Royal Botanical Gardens (Canada)

Amazing Monarchs (Eng/Fr)

From egg to adult, you will see them all in this special program. We'll explore the Monarch Butterfly's amazing life cycle with live specimens when available, as well as images and video. Discover how you can help them along their migration route.

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Artists' Gardens: Nature Inspiring Art

Artists creations are inspired by a variety of things including the natural world and gardens, both public and private. Join Karin as she takes you on a journey exploring various well-known artists. Learn how their art was influenced by both the...

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Careers in Ecology, Botany and Horticulture

RBG has over 2400 acres of natural sanctuaries. We depend on our species and ecosystem ecologists to help with the monitoring, restoration and management of the biodiversity hotspot. Interested in learning more about these careers? Here’s your...

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Chocolate: From Treasure to Treat (Eng/ Fr)

How much cacao is really in your chocolate bar? From cacao to chocolate - rainforest treasure to delicious treat. After discovering the ecology of cacao and its role in the rainforest, we’ll explore how this tasty treat was (and still is...

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Colours in Nature (Eng/ Fr)

Have you ever wondered why animals and plants are certain colours. Communication is one reason and the other has to do with responses to the environment. Don’t forget about the plants too; they aren’t all green all of the time. Explore these and...

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Creatures with Wings and Crawly Things (ENG/FR)

Do you know what characteristics of insects are? We'll explore different habitats including leaf litter, aquatic and grass fields to discover a variety of insects (and non-insects) and their adaptations. What's their connection to plants? Now in...

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Dandelions! Friend or Foe (Eng/ Fr)

Dandelions… some people may see them on their lawn with mixed feelings, but these are amazing, super resilient, and useful plants! Explore how they survive in so many environments and how people use them. Don’t forget to pick a couple of plants...

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Good Things Come in Trees (ENG/FR)

Can you imagine your life without plants? Plants are critical for all life forms. They are the major source of food and oxygen on earth, since no animal can supply these necessary components without plants. Discover what parts of the plant we use...

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Growing Seeds (ENG/FR)

Discover what environmental conditions seeds need in order to germinate. Why do some seeds need to be planted while others do better on top of the soil? Need some help with your school vegetable or pollinator garden? 

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Healing Plants

Have you ever wondered where modern medicines originated? Did you know that over 80 percent of the world uses plants as medicine? We'll examine plants used in food, personal care and modern pharmaceuticals. What are the environmental issues...

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How far has your food travelled?

We go to the grocery store regularly to buy food, but where did that food come from originally compared to where we get it from now?  What resources are used to get the food to us? With the help of a world map, we'll explore these questions and...

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Human Impacts on Ecosystems (Wetlands) (ENG/FR)

When you go for a walk in a forest, meadow or wetland, is it the same as it was 100 years ago? Probably not. We'll explore the stressors on Cootes Paradise Marsh (Class 1 Wetland) and what is being to restore and monitor these efforts.

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Insects in Winter (Eng/ Fr)

Except for a few that migrate, most of the insects of spring, summer and fall are still around in the winter. The question is where and how do they survive the cold?

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Introduction to Horticultural Therapy

It has been well documented how important plants are in our lives, no matter our age. We'll take you through a sample activity to discover more about these benefits and how you can incorporate plant-based activities into your programs. Be prepared...

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Invasive Species and Biodiversity (Eng/ Fr)

We will be exploring how humans have been instrumental in introducing non-native/invasive species into natural environments and their impacts on biodiversity. We'll discover some interesting connections and what we can do.

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Organic Gardening

Why are farmers and gardeners turning to organic practices? What are the advantages and disadvantages? Can you use these techniques in your school garden or greenhouse? Join us to discover how easily you can help your local environment while...

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Photosynthesis

Green plants are the only plants that produce oxygen and make food, which is called photosynthesis. Explore how the plant's structures function and the adaptations plants have to carry out photosynthesis in different environments. Discover some...

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Plant Adaptations: Mediterranean Biome

Royal Botanical Gardens may be on the same latitude as the Mediterranean, but it doesn't have the same climate. Join us for a walk through the greenhouse to explore the Mediterranean plants and the adaptations that have enabled the hot dry summers...

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Plant Parts and Pumpkins (Eng/Fr)

Most plants start from a seed, but what happens afterwards. We'll review what a plant needs to grow and how a plant grows from a seed. We'll explore in more detail pumpkins, squash and gourds and how a pumpkin plant grows. What do you like to do...

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Pollination Partners (Eng/Fr)

Are insects and birds able to pollinate the same plant? Why is pollination beneficial? For the answers to these and many other questions, join us as we investigate with the living and preserved specimens the cooperative relationship between...

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Royal Botanical Gardens: Canada's Biodiversity Hotspot

Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) is much more than meets the eye. Created from a gravel pit, it has grown to be the largest botanical garden in Canada and a National Historic Site. Discover the history behind RBG’s inspirational gardens and natural...

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Seeds on the Go (ENG/FR)

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Soils in the Environment

Have you ever wondered what is under the grass?  What do roots actually grow in? It’s soil!  Get ready to discover what it takes to make soil and keep it healthy for living things to use. Bring your questions and be prepared to explore (and get...

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Starting Plants with Seeds

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Tea Time: The plant, the process and benefits

Tea is one of the most popular beverages globally. Originally from China, Camellia sinensis, is grown worldwide and depending on how its leaves are processed, produces some very interesting flavours. Have some samples on hand to taste while...

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Teacher Workshop: Programs offered at RBG (Eng/ Fr)

Royal Botanical Gardens invites you to participate in a free program introducing you to RBG and our current virtual and onsite programs available with a sampling of some of the content, activities and specimens available.  

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Wetland Ways (ENG/FR)

What is a wetland? Why is it one of the most productive ecosystems? Imagine you are an animal in a wetland. How do you depend on the various functions of a wetland to survive? We'll use metaphors to explore the special qualities of this...

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