Memorial University Botanical Garden St John's
A hidden horticultural gem in St. John's, featuring diverse gardens, tranquil trails, and educational displays on local flora.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Rhododendron season is magical
Memorial University Botanical Garden St John's
Best Time
Rhododendron season is magical
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hidden horticultural gem in St. John's, featuring diverse gardens, tranquil trails, and educational displays on local flora.
"An absolutely beautiful collection of different types of gardens from rock gardens to Japanese style gardens."
Don't Miss the Crevice Garden
This unique rock garden is a highlight! :seedling:
Explore the Trails
Well-kept and kid-friendly paths offer easy walks and beautiful scenery. :hiking_boot:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 581 reviews
Type
Botanical Garden
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Spectacular Crevice Garden
Rock Garden Area
A unique display of alpine plants thriving in a rocky, naturalistic setting. A true horticultural marvel.
Vibrant Heather Collection
Heather Garden
Explore a diverse array of heather species, offering stunning colors and textures, especially in late summer.
Lush Greenhouse
Greenhouse
Discover a thriving grapevine laden with massive bunches of grapes, a testament to the garden's nurturing environment.
Peaceful Nature Trails
Various trailheads
Gently sloping paths wind through natural landscapes, perfect for an easy, refreshing walk with educational signage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Best Kept Secret in St. John's?
Timing is Everything
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Don't Miss the Crevice Garden
This unique rock garden is a highlight! :seedling:
Explore the Trails
Well-kept and kid-friendly paths offer easy walks and beautiful scenery. :hiking_boot:
Visit During Bloom
Rhododendrons and heather offer spectacular color. 🌸
Go Near Closing
You might have the place to yourself for a peaceful experience. :clock1:
Tips
from all over the internet
Don't Miss the Crevice Garden
This unique rock garden is a highlight! :seedling:
Explore the Trails
Well-kept and kid-friendly paths offer easy walks and beautiful scenery. :hiking_boot:
Visit During Bloom
Rhododendrons and heather offer spectacular color. 🌸
Go Near Closing
You might have the place to yourself for a peaceful experience. :clock1:
Discover the Heather
A stunning collection of heather species awaits. :purple_heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are consistently impressed by the beauty and tranquility of the Memorial University Botanical Garden, often calling it an overlooked gem. Many highlight the diverse garden collections, peaceful walking trails, and the overall well-maintained nature of the grounds. While some wish it were more widely promoted, the consensus is that it offers a delightful and enriching experience for all ages.
"It isincredible that this is not one of the more recommended places on blogs or vlogs. It’s a 15 minute drive from St John’s harbour. This is an absolutely beautiful collection of different types of gardens from rock gardens to Japanese style gardens.
There is even a green house with a grapevine growing profusely with massive bunches of grapes. An absolute must for all the gardeners and those with botanical conservation and nature interests. There is a wonderful pollinator garden and beehive.
In addition to the gardens there are trails most gently sloping and low inclines with lots of signs for teaching information about the wild plants and berries. Definitely senior friendly trails with exception one that is clearly labelled as rugged."
Carolyn Emma
"The Botanical Garden was not on our to-do list as it’s not mentioned anywhere on any “Things to do in St John’s” sites. But since we had a gap in our schedule, my daughter wanted to go see it. Boy aren’t we happy we did! We did all 4 trails and the garden. The trails are well kept and clean. The air is fresh. The hike is very kid friendly. I highly recommend if you like a little easy walk in nature."
Karen Lee
"Wow. This place has a lot of love evident. It's beautifully done with gorgeous samples everywhere you look! So many fun features in it, and the staff were wonderful. You can easily spend a couple hours taking everything in!"
Gabe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The garden is conveniently located about a 15-minute drive from St. John's harbour. Driving is the easiest option, with ample parking available. Public transport options may be limited, so check local bus routes if you're not driving.
While driving is recommended, it's worth checking current local bus schedules as routes can change. Some visitors have found it accessible, but it may require a longer journey.
Most visitors opt to drive, as it's a quick and easy trip from downtown St. John's. Taxis or ride-sharing services are also viable options if you prefer not to drive.
Yes, there is parking available for visitors. It's generally ample, especially during off-peak hours, making it easy to access the gardens.
No, it's quite close! It's only about a 15-minute drive from St. John's harbour, making it an easy excursion.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information on daily hours and any special event closures.
While not always strictly necessary, purchasing tickets in advance can save time, especially during peak season. Check their website for online booking options.
Admission fees are typically reasonable. Check the official Memorial University Botanical Garden website for current pricing for adults, seniors, and children.
Look out for potential discounts for seniors, students, or group rates. It's always a good idea to inquire about any available concessions when booking.
The garden's accessibility and open areas may be limited during winter months due to weather conditions. Always verify their winter operating status before planning a visit.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the spectacular crevice garden, the vibrant heather collection, and the lush greenhouse with its impressive grapevine. The pollinator garden with its beehive is also a fascinating stop. +1
Yes, there are several well-kept trails, most with gentle slopes, offering beautiful views and educational signage about local plants and berries. One trail is marked as rugged. +1
Absolutely! The trails are very kid-friendly, and toddlers often love exploring the different garden areas. It's a great place for families to enjoy nature. +1
Yes, photography is encouraged! It's a beautiful spot for capturing nature's beauty, especially during bloom seasons. 
The garden typically offers restrooms and often has a shop and cafe where you can relax and purchase refreshments or souvenirs.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the softest, most flattering light for photography. Golden hour can be particularly magical.
The crevice garden, the heather collection, and the greenhouse with its abundant grapes are all highly photogenic. The variety of plant life offers endless opportunities.
Focus on macro shots of flowers and textures, wider shots of the garden landscapes, and capture the unique features like the crevice garden's rock formations.
Tripod usage policies can vary. It's best to check with the garden staff or their website to confirm if tripods are permitted, especially during busy times.
Late spring and summer offer the most color with blooming flowers. However, the garden's structure and textures can be beautiful even in autumn or with a dusting of snow.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit