The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is a 2,700-acre natural paradise situated at the head of Lake Ontario between Burlington and Hamilton. The RBG is comprised of stunning gardens, winding pathways and trails, gorgeous waterfront views, and a variety of wildlife and nature sights. In the following post we will outline some of the highlights of this oasis within the city limits. Hazelview’s Hamilton community is located close to multiple access points of the Royal Botanical Gardens.
Cootes Paradise
Cootes Paradise is a premier destination of the Royal Botanical Gardens with its beautiful wetlands and stunning views. Located at the extreme Western tip of Lake Ontario (at the western end of the Hamilton Harbour), this 1,631 acre property contains 790 acres of coastal wetlands. This area is flush with flourishing fish and bird species including bald eagles, herons and hawks. There is also a pedestrian walkway linking Cootes Paradise to Pier 4 Park in Hamilton, a convenient point of entrance and exit. Hazelview’s 205 Hunter Street community in Hamilton is only a 20-minute transit ride to Pier 4 Park.
Hendrie Park & Valley
Hendrie Park is most well known for its beautiful collection of pristinely manicured rose gardens. This section of the RBG also features a Tea House, the Turner Pavilion, beautiful water fountains and more. Hendrie Valley is a 100-hectare sanctuary centered on the Grindstone Creek Valley that features forested slopes, towering trees, four creeks and a collection of rare species of plants and animals including mink, beaver, muskrat, ospreys, bufflehead ducks and more. This location is perfect for wildlife viewing and fishing.
Laking & Rock Garden
Laking Garden offers a beautiful collection of various manicured formal gardens featuring the RBG’s largest herbaceous perennials collection. Here you will find a wide assortment of peonies, irises, daylilies, hostas and more. The Laking Garden area also features a wooded hosta walk, a large display of ornamental grasses and a shaded gazebo for your viewing pleasure. The Rock Garden is located near the Tea House in Hendrie Park and is comprised of magnificent walkways and water views set amongst the gardens. In the Rock Garden you will find thousands of tulips, a flowering cherry collection and a variety of summer annuals. Sunscreen and sun protection are a must when at the RBG and luckily Shoppers Drug Mart is less than a four-minute drive from Hazelview’s 2000 Main Street West community in Hamilton.
The RBG Centre
The RBG Centre is the headquarters of the Royal Botanical Gardens that features gorgeous indoor and outdoor displays. The Mediterranean Garden is located within a greenhouse inside the centre and features many plants that grow in the world’s Mediterranean climate zone. The RBG Centre also features an indoor bulb room, cactus display, orchid & geranium collection and two courtyards with various flowering displays. In the RBG Centre you will also find visitor information, including the Royal Botanical Gardens admission rates and fees.