Rock Garden @ Royal Botanical Gardens (9 KM) - Sat, Aug 1 2026

Rock Garden @ Royal Botanical Gardens (9 KM) (8/1/2026)

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The Basics:
Event Type:Hike
Event Location: West Harbour Go Station - James Street Exit
Date(s) & Time:Sat, Aug 1 2026  10:30 AM
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Jul 31 2026 7:55:00 PM
Event Duration:less than 5 hours
Difficulty Rating:D3: Moderate
Event Coordinator(s): Fletcher
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Member Cost:$13.30/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 18 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:30
Minimum Group Size:1
Number Registered So Far: 1 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

Ontario is beautiful. There are many cool trails and things to see outside of Toronto.
My aim is to hit different interesting hiking trails throughout the GTA and beyond which can be accessed by public transit.

For today hike, we'll be walking over to part of the Royal Botanical Gardens in Hamilton.
We'll head over to the section know as the Rock Garden.

Please bring a lunch and at least 1-2 Litres of water.
In terms of lunch, outside food is not permitted in the gardens,
so we'll stop at the Dundurn Castle picnic area, which is a small lookout about 2 KM into the hike.

If you cannot walk the entire distance please do not sign up for this hike.

    HERE'S THE GENERAL PLAN FOR THE DAY
  • Depart West Habour Go Station at 10:30 AM
  • Hike 4.5 KM hike and stop for lunch at Dundurn Castle, which could take about 1.5-2 hours.
  • Stop at the Rock Gardens for 1-1.5 hours (we'll decide timing depending on line ups)
  • Then walk the 4.5 km back to West Harbour GO Station for 1-1.5 hours.
    EVENT STATS
  • Level of hike: Moderate
  • Distance: 9 KM plus any additional distance within the Rock Garden
  • Terrain: Paved multi use paths and sidewalks
  • Elevation Range: 35 meters
  • Challenging Climbs of Note: A climb of about 30 meters
  • Washrooms: There are washrooms both at West Harbour Go Station & at the Rock Gardens.
  • Highlights: 'The Rock Gardens'

Please be advised that there is an admission fee of $13.30 to get into the Rock Garden.

I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, especially since we're going on the long weekend, there may be lineups.

'YOU CAN PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE ROCK GARDEN BY CLICKING HERE'


Required Items to Bring:
  • hiking boots or hiking shoes
  • 2L of water
  • snacks and lunch
  • weather appropriate clothing
Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
  • A smile
  • First Aid Kit
  • Whistle
  • Bug Spray & Suncreen

    • How to Get There:
    Event Directions:

    We'll meet at the James Street Exit to West Harbour GO Station.
    This station is a little weird, because this exit is actually at the corner of Stuart & MacNab St N.
    If its cold or wet, I'll just be inside the station entrance.

    If taking transit, to West Habour Station, just take the Lakeshore West Train.
    Take the 9:04 Express GO Train from Union Station to reach the hike on time.

    To save money on GO Transit Fare, purchase the $10 weekend pass 'BY CLICKING HERE'

    Look for me in the Blue Toronto Outdoor Club T-Shirt.

    For those of you driving, West Harbour Go Station Station 353 James St N.

    In Terms of parking, the West Harbour Go Station parking lot is free on weekends.

    MAP

    PICTURE OF MEETING LOCATION


    Notes:

    Please ensure that you check the 'TTC service updates website' for any potential closures.

    Please arrive on time, I will turn off my cell phone once the hike begins.


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    - Details of this event are subject to undergo a change at any point in time, with or without warning.
    - Questions about equipment or rentals? Send them to safety@torontooutdoorclub.com.
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    Cost & Payment:
    Member Cost:$13.30/Person
    Cost Includes:

    Please be advised that there is an admission fee of $13.30 to get into the Rock Garden.

    I highly recommend purchasing your tickets in advance, especially since we're going on the long weekend, there may be lineups.

    'YOU CAN PURCHASE TICKETS FOR THE ROCK GARDEN BY CLICKING HERE'

    Make a Payment:Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the TOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.
     
    Voluntary Donation: ( What is this?)
    Suggested donation amount for this event is: $2.00/Person.

    Cancellation/Partial Attendance:
    Please review our Cancellation Policy carefully!