
Royal Botanical Gardens enchanted holiday train display is back for a limited time! Run, don’t walk, to this whimsical display that will be loved by all ages.
Also featured in this article: Winter Train Rides at RBG, The Indoor Gardens, The Natural Playground, Admission Prices.
When Does The Botanical Train Return To RBG?
From November 23rd through January 7th, as part of your regular Royal Botanical Gardens admission, you can spend all day watching the trains roll through, around, and overhead in one of the most beautiful handmade displays I’ve ever seen!
Multiple engines, each with a different number of train cars being towed behind them, each with different sizes and characteristics, roll along what appears to be hundreds of feet of railway tracks. They go through tunnels and suspension bridges and along peaceful water features!
Look closely, because all of that greenery is real! 2500 succulents, leafy greenery and wee red pepper plants line the routes.

Kids will love looking for Thomas and his pal Percy as they chug along, each pulling a few cars behind them. Keep your eyes peeled for the little ladybug and bumblebee train cars as they scurry in and out of their wooden treehouse.
I went on my own during the day and cannot wait to return with my husband and kids. I’m so happy that an annual family membership was one of our experience gifts from last Christmas. This is the perfect place to take your train fans, no matter their age! My husband’s more excited to go than anyone! The grandparents who brought their grandkids today were over the moon with this unbelievably detailed display.
The RBG Botanical Train Display Hours
- Mondays to Wednesdays: Open daily 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., (last RBG Centre admission 4 p.m.)
- Thursdays to Sundays: Open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., (last RBG Centre admission is at 3 p.m.). The display remains open during Winter Wonders, 5 to 10 p.m. (Winter Wonders tickets required for the evening experience)
- December 24 and 31: Reduced hours, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- December 25, 26, and January 1: Closed
Add a Train Ride To Your Adventure
All Aboard! Take a ride on the RBG Express during your daytime visit to the Royal Botanical Gardens. Purchase tickets at the door to take a round-trip train ride through beautiful Hendrie Park to round out your train experience. You can purchase your tickets at the admission desk, while they last. They are timed tickets, so don’t forget! $10 per train car (for a maximum of 4 people per car).
General Admission or Membership also applies. Available November 23, 2023 to January 7, 2024 but not available on December 24, 25, 26, or January 1. The first train is at 10:15 a.m., the last train is at 2:45 p.m.
2023 Royal Botanical Gardens Tickets
Admission Type | Ticket Price |
Adult | $17.26 |
Senior 65+ years of age | $14.60 |
Student (valid student card from a post-secondary institution is required) | $14.60 |
Child ages 3-12 | $10.18 |
Child 0-2 | Free |
RBG Members | Free |

While You’re At The Royal Botanical Gardens
Visit The Indoor Gardens
While you’re at Royal Botanical Gardens in Burlington, you can also go and check out the Mediterranean Garden and the Cactus Garden. Two beautiful spots filled with various domestic and exotic plants, cactuses, succulents, and fruit trees. My favourite or the lemon trees! Also, check out the water features and the fish pond. So tranquil! Royal Botanical Gardens is a perfect mini escape from the winter cold.

A Must See In Any Weather – the Natural Playground
One of the top reasons families love going to the Royal Botanical Gardens in the nice weather is their great natural playground. Access is included in your admission and kids will love channelling the Swiss Family Robinson as they explore.



Read Our Latest Articles
Catch up on what we’ve been covering! Here are our latest reads, hot off the presses just for you. Never miss an article when you subscribe to our weekly newsletter filled with kid-friendly fun and events.
Pingback: Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Canada: 12 Awesome Destinations
Pingback: Where to Find Cherry Blossoms in Canada: 12 Top Destinations – Tolambo