Overview
About Rosetta McClain Gardens, Scarborough, Canada
Once a 40 acre Rumph farm, overlooking Scarborough Bluffs, the Rosetta McClain Garden was the property of Rosetta, daughter of Thomas McDonald West, owner and operator of J. & J. Taylor Limited, Toronto Safe Works. Many of the historic landscape improvements enjoyed today were initially undertaken by Rosetta’s husband, Robert Watson McClain, and her brother Joseph McDonald.
After Rosetta McClain’s death in 1940, her husband offered their property to the city of Toronto as parkland in her memory in 1959. Combining land from J.M. and H.T. West properties, and W.N. West holdings, a 23 acre park was created. The Park is maintained by City of Toronto. Click on the historic plaque photo for detailed history.
What to do at Rosetta McClain Gardens?
Attractions & Things to do
Amble along the landscaped gardens, enjoying brilliantly coloured flowers and manicured gardens.
Rest a while at the many benches provided along the trails overlooking Lake Ontario and delight in the spectacular scenery.
Savour the sweet smell of roses and appreciate the many landscape features like the rock fountain, raised garden beds surrounded by a pergola. Children will love seeing birds, butterflies and other critters that inhabit the park.
Take beautiful pictures in the charming garden filled with many uniquely shaped trees and historic landscape features. Watch migrating birds during late August till end of November; join Raptor Watch Club and meet fellow birders.
When to visit Rosetta McClain Gardens?
Rosetta McClain Gardens Hours
Open year round, trails not maintained in winter.
Daylight hours recommended.
Time required to visit:
One hour or more depending on interest. The plants change every year, so come back every season and find out what’s new at the garden!
How much to visit Rosetta McClain Gardens?
Free Admission.
How to get to Rosetta McClain Gardens?
Rosetta McClain Gardens Directions and location:
Rosetta McClain Gardens is situated on the top of the Scarborough Bluffs. It can be accessed by car from Kingston Road, and from Glen Everest Road at 5 Glen Everest Road.
Free parking available on-site. The parking may be limited on weekends as the parking lot is small.
Pedestrian access is also available through Lakehurst Crescent.
Accessible by public transport.TTC stop is right across the park.
What about Amenities & Accessibility at Rosetta McClain Gardens?
Trails wheelchair accessible and Park map in Braille.
Washrooms on site.
Dogs, Picnic, Bicycle Riding, Rollerblading, Skateboarding, playing ball not allowed.
Wedding Photography requires permit.
First of all,I have been going to Rosetta McClain GARDEN’S (It’s not considered a park), for quite awhile and I am flabbergasted on how out of control some of the people there,are.There are people having picnics, riding bikes , walking thier dogs, doing photo shoot with all sorts of props,etc..Yesterday there were about 10 young MN, that came in with bottles of Whiskey beer,etc,etc and proceeded to sit on the bench next to my friends and I.My friend mentioned to them that drinking is not allowed in the Gardens and they said not yet,but it will be soon.They were very rude actually and argumentative.Eventually they went to another partof the Gardens to d thier partying.What people don’t get that all of these things ARE NOT allowed at Rosetta McClain..Bike riding(includes skateboards,( scooter etc,etc,), picnics, ball playing (including badminton,soccer,football,or any of this), dogs , alcohol, photo graphy for weddings,etc, need a permit., fireworks, parties, barbecues etc.etc, ARE NOT ALLOWED .Anything you would normally do at a regular park such as bluffers park,etc, are NOT ALLOWED at Rosetta McClain gardens because it is a garden park…for walks and looking at flowers and the different birds that migrate there.The wildlife is suffering because of these rules not being followed .You will be fined and asked to leave if caught doing any of these activities.Please save the Gardens..it is not being used for what The McLean family wanted it to be used for..
read the signs ,,, they are there. just because you did not see them does not mean they were there. please do your research and respect the park.
this is a lovely park, i have been coming here for over 50 years, i actually was in the home when it was owned by the mortimer family in the 70’s. true, there are alot of signs, but, please read them before you enter. do not blame the fact that you did not see them, to mean they were not there . also parking enforcement is indeed as was indicated by a previous review. it will only get worse this summer as i was there today and it was very busy
Welcome To Rosetta McClain Gardens Out In Scarborough, Ontario Canada!In my first (1st) video, I am sort of showing you Lake Ontario from a distance since it is Not on the Same Level as the gardens.You can also see the leaves that have fallen from the trees and started to change colour due to the fall weather that we are currently having.I have also mentioned that there are plenty of squirrels as well, however, none of them were in the mood to come up to me in this particular video.
In my second (2nd) video, We are now in the Rose Gardens!I know they are basically out of season, however, there are still some flowers left that smell really good such as the Sienna Vigorosa Landscape Shrubs and the Fairy Polyantha Flowers.You will also see the leaves changing colours as well since it is now Fall Time!
In my third (3rd) video, I was finally able to call over one (1) of the very friendly squirrels who lives in the gardens!These squirrels that run around there are some of the friendliest squirrels that I have ever met. I sure wish that I had some food to give them.I want to personally thank Kelly Akerman for helping ME make my Youtube Video and for joining me at the gardens today back on Sunday, October 23rd, 2022!Sincerely yours,
Howard Paul ShoreGoogle Maps And Tripadvisor Tourism Promoter
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The no dogs, no picnicking signs don’t work, there needs to be a VERY LARGE sign at the top of the driveway in and out stating the rules so that people can see them. Tiny signs by the garbage and recycle bins are not even glanced at. The new in and out doesn’t work people still drive in whatever way they want and the kids that visit the park are not supervised by their parents and terrorize the wild life chasing after them with sticks regularly. More enforcement is needed at this park.
I represent the Scarborough Camera Club. Our Members visit your beautiful gardens regularly wether it is Raptors, birds passing through, hummingbirds, the ‘Fox’ or to literally smell the roses. Our club wanted to advertise and invite members of the public to join us. Can I post a notice somewhere in the park or on your website?
You may submit as an event — https://www.todocanada.ca/Submission/
Please post ‘NO DOGS’ signs at the 3 entrances ,,,to notify dog owners.
Thank you. This lovely park is the only public place that you can walk on the grass without getting dogpoop on your shoes. Let’s keep it this way !
Is there anyone who could do a talk to a garden club by zoom on the Garden? Lynda Tanner
Rosetta’s Garden’s: a most marvelous place for relaxation and ultimate enjoyment’…it just needs a squirrel Bath and Feeder, as the squirrel population is pretty fair to midland, so to speak…Thank You…Rosetta!!!!…