA including Drom Taberna and The Emmet Ray. To end the year, they were given the opportunity to perform on the main stage at the T.U. Jazz Festival (2023) as well as hosting their album release show.

The Beelays

February 23
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Beelays band performing on stage

Bio

The Beelays, a female-fronted funk-rock fusion sensation in Hamilton, Ontario, deliver a soulful and electrifying musical experience. With spontaneous improvisation and a captivatingly quirky style, they defy expectations, pushing boundaries with original lyrics and funky grooves. The Beelays create an immersive, uplifting, and contagious energy that transcends the stage.

Personnel

  • Drums – Tyler Goertzen
  • Bass – Jesse Visser
  • Keyboard and Vocals – Jocelyn McIntosh
  • Guitar – Scott McIntosh
  • Vocals – Emily Kemp

John Amato Quartet

February 24
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Quartet of musicians dressed in suits and semi formal attire, one holding upright bass

Bio

John Amato brings his take on classic and modern jazz standards, swinging and singing in the likes of Frank Sinatra, Mel Torme and Michael Buble.

Being raised by a jazz musician father, John was exposed to all the classics at a young age and has been singing as a jazz musician since he was 17. Now with a degree from Humber college’s vocal jazz program, he performs for audiences, arranges, teaches and runs his own bands. With a great respect for the music and its history, he sings every song with a smooth dynamic energy. He has sung at venues and concert halls across Ontario as a featuring artist and with the Toronto All-Star Big Band.

John brings with him some of Toronto’s finest up-and-coming talents; Jesse Whitely (Feb 18th) David Burlacu (Feb 18th) John Kervin (March 9th, March 18th) Aaron Blewett (March 9th, March 18th) and Matt Savard.

El Ceibo

February 29
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El Cebo 5 person band on a stage

Bio

Formed in 2019, El Ceibo is a music group that performs a variety of Argentinian folk music.

Through original arrangements of all-time favourites and contemporary compositions, the audience can experience an eclectic collection of authentic rhythms, characteristic harmonies and melodies from different regions of the country. Through dynamic performances, they showcase a cross-section of jazz elements with the rich and colourful sounds of the Argentinian folk music tradition.

The group’s self-released EP (January 2022) exemplifies their distinct sound and refreshing repertoire. Said elements led to features by the Toronto Jazz Festival (OLG First Plays – December 2021), CBC Radio 1 (Big City, Small World – January 2022), and Jazz Fm (Cafe Latino – June 2022).

El Ceibo has performed in a broad variety of settings, including a number of community events and international music festivals, such as the Toronto Jazz Festival and Vamos a la Feria Latina (among others).

Based in Mississauga, Canada, El Ceibo is comprised of professional musicians from both Canadian and Latin American cultural backgrounds, which seeks to honour this music, but also exemplify the wonderful diversity of the local music scene.

Sammy Jackson Quartet

March 1 and 2
JUNO award winner special
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Photo of Sammy Jackson, woman in full length, white, floral dress sits on a concrete pad, green wall in the background, in a renaissance like pose

Bio

Singer-songwriter Sammy Jackson (BMus, HBA) is quickly becoming one of Canada’s top vocalists, with a personal style that deftly blends jazz, pop, and R&B. With a resume that boasts a JUNO Award, collaborations with top artists such as Barbra Lica, Robi Botos, Rich Brown, and Larnell Lewis, and performances at some of Canada’s most prestigious venues, including the Glenn Gould Studio, Koerner Hall, the TD Toronto Jazz Festival, and Westben, Jackson consistently captivates audiences with her singing, compositional accomplishments, and collaborative artistic spirit. Her latest EP – the JUNO-Award-winning “With You” – is a sophisticated, intelligent, heartfelt portrait of a musician coming into her artistic prime, and features some of the top young musicians in Canada.

Jonathan Nvita & The Alkebulan Sound

March 7
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Jonathan Nvita singing and playing guitar on an outdoor stage

Bio

Jonathan Nvita & The Alkebulan Sound, which simply means the sounds of Africa, is A mixture of African roots, jazz, and world music. Jonathan Nvita founded the band Back in 2019 with his friends at Humber College. It’s a multi-cultural band that includes people from Congo, Jamaica, India, Venezuela, Peru, Zimbabwe, and Canada. The idea was to be able to compose music on the spot, just like in Congo, the motherland.

Music connects us all as one person. They always have the idea of creating a magical bond while playing, which is why they prefer not to use music sheets.

They are currently in the studio working on their first project which will be released very soon. Stay Connected

Joshua Pascua

March 8
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Joshua Pascua sitting on a couch, holding an electric guitar

Bio

Joshua Pascua is a Filipino-Canadian known for his soulful and funky music. Born in Montreal and raised in the Toronto area, where he first discovered his love and passion for music. Growing up, he was heavily influenced by the sounds of Pop, classic funk & soul which helped shape his musical style. Joshua studied contemporary vocals and jazz. He’s been gaining attention and a reputation for his energetic and engaging live performances. Joshua has released many records showcasing his dynamic range and versatility as a singer. His music blends classic funk and soul sounds with modern production techniques, creating a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. He has gained a dedicated following of fans who appreciate his heartfelt lyrics and infectious grooves. With his soulful voice and catchy melodies, Joshua Pascua is a rising star in the world of funk soul and disco music and is poised to make a significant impact on the music industry and beyond.

Personnel

  • Joshua Pascua – vocals
  • Kev Mak – keyboard
  • Tim Mata – drums
  • Caleb Khuu – guitar
  • Cam Watson – Bass

Ori Dagan Quartet

March 9
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Ori Dagan standing in a fancy room wearing a smart suit, with "jazz hands"

Bio

Award-winning jazz singer-songwriter Ori Dagan has attracted a dedicated and growing audience, both in his native Toronto and internationally. He brings a wry and agile sense of swing to everything he does, whether interpreting a standard, spinning a pop tune on its head or introducing his own original music and lyrics. Dagan’s rich bass-baritone is unmistakable. His consistently forward-thinking style is inspired by hundreds of heroines and heroes, including Sheila Jordan (with whom Dagan recorded a duet in 2017).

Luis Anselmi & Gratitud Band

March 14
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4 musicians holding their instruments, dressed for warm weather

Bio

Luis Anselmi, a scholar of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, skillfully merges his Venezuelan roots with diverse world music influences. Proficient in playing the Venezuelan Cuatro, piano, and lending his voice to both singing and song writing, he performs with his band ‘GRATITUD’. Together, they create a vibrant Latin-World sound that seamlessly blends each member’s unique cultural background. With intricate rhythms and uplifting lyrics, their music is a captivating celebration that will inspire you to dance! With the support of the Latin GRAMMY Cultural Foundation, Luis completed the Music Performance program at Holland College’s School of Performing Arts and the Bachelor of Music Program at Humber College. Recognized for his outstanding accomplishments, he was honored with the Academic Award of Excellence from Humber College. Collaborating with esteemed artists like Eliana Cuevas, Junior Santos, Jonathan Nvita, Camila Lozada and Roshane Wright, Luis’ performances resonate across diverse genres and settings, gracing events like the Toronto Jazz Festival, T.U. Jazz, DiverseCity, and Mississauga Latin Festival, while also leaving his mark at prominent Toronto venues like Drom Taberna, Lula Lounge, and the Jazz Bistro.

Alongside his musical pursuits, Luis has organized, produced, and promoted events within communities like Arts Etobicoke and the Village of Islington. During the pandemic, a grant from the Musical Stage CO. enabled his engagement with South Etobicoke’s youth through the ‘Beat Makers!’ program. This dedication is complemented by his involvement in music industry associations such as Music PEI.

Luis Anselmi’s journey reflects the harmonious blend of artistic endeavor and community engagement,

inviting all to partake in the joyous unity of cultural diversity.

Ryan Gazzola Band

March 15
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Ryan Gazzola band playing on the WinterTide stage

Bio

Ryan Gazzola’s music combines pop songwriting with a love for retro musicianship and musicality. Originally from Vancouver, the Toronto-based singer-songwriter started a new project in 2022. “With this project, I am attempting to marry the sweet and catchy melodies of modern music with grooves built on the backbone of funk and soul instrumentation”, Gazzola explains, “it has a wide range of inspirations, from modern contemporaries: Maroon 5, Tom Misch, and Shawn Mendes, to icons: Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson.”

The independent songwriter performs across Canada live with the four-piece Ryan Gazzola Band, a group of talented musicians formed during Gazzola’s time studying at McGill University (Montreal).

Junestone

March 16
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4 members of the Junestone musician group standing in front of a large bush on a bright summer day, dressed casually

Bio

Named for the sixth month of the year and a semiprecious stone said to protect anyone travelling by night or by water, Junestone is the innovative and illuminating musical vision of Olivia Brown, Borys Franiczek, Ian Aisling, and Justin McHugh.

Audiences are transported through endless floors of heavenly wonder as the band’s strikingly eternal love for jazz, funk, and indie alt-rock transfigures into psychedelic songs of fun and freedom. This music is for people who just want to be themselves and for once it’s fine.

Toronto Undergraduate Jazz Festival Logo

T.U. Jazz Fest is a federally incorporated not-for-profit organization that creates developmental and performance opportunities for youth and emerging musicians in Canada. Since 2015 they have presented annually T.U. Jazz Fest and various other events to connect emerging musicians with the community and the public. With the goal of creating performance, networking, and learning opportunities for over 1,000 emerging musicians yearly, T.U. Jazz Fest is a bridge connecting emerging musicians and equity-seeking musicians with mentors and the community. 

  • fish plated with broccoli and microgreens
  • pickerel cake plated beautifully
  • Hands preparing a cheese plate including fruites and crudites
  • close up of mussels topped with microgreens

Food & Drink

Dinner in the Bistro

Reservations made through Open Table. Last table seating is 8 p.m.

The Rock Garden Bistro features a French-inspired menu with a garden flair that boasts fresh, locally sourced ingredients

Please note you will not be able to view the musicians from the Bistro.  

VG = Vegetarian | V = Vegan | GF = Gluten Free | DF = Dairy Free | O = Option Available
*Please let your server know of any allergies or dietary restrictions.

Appetizers

  • Mussels $19
    White Wine | Bechamel | Herbs de Provence | Grilled Bread
  • Pickerel Cake $17
    Remoulade | Slaw
  • Bistro Pâté $18 (GFO)
    House-made Chicken Liver Pâté | Crostini | Pickled Pearl Onions | Seasonal Compote
  • Cheese Plate $19 (GFO)
    Blue | Brie | Aged Cheddar | Crostini | Seasonal Compote | Berries
  • French Onion Soup $13
    Spanish Onions | Prosciutto | Chicken and Beef Broth | Crostini | Gruyere Cheese

Lighter Side

  • Chicken Waldorf $21 (GF, DF)
    Grapes | Apple | Fennel | Celery | Walnut | Frissee
  • Niçoise Salad $18 (VG, DF, VO)
    Green Bean | Olive | Fingerling Potato | Hen Egg
  • The Rock Salad $15 (V, GF)
    Cherry Tomato | Cucumber | Heirloom Carrot | Radish
  • Beet Gravlax Toast $20
    Cured Salmon | Whipped Ricotta | Pickled Pearl Onions | Frissee | Radish | Rock Salad
  • Frittata $16 (VG, GF)
    Red Peppers | Zucchini | Eggplant | Feta | Pesto Frissee
  • Grilled Cheese $16 (VG)
    House-made Focaccia | served with Rock Salad
  • Croque Monsieur $22
    Ham | Gruyere | Bechamel | served with Rock Salad
  • French Beef Dip $24
    Shaved Brisket | Baguette | Provolone | Sauteed Mushrooms | Jus | served with Kettle Chips

Entrée

  • Steak Frites $33 (GF, DFO)
    6oz California Cut Striploin | Frites | Sauteed Mushroom | Peppercorn Sauce
  • Rainbow Trout $27 (GF)
    Pomme Anna | Roasted Broccolini | Caramelized Lemon Butter
  • Chicken Francese $28 (GF)
    Lemon | Capers | Tomato | Fingerling Potatoes | Cured Egg Yolk
  • Provencal Pappardelle $24 (VG, VO, GFO)
    Zuchinni | Eggplant | Peppers | Nicoise Olives | White Wine | Tomato Oil | Grana Padano
  • White Bean Cassoulet $21 (V, GFO)
    Portobello | Heirloom Carrot | Squash | Breadcrumbs

Dessert

  • Sticky Toffee Pudding $12 (VG)
    Dulce Del Leche
  • Apple Tart $12 (VG)
    Candied Pecans
  • Lime Strudel $12 (VG)

Apps & Drinks in the Lounge

A lounge menu offering wine and classic cocktails is available in the indoor lounge areas of the Visitor Centre.

Rock Garden’s outdoor areas are fully licensed for alcohol consumption — low impact compostable cups will be made available for those wishing to enjoy their drinks under the stars.

Available 5:30 to 10 p.m.

VG = Vegetarian | V = Vegan | GF = Gluten Free | GFO = Gluten Free Option  | NF = Nut Free

Aegean FlatbreadV – $16
Hummus, roasted zucchini and pepper, confit tomatoes, pickled onions, fried chickpeas, herbs

Seared TunaGF/DF/NF – $24
Wakame, ginger aioli, sesame seeds, lemon gel

Duck BouletteNF – $22
Confit duck en boulette with brie, cranberry orange chutney

Grilled Brussel SproutsV/GF/NF – $15
Maple dijon glaze, grilled radicchio

Braised MeatballsNF – $22
Pork and veal meatballs, pomodoro sauce, grana padano, parm crisp, fresh herbs

AranciniVG – $17
Wild mushroom arancini, truffle cream, lemon arugula

PateGFO – $18
Chicken liver pâté, crostini, pickled pearl onions, seasonal compote

Cheese Plate VG/GFO – $19
Gorgonzola, brie, Manchego, crostini, seasonal compote, berries

Pickerel Cake – NF – $17
Remoulade, slaw

Rose Garden Sbagliato – 3oz $15
Sparkling Rose | Lillet Blanc | Sweet White Vermouth

Lilac French 75 – 3oz $14
Peller XOXO Sparkling | RBG Craft Lilac Gin | Lemon Juice

Espresso Martini – 2oz $12
Kahlua| Smirnoff Vodka | Propeller Coffee Co. Espresso

The Rock Sour – 2.5oz $14
Gretzky Red Cask Whisky | Lemon Juice | Simple Syrup | Red Wine Float

Maple Vanilla Old Fashioned – 2oz $17
Bulleit Bourbon | Maple Vanilla Syrup | Bitters | Amarena Cherry

Paper Plane – 3oz $15
Bulleit Bourbon | Aperol | Amaro| Lemon Juice

Lavender Collins – 2oz $14
Lavender & Juniper Gin | Cointreau | Lavender Simple Syrup | Soda

Garden Caesar – 1oz $12
Smirnoff Vodka | Clamato | Worcestershire | Tabasco | Bean

The WinterTide Negroni – 3oz $14
The Botanist Islay Dry Gin | Lillet Blanc | Sweet White Vermouth

Wine

White Glass Bottle
Peller Family Reserve Pinot Grigio $12 (9oz) $30 (750ml)
Wayne Gretzky Chardonnay $14 (9oz) $38 (750ml)
Andrew Peller Signature Series Sauvignon Blanc $72 (750ml)
Sparkling & Rosé Glass Bottle
Good Natured Rosé $12 (9oz) $33 (750ml)
XOXO Sparkling Pino Grigio Chardonnay $9 (5oz) $41 (750ml)
Peller Family Reserve Charmat Rosé $50 (750ml)
Blu Giovello Prosecco $59 (750ml)
Trius Brut $79 (750ml)
Red Glass Bottle
Peller Family Estate Cabernet Merlot $12 (9oz) $30 (750ml)
Trius Cabernet Sauvignon $12 (9oz) $40 (750ml)
Trius Icon Red $68 (750ml)
Belle Glos Pinot Noir, Clark & Telephone $160 (750ml)

Beer & Cider

Domestic (341ml) $8

  • Budweiser
  • Bud Light

Premium (330ml) $9

  • Stella Artois
  • Corona Extra
  • Steam Whistle Pilsner

Guinness Stout Can (440ml) $11

Craft Cans & Ciders (473ml) $10

  • Great Lakes Brewery & RBG Winter Wonders Ale
  • Collective Arts Lager
  • Collective Arts Ransack the Universe IPA
  • Great Lakes Brewery Canuck Pale Ale
  • Great Lakes Brewery Octopus Wants to Fight IPA
  • No Boats on Sunday Original NS Cider
  • Two glasses of red wine held up to cheers
  • Chicken liver paté plated with baguette, mustard, pickles and other cruidites
  • three bottles of white on ice
  • Beet Gravlax Toast dish plated with a side garden salad
  • Trees wrapped in white string lights along the winding snowy pathways of the lower Rock Garden

Rock Garden at Royal Botanical Gardens

Find this event at this historic Rock Garden, 1185 York Boulevard, Hamilton ON.

Rejuvenated in 2016, the David Braley and Nancy Gordon Rock Garden respects our iconic treasure’s heritage, look and feel while celebrating the beginning of a new era with a beautiful, modern renovation.

WinterTide Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question about WinterTide at the Rock 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.

Tickets

The event admission gives you access to the event and the Rock Garden, both indoor and outdoor. Tickets for WinterTide are available online. Please note limited tickets may be purchased at the door but is based on availability. It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online to avoid disappointment.

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.

Tickets are final sale.

Seating

Seating in the lounge area of the Visitor Centre is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Please expect to be seated with other guests.

For those looking to eat in the Bistro, reservations can be made via Open Table. Please note you will not be able to view the musicians from the Bistro. You may join the lounge after your dinner reservation.

Seating is also available within the garden and guests are encouraged to enjoy the outdoor winter experience and firepits.

What's Included?

Your ticket includes access to Rock Garden during this event. Your ticket is for this event only, and does not include general admission for the full day.

Food, and drink are available at additional costs.

Parking in the lot across the street from the garden is included.

Age & I.D.

Attendees must be 19 years of age or older to attend. Please ensure you have a government-issued ID on your person during the event; anyone who does not present a valid ID upon request will be asked to leave.

Arrival / Entry

If you have made a reservation at the Bistro, please arrive for the reservation time you selected. Please inform the hostess who will direct you to your table.

If you are planning to enjoy the lounge area, please note that you may arrive at any time. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Last admission for the evening is at 9 p.m.

If arriving later in the evening, please expect to wait for a seat or table as seating is first come, first served. If room capacity allows cruiser tables may be available to stand at. You are also welcome to grab a drink and enjoy the outdoors.

Directions and Parking

This event is held at Rock Garden, located at 1185 York Boulevard, Hamilton Ontario. Parking is included, available in the designated lot across the street.

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

Food and Drink

This is a licensed event; alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Low impact compostable cups will be made available for those wishing to enjoy their drinks under the stars.

Outside food and drink is not permitted.

See the menus for details.

  • Lounge food service: 5:30 to 10 p.m.
  • Bistro reservations: final seating is 8 p.m.

Accessibility

The newly rejuvenated Rock Garden features some wide, lit, paved paths that descend with a slope into the lower bowl of the garden.

Accessible parking spaces are available outside Rock Garden. Visitors access the garden through the Rock Garden Visitor Centre.

If you have any further questions about accessibility at this event please contact us by phone (905-527-1158).

Weather

WinterTide is both an indoor and outdoor experience. If you wish to experience the outdoor portion (which we hope you do) please dress for the weather and wear proper footwear. There may be instances where we have to close the outdoor portion of the experience due to unsafe weather and surface conditions.

RBG reserves the right to cancel WinterTide due to inclement weather without notice.

Pets / Service Animals

With the exception of service animals, personal pets are not permitted at this event.

Terms & Conditions

Tickets purchased to WinterTide 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.