Allan Gardens is one of the oldest parks in Toronto and consists of a playground, dog park, with the prominent structure being the conservatory, or greenhouse.  It is named after George William Allan who donated the land and was the President of the Toronto Horticultural Society.  Allan was also a Mayor of Toronto.  The park is located in Toronto’s Garden District and is bound by Carlton and Gerrard Street East on the north and south along with Sherbourne and Jarvis Streets on the east and west.

 

 

The conservatory consists of a variety of greenhouse structures which showcase plants from all over the world.  The main structure is the central domed greenhouse, which is called the Palm House.  Branching off the north and south sides of the Palm House there are 4 other greenhouses. There are 2 Tropical Houses along with the Cool House and the Arid House (or the Cactus House).  The entire structure covers approximately 16,000 square feet.

 

 

The original structure, called Pavilion Hall, was built in 1879 and was used for social events.  Unfortunately,it burned down in 1902, and was replaced by the current Palm House in 1910.  The Palm House was designed by Robert McCallum, a Toronto Architect.

 

 

The surrounding structures were added at different times over the following 45 years, with some being moved from the University of Toronto and others from the CNE grounds.   There are many different seasonal shows that take place at the Conservatory, including a Christmas show every December with features carollers, wagon rides and apple cider.

 

Interestingly, the Conservatory is open 365 days a year, and is absolutely free – which is unlike almost everything else in Toronto.