Field Trip FAQ

To book your program, please fill out and submit our online booking request form. You may also send us an email at  or call us at 905-527-1158 ext. 285.

If you are having difficulty using our online registration form or would like to book multiple and/or custom programs, call 905-527-1158 ext. 285 for assistance. Learn more about booking your visit.

Immediately after you submit your application, you will see a confirmation of receipt of your form when you hit the submit button. If not, please look for highlighted errors on the form. You will receive correspondence and booking confirmation regarding your request once details are confirmed. Please share its contents with all participating teachers/leaders.

Our education interpreters will follow-up by email to discuss your program details.

There is no charge for school busses at the Arboretum or at RBG Centre. Private vehicles at all sites other than RBG Centre must either display their members’ parking pass or purchase a ticket from the machine. The parking fee is $5/hour to a maximum of $15.

Parking Passes can be obtained by request during the booking process.

If you would like to stay for a self-guided hike in the afternoon, please book your trip as a half-day program + self-guided.

Half-day programs are two hours, Full-day programs are four hours. We can adjust times to allow for snack or early departure; please advise at the time of booking.

We do not recommend that students bring money for safety and timing reasons. There is a gift shop available at RBG Centre only.

Students and chaperones should bring not-free snacks and lunches with them if you plan to eat on site. There is no food available at the Nature Centre.

Both RBG Centre and the Nature Centre are partially accessible. Our trails are rugged and partially accessible. Please advise us in advance if you have students or chaperones using wheelchairs so that we may accommodate appropriately. We recommend the use of all-terrain wheelchairs or wide tires if possible.

Our programs run rain, snow or shine, so please dress for the weather. In case of thunder or lightning, many of our programs can be adapted to indoors. If you have booked a program which cannot be adapted (such as canoeing) please call in advance to rebook if the weather is threatening.

If you must cancel, please give us as much notice as possible – at least thirty days prior to your booked trip date to avoid cancellation fees. Should you need to reschedule due to weather or unforeseen circumstances, please let us know in advance. Confirmed trips that are no shows on the day of arrival will be charged the full price as booked.

We do have insects on our property that may bite or sting, although occurrences are rare. Proper precautions such as staying on the trails and wearing light-coloured clothing are recommended. Should you wish to apply bug spray, please do so outside and well away from any entrances.

No charge for Teachers, Early Childhood Educators, and Educational Assistants. Parent volunteers beyond those required for a 1:5 adult/student ratio are charged the applicable program fee (1:3 ratio for ECE/K groups).

Washrooms are available at RBG Centre and the Nature Interpretive Centre.

There are no facilities at Princess Point. There is a seasonal outhouse near the Fishway.

We have picnic tables available outdoors at the Nature Centre. Should you wish to stay for lunch, please advise us at the time of booking. Classroom space may be available indoors if booked in advance.

We can do custom programs. Please contact us to work out the details of your request. Please note custom programs are subject to a additional per student fee.

If you wish to visit the Fishway, we recommend booking in advance as a guided tour. This will ensure the best possible experience for your students. Public lifts do not cover the same curriculum expectations as a guided school program. If you choose to show up for a public lift, please be advised that lift times may change or be cancelled without notice depending on weather, fish and staff conditions.

Burlington Transit has busses running with stops near RBG Centre, and the HSR has stops near Princess Point. Please check with transit companies for schedule information. Please note that there is no public transit available to the Nature Centre, and no sidewalk access along Old Guelph Road.

Payment is due upon arrival based on the number of participants (cash/cheque/debit/VISA/MasterCard/AmEx) or the minimum fee, whichever is greater. You can also choose to be invoiced.

Please confirm your number of students two weeks prior to your visit by phone or email. Payment is due upon arrival based on the confirmed number of participants. For tracking purposes, we will need to know the actual number of students and the number of chaperones on the day of the trip.

RBG is proud to be able to offer educational programs delivered in French. This service is available for select programs and at the availability of French-language educators. When submitting a program request select “I would like programs delivered in French if possible”. Our education team will follow up and confirm if your requested program is available to be led in French.