Garden Trail: Parks & Gardens
Explore the many wonders of the Niagara Parks Garden Trail: the Botanical Gardens, Butterfly Conservatory, Floral Showhouse, Floral Clock and more.
Botanical Gardens
Niagara Parks' Botanical Gardens is located on the scenic Niagara Parkway and the Great Gorge, just a 10 minute drive north of the Falls. This beautiful Garden setting is home to the Butterfly Conservatory and serves as the unique outdoor classroom for students attending the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture.
What's In Bloom
From natural areas with native flora to picnic areas and highly sculpted horticulture masterpieces, Niagara Parks offers it all. The diverse plant collections number in the thousands and the Park provides a fitting backdrop for the beauty of the Falls.
Butterfly Conservatory
The self-guided walking tour of the Butterfly Conservatory begins with a short, informative video presentation which is close captioned for the hearing impaired.
Centennial Lilac Garden
Plan a special visit to Niagara Parks in May or early June to experience our fragrant Lilac Garden. On ten acres just to the north side of the Floral Clock, this collection contains over 1,200 plants with over 200 different varieties. Come out at this special time of year to experience the whole range of colors and gorgeous fragrances.
Floral Clock
This unique attraction is a very popular stop on the Niagara Parkway and is photographed almost as often as the Falls!
Floral Showhouse
For over 60 years visitors have come to Discover Paradise at this lush oasis, just a short walk from the Falls. Collections of orchids, succulents and other tropical plant species are on display throughout the year, along with floral shows that reflect the changing seasons. Flying throughout the greenery are colourful tropical birds that may sing for your entertainment!
Heritage Gardens
Just a few generations ago, home gardening was the key source for a family's fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs. They were all grown close to the kitchen so that meals could be prepared each day with lovely fresh produce. Flowers and cutting gardens were often part of the mix.
Horse & Carriage Rides
Enjoy the sights of Niagara Parks from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage. Two relaxing tours are available: meandering through the 99-acre Botanical Gardens, or beside the Falls through Queen Victoria Park.
Oakes Garden Theatre
This spectacular garden is the entranceway to Queen Victoria Park, the key central area of Niagara Parks that showcases the Falls. Located at the foot of Clifton Hill, this is the perfect spot for a superb panoramic view of the American and Horseshoe Falls. Concerts and special events are held here throughout the summer.
Queenston Heights
At the entrance to this historic Park you will be greeted by carpet bedding displays, along with formalized annual bedding schemes that surround both the Brock and Laura Secord Monuments.
Queen Victoria Park
Queen Victoria Park is literally the "heart" of Niagara Parks. Bounded by the steep Fallsview moraine and the Niagara River Great Gorge, the Park contains a valuable collection of unique native and international plants and beautifully maintained gardens.
