1-Day Tour: Lilac Blooms at Royal Botanical Gardens
Guided Lilac Walk, Lunch, Gardens & Waterfront Stroll 

Note: The guided Lilac Dell walk follows an outdoor trail with a noticeable descent and return to street level (see photo at bottom of this page). This portion may not be suitable for guests with mobility challenges; you’re welcome to remain at the top. All other tour components, including the lunch, the indoor gardens, and the waterfront walk are fully accessible
Welcome springtime in bloom with a visit to the spectacular Royal Botanical Gardens during lilac season.

In May, a soft, heavenly fragrance fills the air signalling the arrival of one of nature’s most enchanting displays. Enjoy a guided walk through the celebrated Katie Osborne Lilac Collection in the Lilac Dell—home to one of the largest and most diverse lilac collections in the world. As you stroll among sweeping clusters of blossoms in shades of lavender, blush, and deep violet, knowledgeable horticultural guides share the stories, varieties, and unique characteristics that make this collection so remarkable.
Following your time in the Lilac Dell, we will relax over a buffet lunch at a nearby hotel banquet facility. In the afternoon, return to the Royal Botanical Gardens main facility for an unhurried exploration at your own pace. Wander through colourful outdoor beds or step inside to experience the warm, lush Mediterranean Garden and the striking Cactus Collection.

The day concludes with a visit to a scenic waterfront park in Burlington. Enjoy time to stroll along peaceful trails, take in views of Lake Ontario, or simply sit and savour the fresh spring air before the journey home.

This well-paced day combines guided discovery, natural beauty, and leisure time—perfect for enjoying one of spring’s most fragrant and photogenic blooms.

Tour Dates

1-Day Trip
Thu May 14, 2026
Full refund if you cancel for any reason at least 7 days before departure.

Price

$ 199 per person
All prices are per person, in Canadian dollars. All taxes and tips are included!

Pickup Locations

7:30 AM Vaughan Weston Rd & Hwy 7
8:10 AM Scarborough Town Centre
8:55 AM York Mills Station
9:30 AM Mississauga ​Hurontario & Courtney Pk Drive
To book over the phone
please call (866) 208-2950

Inclusions

  • Round trip transportation on highway motorcoach with a washroom and WiFi.
  • Admission to Royal Botanical Gardens Lilac Dell & Guided Walks
  • Admission to Royal Botanical Gardens Main Building
  • Light buffet lunch at Courtyard by Marriott Burlington
  • Free time at Burlington Waterfront Spencer Smith Park
  • Escorted tour with ShortTrips.ca tour director available during tour. 
  • All tips & taxes included.

Approximate Return Times

  • Mississauga 5:10 PM
  • York Mills 6:00 PM
  • Scarborough 6:30 PM
  • Vaughan 7:15 PM

Deposits, Payments, Cancellations & Refunds

  • 100% full refund if you cancel at least 7 days before the trip departure date. 
  • Sorry but no refunds if cancellation is received less then 7 days before trip departure date. 
  • You can transfer your seat to anyone else you know, up to the time of departure without penalty. 

​Travelling With Children

  • Children 10+ are welcome on this tour, same price as adults. 

Royal Botanical Gardens

The Royal Botanical Gardens is Canada’s largest botanical garden, spanning over 1,000 hectares of beautifully curated gardens and protected natural landscapes at the western tip of Lake Ontario.

​A National Historic Site, it features formal gardens, scenic nature trails, and diverse ecosystems. With over 27 km of trails and year-round seasonal blooms, the gardens offer a relaxing and visually stunning setting for visitors.

Lilac Dell

The Lilac Dell at the Royal Botanical Gardens Arboretum is home to the renowned Katie Osborne Lilac Collection—one of the largest and most diverse lilac displays in the world. Each spring, hundreds of varieties bloom across rolling landscapes, filling the air with a rich, unmistakable fragrance. Set within a natural valley setting, the Dell offers a scenic, immersive experience with vibrant colour during peak bloom in May.