Spring in Ontario is magical. But where should you go to see the best spring blossoms? The Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton, Ontario, is a hidden gem for all flower lovers!
Celebrate spring in Ontario with a visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens, a hidden gem in Hamilton.
The Arboretum
When spring arrives in Ontario, the Royal Botanical Garden’s Arboretum is the place to be. While beautiful year-round, it’s extra special from April to June when their flowering tree collection is in bloom. But a little planning is a MUST to visit during peak bloom season.
Due to the Arboretum’s small parking lot, parking costs increase during peak bloom season from April 23 to May 31, 2026. Members must pre-book a timed admission slot on weekends. Visit their website to reserve your spot. Non-members can take a free shuttle from the RBG Centre on 80 Plains Road West.
The Arboretum, located at 16 Old York Road, is quite walkable and oh-so-beautiful.
Spring in Ontario: What’s Blooming When
Use the timing below as a guideline; when the blossoms arrive differs yearly based on Mother Nature’s whims. It’s a good idea to follow the RBGCanada Instagram page as it provides frequent updates on the status of the blooms. But with so much happening in May, you’re almost guaranteed to see something beautiful.
Magnolia
Magnolias have existed since the dinosaurs, and they are one of the showiest and earliest blossoms to arrive each spring.
The Magnolia Collection at the Royal Botanical Gardens has over 180 magnolias, including the endangered yellow-blossomed Cucumber Tree, the province’s only native magnolia.
You can also see a few magnolias at the Royal Botanical Rock Garden, but the ultimate magnolia destination is the Arboretum. The collection is split into two parts: East and West. Both are beautiful, but walking down the fragrant pathway through the West collection feels like being in a fairytale.
When to Visit: Mid-April to Early May
Cherry blossoms
Visiting the flowering cherries at the Royal Botanical Garden’s Arboretum won’t disappoint. They’ll greet you when you park your car as they encircle the parking lot. Then, there’s a lovely cluster within the Arboretum, including a spectacular Weeping Flowering Cherry, which is simply magical.
Weekends at the Arboretum are the busiest, with people crowding in to pose with the beautiful blossoms. But if you can visit on a weekday morning, you might be lucky enough to have the flowering cherries all to yourself.
You can also see a few stunning flowering cherries out front of the Royal Botanical Garden’s Rock Garden.
The setting isn’t as pretty as it is in the actual Rock Garden and nowhere near as special as the experience at the Arboretum. But if you are short on time or cash, this is a wonderful springtime stop to see cherry blossoms for free.
When to Visit: Mid-April to Mid-May
Tulips & Daffodils
The arrival of the tulips and daffodils signals spring in Ontario. The best place to see both is the Royal Botanical Garden’s Rock Garden at 1185 York Blvd.
While clusters of tulips are scattered throughout the Rock Garden, the showstopper is the lovely display right out front of the glass visitor centre.
If you’re a daffodil lover, the Rock Garden has an assortment of unique daffodils. In early May, you’ll find daffodils throughout the garden. And the best part is that they label everything! I know they have triandrus, double and trumpet daffodils from their discreet black signs.
Make your visit extra special by enjoying a meal at the Rock Garden Bistro. You won’t find a more spectacular spot to have lunch than sitting outside on the restaurant’s patio with a view out to the garden.
It’s open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Everything I’ve had there was delicious, and the setting with over 100,000 plants is a one-of-a-kind experience.
When to Visit: Early to Mid-May
Redbud
I’m unsure why these graceful trees are called redbuds; their flowers are brilliant magenta. But the Eastern Redbud, found at the Royal Botanical Garden, is a wonder to photograph, with small purply-pink blooms that coat the tree’s delicate branches. And the flowers last longer than other blossoms that arrive each spring in Ontario, between two to three weeks.
Redbuds can be found scattered throughout the Rock Garden, but the best spot is the Dogwood and Redbud Collection at the Arboretum. The collection is located just south of the Lilac Dell and is one of the least visited yet most incredible areas.
When to Visit: May
Crabapple
One of my favourite spring blooms in Ontario is the bright pinky hues of the crabapple tree. The collection of ornamental crabapples is near the Arboretum’s parking lot. You could sit and look at them out of your front windscreen. But get out and wander through the blossoms ranging from white to pale pink to deep reddish pink.
Each tree seems overloaded with gorgeous flowers, making this a favourite photo spot. They are just so pretty that they even look beautiful against a dark stormy sky. These spring blossoms last only a week or two, so don’t miss out.
I frequently visit with my mom on Mother’s Day, which, at least in recent years, coincides with peak crabapple blooms.
When to visit: May
Lilac
The Royal Botanical’s Lilac Collection is one of the largest and most diverse in the world. Until I visited, I had no idea there were so many beautiful varieties of lilacs, with colours from white to pink to a range of lovely purples.
Walking through the Lilac Dell is intoxicating, with the gorgeous shrubs dotting the hills. This pretty shrub has the longest-lasting flower, typically around six weeks.
Stop by their Rock Garden Bistro or Greenhouse Bistro to pick up a bottle of their Lilac Gin. It is typically available each spring and is made from lilacs handpicked from the Royal Botanical Gardens. This pretty pale purple gin makes lovely cocktails and a unique gift.
When to Visit: Mid to late May
If you love flowers, then check out this post, Fabulous Flower Fields in Ontario. This will help you find the BEST spots from May to August.
