📷 Photo Diary: Allan Gardens Conservatory 📷

Considering I've lived in Toronto for my whole life, I've recently realized that I've done a pretty poor job at exploring all that the GTA has to offer. Recently, my friend and I finally went to Allan Gardens Conservatory. I've probably driven past it 100+ times, and I truly can't believe I'd never been there before. I couldn't resist taking tons of photos so if you're a fan of flowers and foliage, you're in luck.

If you're looking for an escape from the downtown core, this is it. When you step into Allan Gardens it honestly feels like you're in an entirely different climate. There are banana and bamboo trees, large cacti, and jade vines to name a few of the more "exotic" things you'll find there. The entire conservatory is divided into different houses: Cool, Tropical, Palm and Cactus. 

The conservatory is also home to a small waterfall and pond which are truly ethereal. The photo below has been my phone background ever since I took it. Can you believe this place is literally minutes from College station?

Apparently the conservatory also hosts seasonal shows every year which feature different plants and flowers (poinsettias at Christmas, chrysanthemums in Fall, hydrangeas for Easter (you get the picture)). Again, I actually can't believe that I had never been there before considering how much I love flowers (never mind the fact that they're my absolute favourite thing to photograph).

All in all, Allan Gardens is probably the coolest place I've ever explored in Toronto, and I can't believe I've been oblivious to it for 23 years. It's a great place to clear your head, and to beat the lingering winter blues (and weather) that seem to have stuck around a little longer this year. Whether you're looking for a swoon-worthy Instagram background, or love plants but can't seem to keep any alive, I highly recommend stopping by! It's open 365 days a year so really, there's no excuse.