Winnipeg is opening a brand new indoor botanic garden, The Leaf, for the 2022 holiday season. Located in Assiniboine Park, The Leaf consists of four distinct biomes: The Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome, the Mediterranean Biome, the Babs Asper Display House, and the Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden. Surrounding the biomes are 30 acres of gardens and greenspace which comprise six different outdoor gardens that should be explored during the growing season.
If your travels end at Vancouver and you can’t make it to the island, have no fear. Gardens in the lower mainland will not disappoint. Another 22-hectare public garden can be found just south of Vancouver’s downtown core. VanDusen Botanical Garden opened in 1975 with outdoor plants from all over the world. The Christmas light display in the garden is fantastic and, by February, there are many perennials popping up throughout the garden.
Are you planning to visit Ontario this winter? The butterfly conservatory near Niagara Falls is a must-see. Over 2,000 butterflies fry freely among the lush tropical plants and waterfalls. You can experience the life cycle of the butterfly up-close and personal through the emergence window in the conservatory.