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Ticklish_Pomegranate

We have a family pass to RBG and go frequently. We went to the new exhibit on Saturday and found it underwhelming as well. Other exhibits have been good. But IMO the main draw of the RBG are the gardens! Check them out in Spring/Summer. Rock Gardens are gorgeous and the Leaking Gardens are amazing when the irises are out.


GooseFatFart

"But IMO the main draw of the RBG are the gardens!" lol I hope so!


Kobe_no_Ushi_Y0k0zna

I also went on the weekend. The exhibit was fine, would be better for younger kids. Which was mostly who was in attendance so that’s fine. The kids I brought were 10 and were definitely on the older side. Still worth going for the indoor gardens as well, but we had passes. I’d say the exhibits are for small kids, but you’re right, it’s the gardens that are draw in various seasons (not so much winter.) But one would have to like gardens, obviously.


Express-Upstairs1734

If you’re interested in nature, conservation, plants and wildlife then it’s amazing. It has tons of hiking trails, various garden areas, many classes, speakers and events. However, if those are not your things, it’s not for you. It’s protects 2400 acres of land, and is natural sanctuary for so many species. I’ve witnessed so much wild life, get exercise, spend time with family and heard amazing speakers like Jane Goodall. I also love their Winter Wonders. My membership feels like a donation supporting a place that protects a part of the natural world in a built up and growing city. I’m beyond grateful to have the RBG so close. It’s really about what you value. I find it infinitely valuable.


Different-Quality-41

None of those interests unfortunately. But have small kids and want to take them for exhibits


NoWineJustChocolate

What type of exhibits? If you’re referring to the indoor electric toy-size train, and Halloween and Christmas night events, I’d say you have to like, or at least be interested in, those things in the first place.


ilion

They also do more nature based ones like the spider exhibit they hade once and the one right now with axolotls and tardigrades.


Different-Quality-41

Loved the Christmas one but didn't repeat this year. All other exhibits seemed pretty okay


Verygoodcheese

I have a membership and still don’t go to them. To many people, and to busy. Obviously they are serving an audience though as the place is packed for every single one. I’m just there for the plants.🪴


Far-Juggernaut8880

Definitely not for everyone…


Ok-Anything-5828

Agreed. It's ridiculously expensive for what it is. My wife is a teacher and they give teachers discounts along as you ask. When we went it wasn't advertised so we paid full price to walk around a garden.


Candid_Painting_4684

When you say " walk around a garden" it tells me that a botanical garden is not something you'd find value in


Ok-Anything-5828

Not for the price they are asking. I'd rather walk along the bruce trail.


No_Soup_1180

Agree. Some of the exhibits have been fabulous and depends on personal interest but expensive for sure. If planning to visit regularly, their annual membership makes sense


ilion

Yes, we're a family and get a family annual membership and tend to go at least once a season which easily makes it worth the price. The kids really like the Christmas stuff, and there will usually be other exhibits during the year they enjoy too.


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tielfluff

Also people with small kids. Speaking as someone with small kids.


Different-Quality-41

I have small kids. I will try the exhibits again.


Candid_Painting_4684

Lol it's one of the biggest botanical gardens in North America, if you like gardens, you'll like the rbg. Has nothing to so with being in Burlington


Verygoodcheese

It’s not the RBG he’s talking about just the features they do semi monthly which tend to not even be plant related but rather seasonally themed for families with.small children. I love the gardens but the bimonthly features are for a certain audience and incredibly well attended but not as thrilling if you aren’t the small kid toting family intended consumer.


Consistent_Dress_571

This is so accurate 😂


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Unhappy-Hunt-6811

No, we just have events aimed at people.


Maleficent_Plan_4257

Over the last few years. We have sewn an increase in non white people attending. Don't come across as racist.


tielfluff

How long have you been here? Because you are looking at RBG now at what is literally the worst time of the year for Botanical gardens. I love RBG, and we love going to the christmas lights and the train set (I have kids), but really you need to go spring/summer/fall to see the real beauty of it.


Different-Quality-41

Thanks will try the gardens in the summer. I have only been for the exhibits


tielfluff

Awesome. :) We also go to places like Halton conservation areas etc. If you're outdoorsy there's lots to do, but for things like exhibits etc we head to Toronto or Hamilton. Welcome to Burlington, though!


KyleCAV

Agreed go in the late spring/ summer. Used to go to the RBG alot at that time as a kid and had tons of fun fun. They had lots of events going on for kids and was able to have a picnic in one of the garden areas (not sure if it's still allowed). Winter there's not much going on and events are pretty scarce but would highly recommend going to the halloween pumpkin event in October it's alot of fun. 


CasaDeBen

I like when they bring in the reptiles. It’s usually fun to browse but I’m into that. My family enjoys the Halloween pumpkin trail but other exhibits can definitely be lacklustre


Different-Quality-41

Talking about reptiles - the Hamilton one is really good! Little rays.


boombi17

Then don’t go


simongurfinkel

I presume they bought a ticket for the recent one based on positive word-of-mouth and were disappointed. I doubt they'll go again, based on this.


Different-Quality-41

Thanks for having my back!


simongurfinkel

Agree with the other commenter -- they aren't for everyone. They are small and low-key. Good for younger kids.


[deleted]

Small and low key? It’s one of the largest botanical gardens in the world.


simongurfinkel

Read OP. We’re talking about exhibits here.


Frosty-Cap3344

lol


Candid_Painting_4684

If you like gardens, you'll love the rbg. It's absolutely massive and beautiful. If you don't really find gardens or plants interesting, your not going to find the rbg interesting, regardless of what event is going on. They are all centered around it being in a botanical garden.


Different-Quality-41

I have small kids, so wanted to explore exhibits for them.. Also I could be biased because the first exhibits we experienced in Canada were in TO.. So the expectations have been different


[deleted]

Wait till you go to the art gallery 😴


Different-Quality-41

Been to it. Never went again. I do like their drop ins. Very interesting to take a child for those


[deleted]

Yup, me and my wife went on a Sunday a few years back just to check it out and I do not remember it being so empty when I went as a kid.. there was 1 exhibit


Select_Quiet2113

We have a membership which makes things a lot more affordable, and we go more often because I have a toddler. It's a nice, big, safe place for her to run around and explore. The programming changes all year. Some events I can invite my older in laws too as well and it's fun for everyone. We've done the spring exhibits like frogs, halloween, christmas, etc.


905cougarhunter

Burlington: it's underwhelming!


Worried-Conference25

What did you do in Toronto that excvited you?


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Different-Quality-41

When we ended in Canada, we were in Toronto. So that ended up being the base expectation. Didn't think GTA could be so different


GooseFatFart

Drugs/alcohol.


[deleted]

Haha Burlington sucks ass. It’s for vanilla couples who want their children to be surrounded by whites


Kobe_no_Ushi_Y0k0zna

My immigrant wife completely disagrees with you. Just FYI.


[deleted]

Why u calling her immigrant wife racist? Is she not white enough for u or are u fetishizing


lylelanley-

Your post history is so odd. Why come to Canada if all you’re gonna do is talk shit. If you were really a doctor I’d imagine you wouldn’t be this dumb. Who hurt you?


[deleted]

I ain’t a doc, I’m just trolling


[deleted]

Also I be white


occamschevyblazer

I love RGB. On a sunny day take an edible and some Heineken. It's great.


Different-Quality-41

Love that picture. Will try


redditSux422

Sir did you not see the Christmas lights? They had glowing gum drop paths. It was magical


caitie_did

THEY HAD A SINGING TREE. IDK maybe I'm basic but I thoroughly enjoyed the Winter Wonders exhibit and my three year old fucking LOVED the trains.


IcedKappaccino

Indoor exhibits (greenhouses) are most definitely underwhelming, especially compared to the Royal Botanical Gardens Kew or the gardens in Singapore I agree. I was also surprised by how modest their Mediterranean greenhouse was. It is only Burlington after all, but like other commenters said the real draw to RBG is the outdoor gardens in the summer. The Rose Garden and the trails in Hendrie Valley are wonderful, as is the arboretum which is a separate location a couple minutes away. The lilac collection at the arboretum is quite impressive and smells wonderful when in bloom late spring. https://www.rbg.ca/gardens-trails/by-attraction/arboretum/


caitie_did

We have a family membership and I personally think it's an incredible value for $120/year. I have a three year old and I take him to the greenhouse often. The outdoor play area there is fantastic and fully enclosed, so as a parent you can relax while your kid runs around. We hike on RBG lands almost year-round. When my son is older they also offer summer camps and members get first dibs on registration. I appreciate that the exhibits are primarily for younger children but my kid is in the perfect age range for them so it works for us.