Oshawa Valley Botanical Gardens
Engagement Sessions in Toronto
155 Arena St, Oshawa, ONBest Time of Year: Peonies peak from late May into the last week of June
Ideal For: Couples who want gardens, greenery and soft natural light
A chain of gardens that follows the Oshawa Creek valley through the middle of the city, designed as a companion to Parkwood's nationally designated grounds. The Peony Garden is the draw: more than 300 varieties, one of the largest modern peony collections in North America, grown out from an original hundred plants donated by the Canadian Peony Society. Blooms run from late May into the last week of June and the city builds a festival around the peak. Outside that window the creek banks, old-growth trees and the shade and perennial beds carry a session easily on their own.
Gallery photography by Ron Prestage Photography
Why Shoot Here
- More than 300 peony varieties, one of North America's largest collections
- Oshawa Creek running right through the gardens
- Old-growth trees and shaded creek banks
- Waterfall, shade and perennial garden features
- A companion to Parkwood's nationally designated gardens
- Free parking at the Children's Arena lot
Session Tips
- For peonies, aim late May to late June — the window is genuinely short
- The Peony Festival draws a crowd in early June; a weekday is calmer
- Overcast light flatters the flower beds far more than hard midday sun
- Creek banks and old-growth shade give you a look outside bloom season
- Side-street meters are free after 6 p.m. and on weekends and holidays
Getting There
The gardens are at 155 Arena Street in Oshawa, roughly an hour east of downtown Toronto by car. Park free at the Children's Arena lot, or at side-street meters that are free evenings, weekends and holidays. Your photographer will choose which of the linked gardens to work in and share a meeting point once your session is booked.
Gallery
Gallery photography by Ron Prestage Photography
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Trusted by Real Couples
“From the very beginning Jeff along with his studio manager Frankie were both very good at communicating and chose the most beautiful place, Huntington Beach State Park.”
Ella & Zach
