Allan Gardens Conservatory

Overview

Allan Gardens is a Victorian-era glass conservatory in Cabbagetown, housing six greenhouses of tropical palms, desert cacti, orchids, and seasonal flower shows — free to visit year-round.

Highlights

• Palm House: Towering palms under 19th-century glass.
• Orchid collection: Hundreds of specimens in a dedicated wing.
• Winter warmth: A tropical escape on cold Toronto days.

History

Opened in 1910, replacing an earlier 1879 pavilion; one of the oldest public greenhouses in North America.

Visitor Tips

• Free admission: Open every day including holidays.
• Duration: 30–45 minutes.