Forest bathing, also known as shinrin-yoku in Japanese, is a practice that involves spending time in a forest to connect with nature through sensory engagement. It's a therapeutic practice that can help improve health and wellbeing. I know personally I go a bit stir crazy when I don't get out into the wild often enough. I miss going camping in the Alberta foothills and mountains but I have found some nice refuges here and my days of sleeping on the ground are far behind me!
When you live in a city, it might be challenging to get to a forested area to experience this but, luckily, North America is home to a stunning array of botanical gardens, each offering an experience that may blend nature, art, and culture. Whether you're a passionate horticulturist, a casual nature lover, or simply looking for a peaceful retreat, these botanical gardens are must-visit destinations that promise to leave you inspired and rejuvenated.
If nothing else, you'll have had an hour or so away from the noise and crowds of city life. Here is a look at a few botanical gardens you might want to stroll through. I've got a few indoor ones as well for those living in higher latitudes and wanting to escape the winter weather in a tropical setting, without having to fly to Hawaii that is! I've summarized the costs for each as well but bear in mind this can change by season or special event.
Outdoor Botanical Gardens: Enjoying Natures in the Sunlight
Nestled in the heart of the Bronx, the New York Botanical Garden (NYBG) is one of the premier botanical gardens in the world. Spanning 250 acres, it is home to over one million living plants. The garden's most iconic feature is the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory, a Victorian-style glasshouse that hosts a rotating display of orchids, desert plants, and tropical rainforests. The NYBG is also famous for its annual orchid show and holiday train show, both of which draw visitors from around the globe. I went to the holiday train show a few years back and was amazed at how delightful it was. It is sure to entertain children and adults alike.
Must-See: Don’t miss the Thain Family Forest, a 50-acre old-growth forest that’s the largest remaining tract of original woodland in New York City. The Native Plant Garden is another highlight, showcasing the rich biodiversity of the Northeastern United States.
Cost:
Adults: $35
Seniors (65+): $31
Students (with ID): $31
Children (2–12): $18
Children under 2: Free
Located in the picturesque Brandywine Valley (every time I hear the word Brandywine I cannot help but think of Hobbits), Longwood Gardens is a horticultural paradise that spans over 1,000 acres. Founded by industrialist Pierre S. du Pont, Longwood features meticulously designed gardens, sprawling meadows, and an expansive conservatory. The garden is known for its elaborate fountain shows, which combine water, music, and light to create a mesmerizing spectacle.
Must-See: The Italian Water Garden is a masterpiece of landscape design, with its formal layout and synchronized fountains. The Conservatory, with over 4.5 acres of indoor gardens, is another highlight, offering everything from tropical plants to seasonal displays.
Cost:
Adults: $25
Seniors (62+): $22
College students (with ID): $22
Children (5–18): $13
Children under 4: Free
Butchart Gardens, located near Victoria on Vancouver Island, is a National Historic Site of Canada and one of the most famous gardens in North America. Once a limestone quarry, it was transformed by Jennie Butchart into a garden wonderland. Today, it spans 55 acres and includes themed gardens such as the Sunken Garden, Japanese Garden, and Rose Garden. The vibrant floral displays change with the seasons, making it a year-round attraction. I have been there numerous times and have seen the displays change drastically over the years, each one topping the previous. While on the coast make sure you take a visit to Granville Island in Vancouver and make a stop at the brewery there.
Must-See: The Sunken Garden is a stunning centerpiece, with its dramatic drop into a kaleidoscope of color. During the summer, Butchart Gardens also offers evening entertainment and fireworks displays, adding a magical touch to your visit.
Cost:
Adults: $40.50 CAD
Youth (13–17): $20.25 CAD
Children (5–12): $2.00 CAD
Children under 5: Free
For a unique botanical experience, the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix showcases the beauty and diversity of desert plants. This one reminds me of the Desert Pyramid in the Edmonton Conservatory (seen later) but obviously in its natural environment. Covering 140 acres in the heart of the Sonoran Desert, this garden is home to over 50,000 plants, including an extensive collection of cacti, succulents, and agaves. The garden’s design highlights the rugged yet enchanting landscape of the desert, with trails that lead visitors through different desert ecosystems.
Must-See: The garden’s collection of Chihuly glass sculptures, integrated into the natural surroundings, creates a striking contrast between art and nature. The Butterfly Pavilion, open seasonally, is another favorite, offering an up-close encounter with these delicate creatures.
Cost:
Adults: $29.95
Seniors (60+): $27.95
Students (with ID): $24.95
Children (3–17): $16.95
Children under 3: Free
The Montréal Botanical Garden is one of the largest and most diverse botanical gardens in the world. With 190 acres and 22,000 plant species, it offers a global tour of flora. The garden features themed areas, including the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, and the First Nations Garden, each providing a glimpse into different cultures and landscapes. I saw this one many years ago while I was I was visiting to see the Juste Pour Rire Festival there (Just for Laughs comedy festival). Also managed to take in the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal during the same road trip so needless to say it was a great visit to La Belle Province that year.
For those who've never gone, visiting Montréal and nearby Québec City city is a fantastic way of exploring the French culture without leaving the continent. Sadly, the Juste Pour Rire festival was cancelled this year due to bankruptcy issues but they may re-emerge in 2025. The company that ran the festival will likely re-structure their internals and find a way to continue this beloved and well known festival.
Must-See: The Chinese Garden is particularly enchanting, with its traditional architecture, koi ponds, and seasonal lantern festival. The Insectarium, also part of the garden, is a must-visit for those interested in entomology. Must-See in Montréal is Rue St. Denis and Rue Saint- Catherine as well as Notre Dame Cathedral and the artist's ave in Old Montréal.
Cost:
Adults: $22 CAD
Seniors (65+): $16.50 CAD
Students (18+ with ID): $16.50 CAD
Children (5–17): $11 CAD
Children under 5: Free
Situated on the National Mall, the United States Botanic Garden (USBG) is a living plant museum that highlights the importance of plants to the well-being of humans and the environment. The garden includes a conservatory, an outdoor garden, and the National Garden, which features a rose garden, a butterfly garden, and a collection of native plants.
Must-See: The Conservatory houses plants from around the world, including a lush tropical rainforest and a desert environment.
The National Garden’s Butterfly Garden is a serene spot where visitors can observe a variety of native butterflies.
Cost: FREE! And Dogs on Leash are Welcome.
Get to the Tidal basin area in DC at the right time of year to witness the cherry Blossom Festival. You can also take in the Blossom Kite Festival. It is absolutely stellar.
The Huntington in San Marino, near Los Angeles, is a unique cultural institution that combines a library, art museum, and botanical garden. The gardens cover 120 acres and are divided into themed areas such as the Japanese Garden, Desert Garden, and the Chinese Garden (Liu Fang Yuan), each offering a distinct horticultural experience. Apparently they've had a history of people stealing plants for whatever reason . They have called attention to this crime in their exhibit: good for them! Poaching of any kind (other than breakfast eggs) is reprehensible.
Must-See: The Desert Garden is one of the largest and oldest in the world, with an extraordinary collection of cacti and succulents. The Rose Garden, in full bloom during spring and summer, is a romantic setting that’s perfect for a leisurely stroll.
Cost:
Adults: $29 weekdays / $32 weekends
Seniors (65+): $24 weekdays / $27 weekends
Students (with ID): $24 weekdays / $27 weekends
Children (4–11): $13
Children under 4: Free
Indoor Botanical Gardens: A Tropical Escape Any Time of Year
While outdoor botanical gardens are wonderful to explore in pleasant weather, sometimes you crave a tropical escape, no matter the season. These indoor botanical gardens offer lush, climate-controlled environments where you can immerse yourself in exotic flora year-round.
Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is a Pittsburgh gem that has been delighting visitors since 1893. The 14-room glasshouse is a Victorian-era marvel, featuring a wide variety of themed gardens and seasonal flower shows. From tropical rainforests to desert landscapes, Phipps offers a global plant journey under one roof. They always have a special event running along with their permanent exhibits. They've had things like the Chihuly glass exhibits (some of which remain there today), themes like famous painting scenes replicated, and they also do a fantastic winter garden for the Holiday Lights at Christmas. Indoors they have the whole gardens decorated in festive red ribbons, white lights, and more poinsettias than you'll ever see in one space. Magic!
Must-See: The Tropical Forest Conservatory is a highlight, offering a multi-sensory experience with waterfalls, exotic plants, and a canopy walkway. The Orchid and Bonsai Room is another must-visit, showcasing delicate orchids and intricately maintained bonsai trees. If visiting Pittsburgh anytime after Thanksgiving (US date) make sure to catch the Holiday Lights.
Cost:
Adults: $21.95
Seniors (62+): $19.95
Students (with ID): $19.95
Children (2–18): $14.95
Children under 2: Free
The Garfield Park Conservatory in Chicago is one of the largest and most stunning conservatories in the United States. Often referred to as "landscape art under glass," this historic conservatory covers 4.5 acres and houses a vast collection of exotic plants from around the world. Designed by Jens Jensen, it opened in 1908 and continues to be a green oasis in the heart of Chicago.
Must-See: The Palm House, with its towering palms and lush tropical plants, creates an immersive jungle-like atmosphere. The Desert House, with its array of cacti and succulents, offers a stark yet beautiful contrast to the tropical displays. Don’t miss the Fern Room, which evokes a prehistoric landscape.
Cost:
Free admission (suggested donation of $5 for adults, $3 for children). Reservations are required.Cost:
While visiting Chicago you've got to get over to downtown Millennium Park to see the Cloud Gate (commonly referred to as "The Bean") sculpture, and if you are a Blue's music fan stop by the Kingston Mines to catch a show, have a pint, and nosh on their Red Hot Smash Burger. Ooh, also look up the Purple Pig restaurant and make a reservation there too. Yum!
(Ok, I've really gotta do a blog about Chicago... great town.)
The Muttart Conservatory is one of Edmonton's most iconic landmarks, recognized by its striking glass pyramids that house an impressive collection of plants from different biomes around the world. Located in the heart of Edmonton, this unique indoor botanical garden offers visitors a chance to explore diverse ecosystems in a single visit, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers and curious explorers alike. In a city that sees less than 8 hours of sunlight and -30C temperatures in winter this lovely oasis offers a wonderful respite from the harsh Alberta winters.
The conservatory features four distinct pyramids, each dedicated to a specific biome: tropical, temperate, arid, and a feature pyramid that hosts rotating exhibits. This variety allows visitors to experience the lush greenery of the tropics, the vibrant seasonal changes of temperate zones, the stark beauty of desert landscapes, and ever-changing themed displays, all within the comfort of an indoor environment. My favorite pyramid was the arid one. As a kid it was so cool to go in there and see the Prickly Pear Cacti towering over your head.
Must-See: The Feature Pyramid is the crown jewel of the Muttart Conservatory, with displays that change several times a year. These exhibits are often themed around holidays, cultural events, or specific plant species, offering something new with each visit. There is also a chance to see the corpse flower, famously known as Putrella. This rare and giant plant, Amorphophallus titanum, has bloomed several times since its arrival in 2012. While Putrella last bloomed a few years ago in 2017, it’s a plant that goes through long dormancy periods before blooming again. It is so named because when it does bloom, it smells like carrion. To each their own!
Cost:
Adults: $14.95 CAD
Seniors (65+): $12.50 CAD
Youth (13–17): $12.50 CAD
Children (2–12): $8.75 CAD
Children under 2: Free
I add this one as it is a very unique space in downtown Calgary, Alberta. It is an indoor botanical garden located inside the CORE Shopping Centre. Spanning over one hectare, it features a vast collection of tropical plants, including over 500 trees, as well as a living wall, koi ponds, and a children's play area. As a tranquil urban oasis, the gardens offer a peaceful retreat from the bustling city, providing a lush, green environment year-round, making it one of the largest indoor gardens in North America. When I worked in the downtown core long ago this would be my sanctuary where I'd take my lunch and find a bench to sit on and eat. It's been ages since I've been there and they have since renovated so I'd like to go back and see how it is now.
Calgary has a fantastic system downtown called the +15 Skyway Network, an extensive system of elevated, enclosed walkways that connects buildings throughout downtown Calgary. The "15" refers to the fact that these walkways are typically 15 feet (about 4.5 meters) above street level. Spanning over 18 kilometers (11 miles) and including more than 80 bridges, the +15 network allows pedestrians to move between office buildings, shopping centers, hotels, and other downtown facilities, like the Devonian Gardens, without having to go outside. This is particularly useful during Calgary's cold winters, providing a warm, sheltered alternative for navigating the city.
Cost: Free
Tips for Visiting Botanical Gardens
Seasonality: Different gardens offer different experiences depending on the season. Spring and summer are typically the most colorful, but fall foliage and winter displays can also be stunning.
Climate Control: Indoor gardens are climate-controlled, making them perfect for visiting year-round, regardless of the weather outside.
Photography: Gardens are perfect for photography. Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light and fewer crowds.
Photographing Indoors: Indoor gardens often have unique lighting conditions, so adjusting your camera settings for lower light can help you capture the best photos.
Crowd Timing: Indoor conservatories can get busy, especially during weekends and holidays. Visiting during weekday mornings or late afternoons can provide a more tranquil experience.
Special Exhibits: Many indoor botanical gardens host special exhibits, including art installations, light shows, and seasonal flower displays. Check the garden's schedule ahead of time to catch these unique attractions.
Relax and Reflect: Botanical gardens are not just about seeing plants; they are also places to relax, reflect, and connect with nature. Take your time.
Summary
Whether you're looking to explore lush landscapes, learn about diverse plant species, or simply enjoy a quiet lunch among plants, North America's botanical gardens offer something for everyone.
Take some time to visit one and reap the benefits:
Walking through gardens provides gentle exercise, which can help improve cardiovascular health, increase stamina, and strengthen muscles.
Spending time in natural environments like botanical gardens allows for the intake of clean, fresh air, which is beneficial for lung health and overall energy levels.
Research has shown that time spent in nature can lead to lower blood pressure, reduced heart rate, and decreased levels of stress-related hormones like cortisol.
These gardens provide a peaceful, quiet environment that promotes relaxation. The lush greenery, vibrant flowers, and calming landscapes help reduce stress and anxiety. Many visitors find botanical gardens to be ideal spaces for practicing mindfulness, meditation, or quiet reflection.
Happy Travels!
Il Digestivo
Do you love plants in your garden or in your home? Indoor or outdoor plants alike bring a certain joy in creating your own green space. Here's a few items that might just liven up the household a touch.
Costa Farms Live Plants (3 Pack)
Bring a little green into your home with this easy to grow three pack. Perhaps gift them to someone who just bought a new home. This variety pack of live air purifying plants helps keep your indoor air fresh and clean by naturally filtering out pollutants and toxins. Many indoor plants also act as natural humidifiers, adding moisture in the air so you can breathe better. Clean Air Plants heights are approximately 8-10 inches tall, measured from the bottom of the pot to the top of the plant. It is in a 4-inch diameter modern decor pot. The plants you receive will vary depending on season and availability so it is kind of like a green L.O.L. surprise kit.
Live Chrysanthemum Flowers By Plants for Pets
Add a splash of color to your front porch this Autumn with some mums. These fall mums come in 1 gallon pots and can enhance outdoor garden decor or an existing outdoor planter of perennial plants. A portion of your purchase goes to the Plants for Pets animal shelter fund which helps to secure new homes for shelter animals. Available in bronze, reed, white, yellow and purple. Prices vary by color and availability. You can also get them as a four pack for around $25.
TONULAX Solar Garden Lights
Brighten up your outdoor green space with these swaying solar lights. Designed to mimic a group of fireflies these garden lights are a delight. Also available in multi-colored lights for a more festive look. Sold in groups of 2 with each light having around 8 small bulbs on them.
Yankee Balsam & Cedar Scented Candle
When you can't get out to smell the real thing you can always bring a little bit into the house with scented candle. This candle has all the right stuff to invoke a festive forest scent of balsam, aromatic cedar wood, and juniper berry. Even though SNL riffed on scented candles in a pretty funny skit, they continue to be very popular in households. This time of year many are looking for the pumpkin spice candles, which you can also find in the Yankee candle line-up, but I prefer the more woodsy aromas personally. Provides a 110 to 150 hour burn time.
Note: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
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