At Leaf Plant Garden, we believe that plants aren’t just for your home—they’re a way of life. And there’s no better way to deepen your connection with plants than by immersing yourself in Canada plant events. Whether you’re a casual plant lover, a houseplant collector, or a botanical science enthusiast, Canada’s 2025–2026 calendar is bursting with events, expos, and festivals that will inspire and educate.
Below, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to the most anticipated plant-related events in Canada, featuring floral festivals, botanical garden shows, photo contests, niche horticultural society sales, and more.
Major Plant events in Canada
Flower Shows & Public Festivals
Lakeland Flowers, Abbotsford Tulip Festival
📍 Abbotsford, BC
📅 April – July 1, 2025 (Confirmed return April 2026)
👥 Public
If you’ve never walked through acres of blooming tulips under the open sky, the Abbotsford Tulip Festival is your must-visit event in British Columbia. Hosted by Lakeland Flowers, the 2025 festival expands beyond tulips, featuring collards, peonies, buckwheat, and lupins. This long-running festival creates photo-worthy moments and serves as a floral education hub for both locals and tourists. With over 27 acres in bloom, the experience is nothing short of breathtaking.
Canada Blooms
📍 Toronto, ON
📅 March 12–21, 2026
👥 Public
Canada Blooms is arguably the crown jewel of Canadian horticultural events. Held in downtown Toronto, it attracts thousands of attendees each year who are passionate about garden design, landscaping, and floral artistry. Expect to see elaborate garden installations, award-winning floral displays, and interactive booths from plant societies and green living brands. Whether you’re looking for fresh ideas for your garden or just want to be wowed by Canada’s top floral talent, this is your one-stop destination.
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Botanical Garden & Plant Society Events
Canada’s botanical gardens are not just peaceful escapes—they’re thriving centers for horticultural education and community connection. Here’s a breakdown of standout events at major gardens and societies across Canada.
Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse – Annual Summer Show
📍 Niagara Falls, ON
📅 June 7 – September 7 (annual)
👥 Public
A hidden gem near the Horseshoe Falls, this Showhouse presents rotating tropical and floral displays that feature orchids, succulents, bromeliads, and seasonal arrangements. It’s a serene summer retreat for plant lovers, enhanced by tropical butterflies and lush greenhouse settings.
UBC Botanical Garden – Biodiversity Days 2025
📍 Vancouver, BC
📅 May 2025 (Various dates)
👥 Public
The University of British Columbia’s Botanical Garden is a hub of biodiversity and environmental engagement. In May, their Biodiversity Days combine fun with science: Bioblitzes, bird walks, nature clubs, and hands-on plant science demonstrations. On May 17, 2025, the main celebration will include access to the TreeWalk—a canopy-level adventure—and admission to the garden.
💡 Don’t miss the UBC Nitobe Memorial Garden Photo Contest running from April to June, offering plant lovers and photographers a chance to showcase nature’s quiet elegance.
UBC BranchingOUT 2025 (19+)
📍 Vancouver, BC – Pride Season
📅 Summer 2025 (Dates TBA)
👥 Public (Adults 19+)
Celebrating diversity, inclusion, and nature during Vancouver Pride, BranchingOUT merges queer art and plant science with evening garden programming. Perfect for young plant lovers who enjoy culture alongside cultivation.
VanDusen Botanical Garden Specialty Shows (Vancouver, BC)
VanDusen hosts an impressive list of plant society events that cater to collectors, growers, and niche hobbyists. These shows and sales are where you’ll find rare plants, join community networks, and purchase directly from growers.
Event | Date |
---|---|
Vancouver Orchid Society Show & Sale | March 22–23, 2025 |
Vancouver Dahlia Society Tuber Sale | April 6, 2025 |
Alpine Garden Club Spring Show & Sale | April 27, 2025 |
Metro Vancouver Bonsai & Flower Show | May 3–4, 2025 |
VJGA Sumi Bonsai Club Show | May 10–11, 2025 |
African Violet & Gesneriad Club Show & Sale | May 18, 2025 |
Chinese Penjing Exhibition & Sale | May 24–25, 2025 |
Spring Mushroom Show & Sale | June 1, 2025 |
Vancouver Rose Society Rose Show | June 15, 2025 |
Desert Plant Show & Sale | June 21–22, 2025 |
Orchid Society Summer Sale | August 23, 2025 |
Vancouver Dahlia Society Show | August 30–31, 2025 |
Annual Mushroom Show (Fall) | October 26, 2025 |
Chrysanthemum Show | November 1, 2025 |
🪴 Whether you’re hunting for a rare cactus, learning the art of bonsai, or just want to admire the weird and wonderful world of fungi—VanDusen has an event for you.
Royal Botanical Gardens: Ontario’s Cultural Plant Hub
The Royal Botanical Gardens (RBG) in Burlington and Hamilton offer an engaging mix of floral showcases, cultural events, and scientific exhibitions.
Music in the Garden
📅 Various dates, July–August 2025
Unwind with classical and acoustic performances in a scenic outdoor setting. Bring a picnic, relax among the blooms, and let the music transport you.
RBG After Dark (19+)
📅 August 21, September 25, 2025
Nighttime garden adventures for adults, complete with live music, cocktails, and illuminated installations. Perfect for date night or a plant-themed friend outing.
Dining Al Fresco
📅 September 5, 2025
A culinary event surrounded by flowers, featuring seasonal and local ingredients.
Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey Edition
📅 September 12–21, 2025
This one-of-a-kind exhibit transforms garden paths into floral storytelling scenes. Think: historical costumes recreated in fresh blooms. A visual feast for photographers and florists alike.
Under the Harvest Moon ft. Rufus Wainwright
📅 September 17, 2025
Enjoy a magical fall concert under the stars amidst autumn foliage.
2026 Floral Showcase: Bloomland in Oz
📅 Various dates throughout 2026
A whimsical display at RBG themed after the Land of Oz. Follow the yellow brick road through themed floral sections—ideal for families and fantasy lovers.
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Niche & Enthusiast Events
ARS Annual Convention (American Rhododendron Society)
📍 Qualicum Beach, Vancouver Island, BC
📅 April 25–26, 2026
👥 Public / Society Members
This two-day convention brings together rhododendron enthusiasts, breeders, and garden designers. Lectures, rare plant sales, and guided tours make this a must-attend for serious gardeners.
Why Attend a Plant Expo or Festival?
Whether you’re new to the plant world or a seasoned collector, events like these offer:
- 🌱 Learning opportunities – From beginner workshops to advanced botanical science.
- 🛒 Rare plant access – Get hands on species not found in garden centers.
- 🌍 Community building – Meet others who share your plant passion.
- 📸 Visual inspiration – See innovative garden designs and unique plant displays.
- 🌼 Seasonal appreciation – Sync with Canada’s blooming calendar.
At Leaf Plant Garden, we believe every plant lover should get the chance to connect with their local green spaces—and there’s no better way than through these immersive events.
Quick Reference: 2025–2026 Canada Plant Event Calendar
Summary Table: Canada Events (2025-2026)
Event Name | Primary Dates | City/Location | Audience Type |
Lakeland Flowers, Abbotsford Tulip Festival | April – July 1, 2025 | Abbotsford, BC | Public |
Niagara Parks Floral Showhouse (Annual Summer Show) | June 7 – September 7 (annual) | Niagara Falls, ON | Public |
UBC Botanical Garden Biodiversity Days | May 2025 (various dates) | Vancouver, BC | Public |
UBC Nitobe Memorial Garden Photo Contest | April – June 2025 | Vancouver, BC | Public |
UBC BranchingOUT 2025 | Vancouver Pride Season | Vancouver, BC | Public (19+) |
VanDusen Horticulture Shows & Events (Various) | March – November 2025 | Vancouver, BC | Public |
Royal Botanical Gardens Music in the Garden | July-August 2025 (various) | Burlington/Hamilton, ON | Public |
Royal Botanical Gardens RBG After Dark | August 21, Sept 25, 2025 | Burlington/Hamilton, ON | Public (19+) |
Royal Botanical Gardens Fleurs de Villes | September 12-21, 2025 | Burlington/Hamilton, ON | Public |
Royal Botanical Gardens Floral Showcase: Bloomland | 2026 (specific dates vary) | Burlington/Hamilton, ON | Public |
Canada Blooms | March 12-21, 2026 | Toronto, ON | Public |
ARS Annual Convention | April 25-26, 2026 | Qualicum Beach, BC | Public/Society |
Plan Your Visit
Before attending:
- Check official websites for ticketing info and schedule updates.
- Prepare for outdoor conditions—many events are rain-or-shine.
- Bring a camera, reusable shopping bag, and cash for plant purchases.
- Follow us at Leaf Plant Garden for reviews and photo journals from these events!
📍 More coming soon: We’ll continue updating this guide as new 2026 events are confirmed. If you’re a society organizer or botanical garden team member, feel free to reach out so we can include your event.
Let’s grow together,
— Leaf Plant Garden Team