Garden Adventures

Walk, ski, or snowshoe 4 km of trails through open fields, wildflowers, maple forest, and a pine plantation. The trail features over 60 pieces of art, including sculptures, photography, murals, and other works by local and international artists. The AOG Art Gallery on site houses an eclectic private collection of contemporary art.

HOST: Bill Gibbons

Two gardens, one-stop.

The Town of Gananoque Confederation Park sits on the shores of the Gananoque River and is steps away from the Town Hall, shops and restaurants. This park boasts one of Canada's largest outdoor contemporary art exhibits around its walks and beautiful fountain. Showcased are pieces from Canadian artists through the Canadian Council for the Arts along with local artists who depict the history and environment of the area.

Directly across the river is the Gananoque Horticultural Society Park, on land donated by the Macdonald family, one of the community’s founding families. It was the site of Gananoque's first post office and now hosts a series of flower beds that display perennials and shrubs in both shade and sun. The pollinator garden features annuals and perennials attracting bees and butterflies. This park is owned by the local horticultural society and is maintained by its volunteers.

HOSTS: Gananoque Parks & Recreation and the Gananoque Horticultural Society

Enjoy a scenic stroll through the village featuring the tranquil Serenity Garden, beautiful streetscapes, and a walk across the marina bridge to a picturesque harbour. Discover vibrant pollinator gardens, native plants, and peaceful spots to pause and take in the charm of Westport, its waterfront setting, or the majestic views of Foley Mountain. All within easy walking distance of restaurants, shopping and Lockwood Park.

HOST: Village of Westport

This charming property owned by the Thousand Islands Watershed Land Trust, consists of a restored 1838 farmhouse; an 1850 stagecoach stable; heritage vegetable and flower gardens; three types of greenhouses; a native tree and shrub nursery; a native plants for pollinators garden; a climate ready arboretum featuring Carolinian species; and trails through mature woodlands to the ruins of the old mill complex and a spectacular waterfall. Special events are held throughout the year.

HOSTS: Robert Burtch / Maggie Stevenson

A gathering place created to enjoy the beauty of the River, the Ivy Lea Club is comprised of a private marina, the Ivy Restaurant and the Coach House General Store. At the entrance you are welcomed by large granite rocks and lilac bushes which mimic the natural environment of the Thousand Islands. Follow the laneway lined with Red Sunset Maples down to the river's edge to a park-like setting with a large variety of trees and an array of shrubs, such as 'Limelight' hydrangea and 'Quickfire' hydrangea, Common Lilac, French hybrids, Hungarian lilacs and Preston lilacs along with a great assortment of perennials.

HOST: Renee McIntyre

This lavender and specialty pumpkin farm has 1200 mature English Lavender plants.  Special events on the farm include 'Soiree in the Field' luxury picnics, yoga sessions, local photography and fundraising events.  Fresh/dried bundles are available for purchase on site.

** previously known as The Kirk Farm

HOSTS: Emily and Jeremy Kirk

This private 1.5-acre site with numerous themed gardens, and over 5,000 perennial flowers, flowering shrubs and grasses, was the recipient of the Community Artistic & Cultural Contribution Service Award for 2016 as well as the Doers and Dreamers Award for 2017.  Their mission is to provide a garden habitat that will aid in the conservation and enjoyment of our native butterflies, birds and bees. The property is registered as a Canadian Wildlife Federation 'Backyard Habitat'.  The gardens feature a Registered Monarch Waystation, Zen Garden, numerous pollinator gardens, and a meadow walk.

HOSTS: Colleen O'Connell / David Cybulski

No.9 Gardens is a 40-acre hands-on teaching facility created to empower Canadians; providing a unique facility for eco-art, and workshops related to sustainability and Indigenous dialogue. Enjoy the quiet wilderness and the Morton Creek that winds through the property, or experience an overnight in a prospector-style tent or in a traditional Mongolian yurt.

HOST: Andrew Davies

Perfectly placed along the shores of Opinicon Lake in beautiful Chaffey’s Lock, The Opinicon is a living piece of history on the Rideau Canal System. Originally a rustic fishing lodge, the property has evolved into a beloved destination for foodies and garden enthusiasts alike. Savour locally inspired dishes in the restaurant or a delicious house-made treat in the ice cream shop as you survey over 10,000 square feet of stunning English gardens, varied garden beds, and mature trees. With over a century of hospitality and warmth radiating from its buildings, this unique location has everything you could want for an unforgettable day.

HOST: Front Desk

This 7-acre destination is nationally known by gardeners, collectors, horticulturalists and designers as one of Canada's top garden displays and garden centre. Located in a verdant woodland setting, the gardens comprise significant collections of conifers, Japanese Maples, grasses and Hostas, as well as a wide range of unusual trees, shrubs and perennials. Garden rooms and rambling trails immerse you in garden settings that showcase Rhododendrons in spring and give way to a thoughtfully planted succession of blooms.

Don't miss the dramatic pond, or the Pavilion Art Gallery featuring the Garden and Wildlife Art of Dave Dunn. Grab a garden map and come Ramble!

HOSTS: David Dunn / Robert Caron

A stunning year-round location and event venue, this historic 100-year-old barn was restored and decorated with reclaimed materials and rustic features. It sits by a natural granite waterfall at the edge of the woods, offering beautiful views of lush gardens and a tranquil pond.

HOST: Erich Prohaska / Normand Pichette

Stroll the banks of the St. Lawrence River amongst the beautiful gardens featuring many flowers, plants, and quotations from famous Shakespearean plays. Adjacent to the Marina and the St. Lawrence Shakespeare Festival amphitheatre, guests can catch a performance or take a stroll along the waterfront promenade to enjoy the great view!

Relax with a picnic, grab an ice cream from the Rotary Lighthouse, then explore the Pop-up Promenade. Accessible by car or boat, the gardens extend to RiverWalk Park and the Heritage River Trail, and are close to shops, pubs, restaurants, and Fort Wellington National Historic Site.

Public washrooms are available at the Sandra S. Lawn Harbour & Marina, and the Pop-Ups Vendor Market.

HOST: Town of Prescott

This 16-acre property features a Canadian Shield forest with mature coniferous and deciduous trees, interspersed with unique formal gardens showcasing distinct plants and sculptures. The grassless landscape includes winding pathways that blend into a woodland area with rare plants, agave, and cactus. Sunny openings within the preserved tree canopy add to the overall charm. The forest walking paths offer visitors a serene walk on the wild side, and the fall colours are particularly stunning.

HOSTS: Alison Whitlock / Patrick Hopkins

U-Pick Tulip Field of over 50,000 tulips where tulips and memories grow.  Choose from various colours and varieties to pick your own bouquet to take home! Pre-picked bouquets available.

HOST: Cameron Cooke, Andrew Ferguson

A sustainable, working flower farm specializing in growing unique, cut flowers for the floral industry, and creating one of a kind market bouquets for weekly Bouquet Subscription and Local Farmers’ Market. The property hosts many native plants, multiple pollinator gardens and is registered as a Canadian Wildlife Federation ‘Backyard Habitat’.

Open for tours showcasing sustainable growing techniques and “How to plan your floral event around seasonal gardening.” Bouquets are available for purchase pending on availability.
Host to several agri-tourism/special events such as Pick & Sips (Wine Tasting and U-Pick), Mommy and Me U-Picks, and Yoga in the Flowers. 

HOSTS: Meagan Warren