Centennial Park Conservatory

Stop by the annual Centennial Park Conservatory Winter Flower Show December 9 to January 9, this event is free and runs during normal business hours with extended hours from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on December 9, 15, 16, 22, 23.

 

The conservatory has three main areas:

  • The main greenhouse contains 200 different varieties of tropical plants that bloom year-round including palms, crotons, gingers, hibiscus, orchids and bromeliads. You can also find fruit trees such as banana, soursop and papaya here.
  • The south wing is an arid house and is home to a large display of unusual cacti and succulents including collections of agave, opuntia, and aloe.
  • The north wing is a display house that contains a collection of local trees and shrubs as well as displays that change with the seasons.

The conservatory is also home to several types of animal life including goldfish, turtles and birds.

The park outside offers a variety of amenities, like a BMX bike area, Frisbee golf and more.

History

The Centennial Park Conservatory complex was designed and constructed in 1969 and was formally opened by Etobicoke Mayor Horton on March 21, 1970. It consisted of a large tropical house and two smaller wing houses originally used for plant production. Over time, the wing houses became an arid house and a seasonal display house. Plant production now occurs in an attached greenhouse where, along with all the seasonal display plant material for the conservatory, 300,000+ annual and perennial plants are also grown to beautify parks throughout the city. Seasonal flower shows are held each year in spring, Easter, summer, fall and Christmas.