Fall into exploration at RBG
Each fall, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) showcases the
vibrant red, orange and yellow colours of autumn throughout
its many garden areas and natural lands. With over 27
kilometres of gentle and well-marked walking trails, it’s easy
to experience fall’s beauty first-hand at RBG.
For those wishing to take full advantage of the season’s crisp
weather and striking colours, RBG’s trails offer beautiful views
of Cootes Paradise and Carroll’s Bay Marsh. The trails include
over 20 lookouts, 7 boardwalks and 21 stream crossings, and
link to multiple other regional trails. Four nature sanctuaries
blanket 90% of the Gardens’ 900 hectares of property in a
diverse mix of escarpment, forests, fields and wetlands. These
wrap around the western tip of Lake Ontario, forming a
nodal park in the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World
Biosphere Reserve.
The Arboretum becomes one of RBG’s most popular fall
attractions with its beautiful Marshwalk Trail, delighting
birdwatchers and hikers alike. Whether in a group or on
your own, RBG’s trails are sure to satisfy all nature lovers.
November 19 to January 1
RBG Centre / Hendrie Park
Don’t miss RBG’s annual holiday season
celebration, featuring the RBG Train Show. Hop
on the RBG Express and take a train ride through
beautiful Hendrie Park strewn with magical
Christmas lights. Enjoy festive entertainment and
make your way through Candy Cane Garden to
visit Santa in his cabin.
www.rbg.ca/holidaytraditions
Now you can continue the fall experience with a taste of
it too. Executive Chef Stephanie Brewster and her staff at
RBG Centre’s Greenhouse Café and David Braley & Nancy
Gordon Rock Garden’s café work closely with RBG gardeners
to incorporate homegrown ingredients into your garden-totable culinary experience.
The Rock Garden café is the newest addition to dining
at RBG. The recently rejuvenated Rock Garden features a
state-of-the-art visitor centre, which includes the restaurant.
The restaurant itself features an eclectic, brunch-style menu
that boasts fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many picked
straight from our gardens. The café’s outdoor patio provides
an inspiring bird’s-eye view of the garden’s rejuvenated lower
bowl.
Fall-themed events at RBG also include magical nights
on The Great Pumpkin Trail. Grandchildren will love the
hundreds of jack-o-lanterns lighting the way along RBG’s
garden and Woodland Gardne trail at Hendrie Park. In the
evenings of October 20 and 21, visitors are treated to live
entertainment, face painting and pumpkin-themed activities. •
Celebrating our 10th year! ~ Autumn 2016
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