The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens

Imagine a blooming oasis stretching along a picturesque creek: the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens is a unique network of specialized parks in the city of Oshawa. This destination wonderfully combines the historical charm of the Parkwood Estate with modern landscape design, creating the perfect space for relaxation in Canada.

One of the park's main jewels is the famous Peony Garden, which boasts one of the most extensive collections in North America—over 300 varieties. The gardens are interlaced with winding paths and the Joseph Kolodzie Bike Path, while elegant architectural elements like the rotunda and pedestrian bridge add a touch of refinement to the landscape.

Visitors will find not only floral carpets of daylilies and lilacs but also shady spots to relax by the water. Thanks to free admission and high traveler ratings, the gardens have become a favorite spot for photo shoots and family strolls, where new natural "treasures" bloom every week of the summer.

To contact the administration or for details about your visit, you can use the official contact information:

A visit to the gardens is, above all, an opportunity to enjoy the aesthetics of nature. Be sure to take a stroll along the winding paths by Oshawa Creek, crossing from bank to bank over decorative bridges. In June, the main highlight is the blooming of one of North America's largest peony collections—a spectacle that attracts hundreds of photographers and plant lovers annually.

Architecture and romance enthusiasts should check out the Memory Garden, home to a classic gazebo that's perfect for striking photos. You can also explore the daylily and lilac collections or simply relax on one of the many benches under the canopy of old trees. For families, there are picnic tables and a playground.

For those who prefer to stay active, the Kolodzie Path bicycle route passes through the gardens. During the summer, the display is refreshed weekly: the gardens are designed to delight visitors with continuous blooms from spring until autumn. It’s an ideal place for meditative relaxation away from the city noise.

The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens are located at 155 Arena St, Oshawa, ON L1J 4E8, Canada. The gardens stretch along Oshawa Creek from Adelaide Avenue West to Gibb Street, situated in close proximity to the historic Parkwood Estate. For those arriving by car, free parking is available directly on-site.

If you prefer an active outing, the gardens are easily accessible by bike or on foot via the scenic Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path. From the city center, you can take a taxi or use local bus routes serving the area south of Adelaide Avenue.

For travelers from Toronto, the drive takes about one hour via Hwy 401. The park entrance coordinates are 43.9005355, -78.8710201. The garden entrances are conveniently integrated with the park trails, making access easy and intuitive.

The history of this green oasis began in 1999 when city authorities decided to create a network of parks along Oshawa Creek. However, the true flourishing began in 2001 with the opening of the Peony Garden. Its foundation was a unique collection of 100 plants donated by the Canadian Peony Society from the heritage of Wally Gilbert, who preserved the varieties of the famous 19th-century breeder William Brown.

Between 2002 and 2003, the collection expanded significantly through acquisitions from leading North American breeders. Rare hybrids were added, including the 'Irene May Gilbert' variety, named after Wally Gilbert's wife. By 2006, the area was enhanced with architectural landmarks: an elegant gazebo and the Rotary Bridge, built to honor the centenary of Rotary International.

A modern stage of development was marked in 2017 by the addition of a collection of 265 daylily varieties on the east bank of the creek. Today, the Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens harmoniously combine the historical heritage of the Parkwood Estate with modern landscaping, creating a single space that follows the natural contours of the valley.

Usually, 1–2 hours is enough for a leisurely introduction to the main garden collections. This is plenty of time to walk the winding paths, admire the flowers, and take beautiful photos by the creek.

If your visit coincides with the peak of the peony bloom in June, or if you plan to enjoy a picnic and a ride along the bike path, it’s worth setting aside 2 to 3 hours. The garden’s peaceful atmosphere invites long contemplation of nature, so many visitors prefer to spend half a day here.

The Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens warmly welcome visitors every day. The official opening hours are from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Monday through Sunday.

Admission to the grounds is free. This allows city guests and locals to enjoy the beauty of nature both early in the morning, when the garden is particularly fresh, and in the evening under the soft light of the sunset.

Exploring the surroundings of the Botanical Gardens will allow you to dive deeper into the city's atmosphere and make your walk even more fulfilling. Both historic sites and cozy spots for post-park relaxation are located nearby.