Okay, so this post isn’t about a walk or hike in or around Toronto but rather a place I go, usually in February or March, to escape the snow. While many people, including myself, are excited about winter when it starts, as it gets closer to spring, I start wishing for warmer weather and to escape the snow and ice. Unfortunately, this winter it really seems like spring is taking its sweet time in arriving. And if you’re like me, you’re probably getting sick of the snow.
Luckily, there’s a lovely place in Toronto that you can explore, for free, where you can imagine yourself on a tropical island (or desert retreat) surrounded by palm trees, cacti and exotic flowers… because you are. Just in a greenhouse in the heart of the city rather than in the wild elsewhere.
Allan Gardens, located on 19 Horticultural Avenue, only a few short blocks east of Yonge Street in downtown Toronto, is an indoor botanical garden complex featuring six greenhouses, each with its own characteristics and plants, set in a multi-acre park. It’s a lovely place to spend an hour or two soaking up the beauty of the flowers, trees and other plants. You can find anything from orchids to palms to cacti to tulips in the greenhouses. Even though you can see the snow outside (well, you can if it’s winter like right now), it feels like you’ve entered another world, one of warmth and colour. You’ll definitely want to take your jacket off while wandering around.
And it’s not just flowers and plants to see, be sure to check out the turtles! They sure look like they’re enjoying the little pond and waterwheel. I must have spent 15 minutes just enjoying their antics the first time I visited.
Dating back to 1858, Allan Gardens have always been publicly accessible and free of charge, thanks to the original donor of the land, local politician George Allan, who it’s named after. The current domed Palm House opened in 1910 and other greenhouses have been added over the years. There are benches in different spots throughout the conservatory so feel free to sit and relax. If you’re interested in learning more about Allan Gardens, both the history and the plants within, there are several signs with interesting tidbits that you can read while wandering around. It’s open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., 365 days a year and is wheelchair accessible. There are also washrooms on site.
In addition to the regular operation, there are also a few seasonal flower shows that are worth checking out, with the Christmas show being quite popular. I’m partial to the Spring show as I’m always sick of winter by February and seeing spring flowers brings a smile to my face. It’s the perfect place you’re looking for a quick escape from winter, or really, at any time of year.
Don’t get me wrong, I do love winter but I’m ready for spring and living vicariously through the flowers and lush greenery at Allan Gardens in the meantime. Where do you go to escape winter?
Rambles and Walks 