Toronto 
Ontario has various festivals celebrating its flowers – from tulip and lilac festivals in May to sunflower festivals in August; there are plenty of opportunities for those who want to experience Mother Nature’s “smile.”
To Do Canada
The most populous province offers many opportunities for those who want to enjoy peonies. Whistling Gardens has the largest collection of peonies in North America, Toronto Botanical Gardens and Royal Botanical Gardens also feature many species.
For a u-pick experience, head to Fleur de Roy, the province’s largest pick-your-own peony garden in Dover Centre.
If you want to enjoy a festival celebrating peonies, including getting expert advice on growing and maintaining peonies (ever wondered why your rare flower colour peony turned white after dividing?), head to Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden.
Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden has over 300 varieties of peonies blooming from late May to the third week of June.
The eagerly awaited Peony Festival, loved by flower and garden enthusiasts alike, promises a delightful experience for all. With a wide range of attractions, including live entertainment, market vendors, delicious food options, and captivating peony displays, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
What to Expect:
Colourful Peonies:
From 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, the festival and gardens will be open for you to explore and immerse yourself in a sea of colourful peonies. With over 300 varieties on display, prepare to be dazzled by their beauty and fragrant aromas. And don’t miss the judged flower show floor, which opens at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 7, and 10 a.m. at Sunday, June 8.
Live Performances and Activities:
Festivities kick off Saturday with an opening ceremony featuring VIPs, an Indigenous welcome, flower show awards, and live music by Andy Earle and the Bandits.
Sunday, June 8 highlights include a Big Band Swing performance and ongoing demonstrations by the Oshawa Camera Club.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy interactive art with The LivingRoom Mobile Art Studio, paint a bus with Durhamways, take themed photos, join creative workshops, and participate in guided forestry and photography tours.
Fodd & Market:
As you wander through the festival grounds, be sure to check out the Artisan and Market Vendors located on the west side of the creek.
Feeling peckish? Head over to the Food Alley on the east side of the creek, where you can tantalize your taste buds with a variety of delicious offerings.
Artisan vendors offer a wide range of handcrafted goods, while food vendors like Coal Pot Jerk Chicken and Strudel Ladies serve up delicious treats.
Oshawa Peony Festival – Trip Planning:
Get ready for a blooming good time at the Peony Festival in the charming City of Oshawa.
This year marks the 21st anniversary of the Peony Festival.
This delightful event has become a favourite among enthusiasts, and it’s easy to see why! With live entertainment, an artisan market, a mouthwatering food court, a judged peony flower show, and so much more, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
The festival weekend welcomes many visitors to Oshawa. Hence, the city offers off-site parking with a shuttle bus to the garden and Oshawa’s famous attractions like the Robert McLaughlin Gallery. Do not forget to visit McLaughlin Estate Gardens at the Parkwood National Historic Site. The Matsuyama Bonsai Society are offering a free show and demonstration at Parkwood Estate, 270 Simcoe St. N., Saturday, June 7 and Sunday, June 8, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When: June 7 & 8, 2025 | 10 AM to 4 PM
How Much: Free
Where:
Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden is part of Kinsmen Valleyview Park.
The main parking lot for accessing Oshawa Valley Botanical Garden is the Children’s Arena parking lot at 155 Arena St., Oshawa. During the festival, this lot is reserved for accessible parking.
Street Parking is allowed in marked places; remember not to block driveways.
Free parking options are available for visitors of the Peony Festival:
- City Hall parking lot: 45 Queen St.
- Lot 50: South of the Robert McLaughlin Gallery off of Queen St.
- Parking Garage 2: 117 Bond St.
- On-street parking where permitted by law
- Grass lot: on the north side of Adelaide St. W. between Arena St. and Kaiser Cres. (GPS Coordinates: 43°54’06.8″N 78°52’24.8″W)
OSCC55+ provides an accessible shuttle bus that travels to Parkwood Estate and the off-site parking lots. Signage at each location guides visitors.
- Stop Locations:
- Children’s Arena 155 Arena St. Peony Festival
- Parkwood Estate **last pick up 4 p.m.**
- Bond St. and MacMillan Dr. (north/west corner) across the street from Parking Garage 2
- Arts Resource Centre, 45 Queen St.
- Robert McLaughlin Gallery, 72 Queen St.
