Lake Shore West Garden Tour

The Lake Shore West Garden Tour is back on Saturday June 21, 2025!

This annual, FREE Garden Tour is run by a team of Volunteers in South Etobicoke each June.

It remains free with thanks to the support of local Sponsors.

Fun Fact: In 2024, with 60 participating gardens, the Lake Shore West Garden Tour was Canada’s largest free garden tour. (Total gardens vary year over year. 2025 registered gardens will be finalized at the end of April.)

Tour Provides Visitors of All Ages: a fun, FREE day outdoors in fabulous gardens within four communities by Lake Ontario in South Etobicoke (Toronto): Alderwood, Long Branch, New Toronto and Mimico. Gardens of all varieties will be open to the public, free of charge on Saturday June 21st -from 10am-4pm, rain or shine.

Did you know? Visitors travel in for the annual Lake Shore West Garden Tour. In 2024, the Tour welcomed guests from all parts of Toronto, as well as Mississauga, Brampton, Bruce County, Belleville, Port Elgin, Whitby, St. Thomas, Ottawa, Markham and Chicago!

The Lake Shore West Garden Tour’s opening will feature a talk by Master Gardener, Kevin Kavanagh. Kevin will highlight the role gardens play with local and migratory birds. He will also be available for a half hour, taking questions, in the afternoon at a participating home garden. (Details will post in the Tour’s free map, available during the last week of May, 2025.)

The Tour provides a day for all-ages outdoor learning, a chance to explore the participating gardens, enjoy free youth activities and explore the beautiful neighbourhoods of South Etobicoke nestled close to the shores of Lake Ontario. Enjoy this special migratory area, a favourite of birds, Monarchs and Swallowtail butterflies!

It’s easy to get to the Tour! Come by car, GO Transit (to either Long Branch or Mimico GO) or – take the TTC to the Tour’s kick-off talk (9:10am at The Gatehouse (Gardens) 3101 Lake Shore Blvd. West). Afterwards, Visitors can opt to check out a bicycle for the day via Bikeshare TO.

Plan Ahead! visit: TTC: TTC trip planner Bikeshare TO: https://bikesharetoronto.com/system-map/ GO Transit (Long Branch): GO Trip planner. Check the weather before heading out. Consider packing a hat, sunglasses, and sunblock and a water bottle. Wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. If rain is forecast, bring an umbrella!

FREE Tour maps will assist the gardens and events Visitors choose to visit. Maps will be available – late May, 2025. Maps include registered garden descriptions, a list of FREE events + a map to help visitors navigate. Check our website in mid-May for details!

Bonus – post tour: The Tour’s location provides Visitors with an end of day opportunity to stroll through Colonel Samuel Smith Park to view birds, ducks, beavers, snakes and turtles, stop in for a meal along the Lake Shore Blvd. or to visit Marie Curtis Park in Long Branch where picnic tables and a children’s play area await.