With most Canucks spending the majority of the year in Canada’s snowy landscapes, it’s no wonder that the bloom of spring brings excitement and joy to many with the sight of fresh greenery and delicate flowers sprouting from our gardens to the side walks. For winter lovers ready to step out and smell the roses, embrace the warmer temperatures of spring by heading to Canada’s most beautiful gardens to enjoy the flora of these natural botanical beauties.

Photo: thebutchartgardens on Instagram

1) Butchart Gardens, Victoria, BC: Take a stroll through the Butchart Gardens in Victoria for a relaxing afternoon walk. This National Historic Site is owned by the descendants of the Butchart family and sprawls over 55 acres of colourful floral arrangements and vibrant greeneries. Open all year round, visitors can enjoy the stunning displays of flowers from March to October and come summer time, lights and fireworks illuminate the garden at night complete with live entertainment for a romantic evening out.

2) Montreal Botanical Gardens, Montreal, QC: Founded in Montreal, Quebec in 1931, the Montreal Botanical Gardens is home to a flora of exotic botanicals from around the world with 30 thematic gardens, 10 greenhouses and an expansive arboretum. Although this garden is covered in snow during winter, come spring time, its lush vistas and natural landscapes provide a tropical oasis for outdoor lovers. Guests can watch the fluttering of butterflies at the annual spring event Butterflies Go Free from February through April as well as participate in various tea ceremonies in the Japanese Garden during summer.

Photo: @jardinsdemetis on Twitter

3) Jardins de Métis, Grand-Métis, QC: Located in Quebec’s Gaspé Peninsula, Jardins de Métis, also known as Reford, is one of Canada’s most widely recognized gardens. Elsie Reford transformed it from what used to be a fishing lodge into a beautiful garden for visitors to enjoy year round. From meandering the paths of its English border and listening to the soothing sounds of its natural stream to appreciating the colourful primroses and its famous blue poppies called Meconopsis Betonicifolia, the Reford Garden offers guests with much to see for spring.

4) Niagara Parks Botanical Garden, Niagara Falls, ON: If you’re heading to Niagara to admire the spectacle of The Falls, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens should also be on your itinerary come spring. Just a short 10-minute drive from The Falls, the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens offers a picturesque scenery to enjoy the bright skies and warm temperatures of the season. Established in 1936 and open all year round, visitors come from all over the world to adore the renowned English estate-styled rose garden and its vast display of 2,400 roses. The garden is also known for its butterfly garden and conservatory where visitors can experience the enchanting lure of native butterflies roaming the dome.

Photo: @HfxPublicGarden on Twitter

5) Halifax Public Gardens, Halifax, NS: Breathe in the fresh spring air at Halifax Public Gardens for a refreshing change of scenery. Founded in 1867 and named a National Historic site in 1984, the garden is known for its Victorian charm nestled in the bustling city atmosphere of Halifax. The garden is adorned with statues, bridges, fountains and tropical display beds brightening the park. Whether you’re strolling the rambling pathways or enjoying a picnic under the trees, escape the busy city life and soak up the sun at Halifax Public Gardens.