Thank you for visiting TBG! When you pay for parking, you support TBG’s education programs and our sustainability and conservation efforts. As a registered charity, TBG relies on your support – through membership, donations, purchases at our Garden Shop, and at the parking meter – to sustain our efforts to provide Torontonians and visitors from around the world with a free, world-class botanical garden. PLUS, TBG Members get FREE parking year-round! For just $60 per year (that’s only 15 hours of parking), you can unlock the exclusive benefit of free parking, and much more. Click here to learn more.
PARKING FAQ
HOW DO I PAY FOR PARKING?
There are two ways to pay for parking at TBG:
- At the meter: Find the closest parking machine, enter your licence plate number and select the desired duration of your visit. Payment can be made by credit card or cash.
- Through the mobile app: The app Blinkay App is available for download at the App Store and via QR code, which you’ll find below and at parking meters.
Some events may have made different arrangements. If you’re unsure, check with your event organizer or email [email protected].
Additional instructions are available at the meters and from our friendly volunteers at the reception desk just inside the Visitor’s Centre. There’s no need to display anything in your car – simply complete your payment, and head to the garden!
I NEED SUPPORT WITH PARKING – WHO DO I CONTACT?
We are here to help!
- Email [email protected] for assistance with your free member or volunteer parking benefit, to submit or update your license plate information, or to resolve an incorrect warning or ticket.
- Call Canada Wide Parking at 1-877-392-5146 to receive a refund for a double charge or overpayment. Please note that TBG staff and volunteers are unable to process refunds or returns.
- Call 3-1-1 to access City Services and report a by-law violation, such as graffiti or improper use of the parking lot.
- Parking is $4 per hour up to a maximum of $16 per day.
- Some events may have made different arrangements. If you’re unsure, check with your event organizer or email [email protected].
ARE THERE RULES FOR PARKING?
Yes: paid parking is enforced 24 hours a day, and overnight parking is not permitted.
HOW DO I GET FREE PARKING?
We’re so glad you asked! You can access free parking at TBG by becoming a member or a volunteer.
- Click here to purchase your membership and unlock free parking
- Once you’ve enrolled as a member, email your license plate number to [email protected], and we’ll process it within 2 business days.
- In the meantime, show your membership confirmation email to the friendly volunteers at the reception desk in the Visitors Centre, and they’ll issue you a day-pass.
- If you receive a warning during the processing period, kindly disregard it, and rest assured, our team is working on updating your license plate information.
- You’ll receive an email confirming that your information has been processed.
- After that, simply park whenever you like and enjoy your time at TBG!
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I RECEIVE A WARNING OR A TICKET AND I AM A MEMBER/VOLUNTEER OR OTHERWISE ELIGIBLE FOR FREE PARKING?
While we do our best to avoid inaccurate warnings and tickets, mistakes can happen, and we appreciate your understanding. Please email us at [email protected], and we’ll resolve the issue right away.
I WAS CHARGED THE INCORRECT AMOUNT. HOW DO I GET A REFUND?
Canada Wide Parking can resolve this issue for you. You can reach them at 1-877-392-5146. Please note that TBG staff and volunteers are unable to process refunds or returns.
DO I NEED TO PAY IF I’M JUST DROPPING OFF SOMEONE OR SOMETHING AT THE TBG?
There is a designated drop-off area in front of the building. This may be used as a 15-minute loading zone for couriers, parent/student drop-off, and vendor load-in. As long as your car is only there for a short time for these purposes, you will not be ticketed.
I HAVE AN ACCESSIBLE PARKING PERMIT, DO I NEED TO PAY FOR PARKING?
Yes, you still need to pay for parking, unless you are a TBG member. Accessible Parking Permit holders are eligible to park in the designated accessible parking spaces closest to the building. For your convenience, a meter is located near these spaces at the front of the building, or you can download the mobile app.
WHO MANAGES THE GARDEN ISLANDS IN THE PARKING LOT?
Over the next few years, Toronto Botanical Garden will be redesigning, replanting and maintaining the ‘island gardens’ within the parking lot to educate visitors on the benefits of plants. The replanting will include plants that are suitable for urban spaces and plants that benefit pollinators.
