Stop and smell the flowers in Rideau Lakes! Summer is the best time for viewing seasonal gardens with that burst of bright colours and sweet-smelling blooms. Discover award-winning gardens, parks and nurseries to get your flower fix in Rideau Lakes.
The Rideau Lakes Horticultural Society actively hosts events that are all things garden throughout the growing season. Explore upcoming events on Instagram @rideaulakeshort.
Gardens
Harlem Stonegate Bed & Breakfast
This historic 1850s stone farmhouse is a past winner of accolades for its culinary offerings and unforgettable hospitality. However, guests also enjoy the gardens and peaceful fields complete with wildlife and wildflowers. To get a closer look, book a reservation for breakfast, dinner or treat yourself to an overnight stay. (Please contact by telephone at (613) 272-9110 to make your reservation 48 hours in advance.) Also look for the glamping experience, offering an unforgettable chance to combine the charm of the outdoors with the comforts of a cozy retreat.
The Opinicon
With carefully curated gardens, colourful buildings with heritage stories, and beautiful waterfront views there is always something new to see at The Opinicon. Walking up the stone path to the main restaurant, guests are surrounded by an interesting mix of perennials in eye-catching colours. Stop by the ice cream shop or reserve a spot for lunch or dinner overlooking the lake in the dining room, or the landscaped lawns from the pub and patio. Discover more – and a great backstory. This property is also featured on the 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Garden Adventures Tour.
Parks
Lower Beverley Lake Park
Hanna Park
Sit in the gazebo or on the bench under the leafy canopy to take in the beauty of the Big Rideau Lakes. Hanna Park is located in Portland on the shores of the Rideau Canal and boasts a pollinator garden. It’s the perfect spot for a picnic, too, so bring your blanket, your bestie and some snacks! Learn more about other parks in Rideau Lakes on the Beaches and Parks page.
Garden Nurseries and Growers
Rideau Lakes and growers go hand-in-hand! With a rich agricultural history and bountiful harvests, summertime is the right time to check out producers in the township that enable local food from farm to fork.
Newboro Farm Gate Gardens
Open seasonally, mark this on your list for spring next year before the end of June. You will see colourful blooms and delicious herbs! Get ready to grow with help from the greenhouse at Newboro Farm Gate Gardens. This garden centre near Newboro specializes in plants, flowers and herbs. Check out their annuals, perennials, herbs, vines, hanging baskets, potted containers, garden features, top soil, garden mix, black loam, and container mix. Typically open in spring and again in the fall.
The Garden Shop
Dreaming of beautiful gardens? Fuel your obsession at Ridgecraft near Newboro, with beautiful garden products and planters at the garden shop. This space will have what you need to plan an epic flower or vegetable garden this sunny season – or landscaping products to take your green thumb to the next level. The backbone of Ridgecraft's garden shop is in garden centre supplies, carrying over 2500 products.
Seeds
Heritage Seed and Produce
Still on the hunt for seeds? Dreaming of next year’s garden already? It’s always a good time to order seeds. Check out the heirloom beauties at Heritage Seed and Produce. They specialize in rare heirloom vegetable seeds without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.










