Silver and Gold Magazine Fall 2017 | Page 9

Season of Discovery at Royal Botanical Gardens Connect. Discover. Celebrate! For those wishing to take full advantage of the season’s crisp weather and striking colours, RBG’s trails offer beautiful views of Cootes Paradise and Carroll’s Bay Marsh. The trails include over 20 lookouts, 7 boardwalks and 21 stream crossings, and link to multiple other regional trails. Four nature sanctuaries blanket 90% of the Gardens’ 900 hectares of property in a diverse mix of escarpment, forests, fields and wetlands. These wrap around the western tip of Lake Ontario, forming a nodal park in the Niagara Escarpment UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. E ach fall, Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) showcases the vibrant red, orange and yellow colours of autumn throughout its many garden areas and natural lands. With over 27 kilometres of gentle and well-marked walking trails, it’s easy to experience fall’s beauty first-hand at RBG. Head out for a hike along any of RBG 27 km of trails and take in the beautiful fall sights and sounds. Fall events • Indigenous People & Plants Discovery Trail september to January • The Great Pumpkin Trail October The Arboretum becomes one of RBG’s most popular fall attractions with its beautiful Marshwalk Trail, delighting birdwatchers and hikers alike. Whether in a group or on your own, RBG’s trails are sure to satisfy all nature lovers. • Thomas Baker McQuesten Sculpture Unveiling november The recently rejuvenated Rock Garden features a state-of- the-art visitor centre, which includes an on-site restaurant that boasts fresh, locally sourced ingredients, many picked straight from RBG’s gardens. The café’s outdoor patio provides an inspiring bird’s-eye view of the garden’s lower bowl, a perfect spot to relax with friends and family before exploring its horticultural wonders. • Local Railway Heritage Display november and December Fall events at RBG include The Indigenous People and Plants Trail, Fall Migration Fest and magical nights on The Great Pumpkin Trail. Families will love the hundreds of jack-o-lanterns lighting the way along RBG’s garden trails. visitors are treated to live entertainment, face painting and pumpkin-themed activities. www.rbg.ca • • RBG’s Fest-of-Ales: 12 Beers of Christmas november 30 • Holiday Traditions/Botanical Train Show november 18 to December 31 • Holiday Light Show november and December www.rbg.ca/150 RBG Centre 680 Plains Road West, Hamilton/Burlington 905-527-1158 #RBG150