12 Best Botanical Gardens in Winnipeg That Local Nature Lovers Are Proud Of
As a Winnipegger, I love exploring the city’s food scene, hitting up local festivals, and enjoying nights out with friends. But when I need a little peace and quiet, nothing beats a stroll through one of the city’s best botanical gardens.
An arboretum or botanical garden is the perfect place to unwind and soak in some fresh air. I just love admiring colorful blooms or simply enjoying the calm of a quiet bench; and yep—I snap tons of Instagram-worthy shots as well!
All in all, these gardens are a slice of paradise right in the city.
So if you’re looking for a break from the hustle and bustle, here are the top botanical gardens in Winnipeg to explore!
English Garden
– Media credit: tozp
Website: https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/park/gardens/english-garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the-english-gardens-at-the-assiniboine-park/
Address: 460 Assiniboine Park Dr
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 6 PM
Contact: (204) 927-6000
Located just north of the Qualico Family Centre in Assiniboine Park, the English Garden is easy to find and definitely worth the visit. It spans nearly three acres and is filled to the brim with colorful flowers, perennials, shrubs, and trees.
I just love its flowing, natural design inspired by the English Landscape style. Unlike the symmetry of formal gardens, this one features gentle curves and irregular shapes.
As you explore, don’t miss the iconic Boy With The Boot statue, a gift from the Winnipeg Downtown Rotary Club. Another must-see is the Queen Victoria Monument, which was moved to the park to honor her Diamond Jubilee.
| Pro Tip: Smoking isn’t allowed in the English Garden, so you can fully enjoy the fresh air and the stunning views without any interruptions. |
Leo Mol Sculpture Garden
– Media credit: ryans___photos
Website: https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/park/gardens/leo-mol-sculpture-garden
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/leo-mol-sculpture-garden/
Address: Assiniboine Park Dr
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 9:30 PM
Contact: (204) 927-6001
The Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, tucked away in the northwest corner of Assiniboine Park, is a hidden arboretum you don’t want to miss. This gorgeous garden came to life thanks to Dr. Leo Mol, who generously gifted his bronze sculptures.
The landscaping here is thoughtful, with shady beds designed to complement, not compete with, Mol’s incredible work. You’ll find clusters of ostrich ferns creating a soft, green backdrop and yellow ligularia adding bursts of peppy color.
Another bonus is that the garden is dog-friendly—feel free to bring your furry companion so both of you can have a lovely time outdoors.
| Pro Tip: Don’t forget to bring a book or magazine when you visit Leo Mol Sculpture Garden. You might find yourself wanting to linger in the shade of a tree by the water. |
St. Vital Park
– Media credit: anneguerrero
Website: https://www.winnipeg.ca/publicworks/parks/st-vital.stm
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st-vital-park/
Address: 190 River Rd
Hours: Mon – Sun: 7:30 AM – 10 PM
Contact: +1 877-311-4974
St. Vital Park is a must-visit green space in Winnipeg, and it’s easy to see why! As the city’s third-largest park, it stretches along a scenic bend of the Red River.
Plant lovers, keep your eyes peeled for some cool native species scattered throughout the park. You’ll spot tall Big Bluestem grass, bright pops of Canada Goldenrod, and even the not-so-welcome Annual Sow-thistle—all very Insta-worthy!
The trees here are pretty impressive too, with towering American Elms and resilient Bur Oaks; they’re known for their super-thick bark, which helps them survive prairie fires.
But it’s not just about the plants—wildlife lovers will surely have a blast too! Throughout spring, summer, and fall, the park is buzzing with birds like mallards and Canada geese gliding across the water.
| Pro Tip: If you’re bringing the kids along, St. Vital Park offers not one but two awesome playgrounds designed for younger and older children to burn off some energy and have a blast. |
Sage Garden Greenhouses
– Media credit: sagegardengreenhouses
Website: https://sagegarden.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sagegardengreenhouses/
Address: 3410 St Mary’s Rd
Hours: Thurs – Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
Contact: (204) 257-2715
Another top botanical haven that we love is Sage Garden Greenhouses—Winnipeg’s only “all-natural” garden center.
The plant selection here is next level, boasting over 1,000 varieties of plants throughout the year, including 400+ certified organic and organically grown seed varieties. From low-maintenance greens to rare tropical aroids, there’s something for everyone.
Now, if you’re into food gardening, they’ve got heirloom veggies, spices, and kitchen herbs that’ll upgrade your meals in style. They also carry an impressive range of succulents, bedding plants, and of course, colorful choice flowers.
We love that everything they grow thrives on 100% OMRI organic, compost-based soils. Plus, geothermal heating powers their greenhouses, and they haven’t introduced new plastic pots since 2021—it’s guilt-free gardening at its finest!
| Pro Tip: Sage Garden Greenhouses is open year-round, but if you want the crème de la crème of plant options, plan your visit between May and October for the peak selection. |
The Leaf
– Media credit: freshtrackscanada
Website: https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/leaf/lifegrows
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assiniboine_park/
Address: 145 The Leaf Wy.
Hours: Thurs – Sun: 9 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (204) 927-6000
The Leaf at Assiniboine Park is a beautiful indoor horticultural attraction. It has snagged the title of “Garden of the Year” at the 2023 Canadian Garden Tourism Awards—so you know it’s legit.
Check out its four biomes, each with its own unique vibe. For instance, the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome is home to Canada’s tallest indoor waterfall, surrounded by lush tropical greenery.
Over in the Mediterranean Biome, you’ll find herbs and drought-resistant plants. The Babs Asper Display House has rotating exhibits, while the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden has—you guessed it—cute butterflies!
And let’s not forget about fueling up! The Leaf Coffee Bar is the perfect spot to grab a coffee, tea, smoothie, or a quick bite like sandwiches, salads, and pastries.
| Pro Tip: If you’re in the mood for a sit-down meal, check out Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar, located inside The Leaf. We recommend their Nature’s Farm linguine with spinach cream sauce, chicken fennel sausage, and Manchego cheese. |
International Peace Garden
– Media credit: internationalpeacegarden
Website: https://peacegarden.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/internationalpeacegarden/
Address: 10939 Highway 281, Boissevain
Hours: Mon – Sun: 10 AM – 6 PM
Contact: +1 888-432-6733
The International Peace Garden, tucked away in the beautiful Turtle Mountains, is a celebration of peace, friendship, and the natural world. And just like its name, we found it’s totally peaceful here, too!
Check out its Formal Gardens, which are bursting with over 80,000 flowering annuals and perennials. It has a pollinator garden and the All-American Selection Garden—one of only three testing sites for new seed varieties in North America.
Another must-see is the Sunken Garden, often called the heart of the Turtle Mountains. New blooms and colors pop up weekly—every time we visit, we see something new!
For families, the Children’s Nature Play Area is a total hit. It features climbing nets shaped like turtles, bridges, dams in a beaver-inspired zone, and a wolf-themed gathering circle complete with a granite boulder fire ring.
| Pro Tip: Don’t leave without grabbing a bite at the Peace Garden Café. From soups and salads to classic burgers, hot dogs, and even ice cream, there’s something to satisfy every craving. |
Eleanor Kidd Botanical Garden
– Media credit: beecitybrandon
Website: https://lombardnorth.com/portfolio/eleanor-kidd-botanical-garden/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beecitybrandon/
Address: 101-10 Donald Street
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (204) 943-3896
The Eleanor Kidd Botanical Gardens is a newly renovated beauty and such a vibe! Tucked away in Brandon, this beautiful spot is brought to life thanks to the teamwork of the Brandon Garden Club and the City of Brandon Parks Department.
With tons of colorful perennials, it’s actually a haven for bees, butterflies, and other awesome pollinators; I mean, you can’t help but smile when a butterfly flits by or a bee gets to work on a flower nearby.
And let’s talk about the extras! There’s a lovely water feature topped off with a bronze statue by sculptor Peter Sawatzky; you’ll also find a performance stage with seating.
My favorite is hanging out at cozy little nooks with a book or stepping back for a lovely view of the Assiniboine River Corridor—very beautiful, especially during sunset!
| Pro Tip: Looking for the perfect spot for your next event? The garden hosts incredible weddings and special events like the City’s Music in the Park performances, which bring the space to life with live music and a warm, community vibe. |
St Mary’s Nursery & Garden Centre
Website: https://stmarysnurseryandgardencentre.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stmarysnursery
Address: 2901 St Mary’s Rd
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (204) 255-7353
For over 37 years, St. Mary’s Nursery & Garden has been a go-to spot for plant lovers. It’s also one of our favorite gardens to explore and shop in.
The real magic lies in their 65,000 sq. ft. of display gardens—you’ll find everything from perennials and annuals to trees, shrubs, ornamental grasses, and even tropical plants. And don’t forget to look for their rare Lulu marigolds that are hard to find in the city!
Adding to the charm are the center’s two adorable cats who love greeting visitors and two beautiful koi ponds—little touches that we love. Honestly, it’s easy to lose track of time wandering through the space, especially with so much to see and experience.
A bonus is that it transforms into a winter wonderland during the holiday season, complete with enchanting Christmas themes. You can bring the family over to shop for a Christmas tree, or just enjoy the lovely decor!
| Pro Tip: If you’re planning your own garden, March is the time to visit. They have an absolutely massive stock of plants and supplies, so you can bring your dream garden to life! |
Lacoste Garden Centre
– Media credit: lacoste_garden_centre
Website: https://www.lacostegardencentre.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lacoste_garden_centre/
Address: 2787 St Mary’s Rd
Hours: Mon – Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
Sunday: 12 PM – 5 PM
Contact: (204) 256-2377
With over 75 years of experience, Lacoste Garden Centre has perfected the art of connecting people with plants.
We’re impressed with their massive 50,000-square-foot production greenhouse, where their plants are grown by professionals. What’s even better? The team is always happy to share tips or answer your questions.
They seem to have everything to boot—from popular favorites like Ficus, Monstera, and Golden Pothos to the striking ZZ Raven or lush Kimberly Queen Fern.
And let’s talk about their charming little coffee shop—it’s such a treat! There’s nothing quite like sipping on a latte while surrounded by lush greenery and natural light.
| Pro Tip: If accessibility is a top priority for you, Lacoste Garden Centre has you covered! With a thoughtfully designed space and wheelchair-accessible facilities, it’s a great choice for anyone looking to enjoy plants and coffee without any hassle. |
Jensen Nursery & Garden Centre
– Media credit: jensennursery
Website: https://jensennursery.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jensennursery/
Address: 2550 McGillivray Blvd, Oak Bluff
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 5 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (204) 488-5042
If you’re looking to bring more green into your life, Jensen Nursery & Garden Centre in Winnipeg is the perfect place to start. Their mission is simple yet inspiring: to encourage everyone who walks through their doors to embrace the joy of plants.
Spread across a beautiful three-acre lot, they showcase a stunning variety of trees, shrubs, perennials, and annuals. For veggie gardeners, they’ve got everything from seed potatoes, onions, garlic, and rhubarb to horseradish and shallots.
They also have crowd favorites like Dahlias, Gladiolus, Lilies, and summer flowers. If spring is your thing, don’t miss their Tulips, Allium, Daffodils, and more.
If you choose to purchase plants here, you’ll have peace of mind. That’s because they offer a five-year warranty on most shrubs, evergreens, and trees, and a one-year warranty on perennials.
| Pro Tip: Take advantage of Jensen’s workshops and home consultations! Whether you want to learn new gardening techniques or get expert advice tailored to your space, these services make it easy to grow with confidence. |
Orchid Botanix & Tropicals of Winnipeg
– Media credit: orchidbotanix
Website: https://orchidbotanix.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/orchidbotanix/
Address: 640 Langside St
Hours: Depends on season, By appointment only
Contact: (204) 962-8811
Orchid Botanix & Tropicals is a boutique botanical garden that invites you to immerse yourself in exotic orchids. Their mission is “growing with you in every moment through the breath of life your orchid bestows.”
Their greenhouse houses an extensive collection of orchids that are ethically farmed and carefully nurtured. With blooms sourced directly from the tropics, their plants are chosen and grown with care to ensure lovely, year-round displays.
They offer a wide selection—from the striking Vanda Coerulea ‘Pink Sunti’ to the charming Brassocattleya Jairak Little Star. It also includes varieties endemic to the Philippines and Southeast Asia.
We like that they actively engage with the community, participating in events like the annual Manitoba Orchid Show, where they share their passion and expertise.
| Pro Tip: Orchid Botanix offers private showings by appointment only, making your visit a truly personal experience. Booking is easy—just send an email to [email protected] to schedule your visit and prepare to be amazed by their stunning collection. |
Chinese Gardens
– Media credit: justderek
Website: https://volunteeringwinnipeg.ca/place/chinese-gardens/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wcccc.mb/
Address: 180 King Street
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: 311
Right in the heart of Winnipeg’s Downtown district, the Chinese Gardens are a peaceful little escape in the Chinatown neighborhood. It follows the classic design of Chinese gardens that blend water and rock to represent harmony.
The gardens, located right in front of the Chinese Cultural Centre, are built around a pond with a lovely stone walkway. The plants here are thoughtfully chosen to reflect Chinese garden traditions, mixing perennials with juniper, pine, and flowering shrubs.
Fun fact: many of its plants have special meanings in Chinese culture! For example, the Scotch Pine stands for longevity and survival—perfect for Winnipeg’s cold winters.
What’s lovely is that there’s even amphitheater-style seating where you can sit with a book, some snacks, or enjoy a small community event.
| Pro Tip: Plan your visit for September and check out the Chinatown Night Market on the same street. Admission is totally free, and there’s so much to enjoy—art displays, live shows, food trucks, pop-up markets, and more. |