Canada’s Best Indoor Botanical Gardens: Tropical Escapes In Your Backyard

The winter months are long and cold for most Canadians. Dreary skies, frigid temperatures, and heavy snowfall characterize a typical winter in Canada. A great way to escape the cold, winter weather is to visit an indoor botanical garden. These lush spaces bring nature indoors, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a variety of plant species, from tropical palms to delicate orchids. Come join us as we explore some of Canada’s best indoor gardens and their fascinating plant collections. You may just forget all about the bitter cold outdoors!

British Columbia

Bloedel Conservatory – a domed lush plant paradise located in Queen Elizabeth Park in Vancouver. Bloedel Conservatory is home to over 500 species of plants including fig trees, palms, exotic fruits, cacti and many tropical flowers. Keep an eye out for birds flying overhead, chattering parrots, and koi fish. Compact in size, Bloedel is a beautiful haven worth visiting as a winter outing. 

Alberta

Devonian Gardens – a peaceful refuge in the heart of Calgary. Devonian Gardens has over 2 acres worth of trees, 20,000 plants, fountains, bridges, waterfalls and fishponds, all situated above a shopping mall in the city.  Make time to visit this urban oasis in the winter months and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this extensive indoor garden.

Muttart Conservatory – an astonishing 700 unique plant species housed in 3 different climate regulated biomes in this Edmonton based indoor garden. Visit the Arid, Temperate and Tropical biomes and immerse yourself in the lush and vibrant paradise. The unique, pyramid-shaped glass buildings are a sight to behold. Shake the snow off your boots and pay a visit to this must-see spot in Edmonton.

Calgary Zoo – an overwhelmingly beautiful plant and butterfly paradise in the middle of the zoo. The ENMAX Conservatory and Nutrien Garden of Life display stunning plants including banana, pineapple and kiwi trees. Admission includes access to the zoo.

Saskatchewan

Reginal Floral Conservatory – a floral haven run by volunteers in Regina with admission by donation. Regina’s conservatory has beautiful tropical plants, fishponds along with seasonal displays of blooms. This hidden gem provides the perfect winter escape. Seating provides for a relaxing atmosphere that encourages lingering in the warmth of the greenhouses.

Manitoba

The Leaf at Assiniboine Park – under a roof shaped like its namesake, The Leaf provides a stunning botanical experience that any nature enthusiast would love. Journey through distinct biomes containing tropical plants, butterflies, koi fish, and Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall!

Ontario

Ontario Floral Showhouse – discover paradise a short distance away from Niagara Falls. Stunning collections of orchids, succulents and other tropical plants make this oasis worth visiting. Explore lush, exotic displays, learn about different plant species, and take in the peaceful atmosphere. With its carefully curated exhibits and well-maintained gardens, it’s a perfect stop for anyone seeking tranquility or inspiration in the heart of Ontario.

Quebec

Jardin Botanique – a combination of twenty themed outdoor gardens and ten greenhouses, Jardin Botanique is a wonderful visit for any plant lover. Ten exhibition greenhouses feature beautiful begonias, tropical plants, orchids, ferns, a celestial garden and a cacti garden.

No matter where you are in Canada, there’s an indoor botanical garden waiting to offer a peaceful retreat from the winter blues. These lush spaces not only provide a breath of fresh air during the cold months, but they also offer an opportunity to connect with nature and discover new plant species. Whether you’re looking to escape the chill for a few hours or gain some inspiration for your own garden, these indoor gardens are the perfect destination. So, why not plan your next winter outing to one of Canada’s botanical gems? Nature’s warmth and beauty are closer than you think!