Why Everyone Falls in Love with Assiniboine Park’s English Garden
Assiniboine Park has several amazing gardens, but for some reason, the English Garden is my favorite.
Maybe it’s the quiet winding paths or the gorgeous flowers in bloom. Or maybe it’s the benches tucked under shady trees or the overall storybook feeling it brings.
Whatever it is, I really love spending time there. Sometimes, I even catch local artists painting or wedding parties snapping photos, making the garden look even more charming and picturesque.
If you want to see the English Garden at its best, here are a few insider tips to make your visit extra special.
Where is the English Garden?
The English Garden is located in the southeast section of Assiniboine Park, just steps from the Pavilion and close to the Duck Pond. The park’s official address is 55 Pavilion Crescent, Winnipeg, MB.
How to Get to the English Garden
By Bus:
Take Winnipeg Transit routes 11, 18, 21, 67, or 79, which all stop near Assiniboine Park. The closest stop is Westbound at Shaftesbury (Assiniboine Park)—about a 6-minute walk from the entrance closest to the English Garden.
Another nearby option is Eastbound Portage at Overdale, roughly 11 minutes away on foot.
By Car:
Drive west on Portage Avenue (Route 85), then turn left onto Shaftesbury Boulevard (Route 96) to enter the park. You can also head west on Corydon Avenue (Route 95), which becomes Robin Boulevard—just turn right onto Shaftesbury to reach the park.
Once inside, look for parking near the Pavilion. The English Garden is just a short walk from there.
By Bike:
The park is connected to Winnipeg’s bike trail system. Ride in via Wellington Crescent, the Assiniboine River Trail, or the Harte Trail, and follow signs toward the Pavilion or Duck Pond area. The English Garden is just beyond that.
On Foot:
From nearby neighborhoods like Tuxedo, Charleswood, or River Heights, you can enjoy a scenic walk into the park. A common pedestrian access point is the intersection of Corydon and Sfatesbury, which leads you straight toward the garden paths.
Best Time to Visit the English Garden
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The best time to visit the English Garden is from late spring to early fall, when the flowers are in full bloom and the pathways look their best. Early mornings or golden hours in the evening are perfect if you’re after a quiet, picture-perfect vibe.
Things to Know about the English Garden
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History
The English Garden has been charming visitors since 1926, when it was first planted as a showcase of traditional English-style landscaping. Spread out over nearly three acres, it quickly became known across North America for its storybook garden feel.
From the start, the garden was meant to be a spot where locals and tourists could learn more about floriculture in Manitoba. It’s also intended to be a quiet space for reflection and relaxation, and it’s safe to say it’s still fulfilling its purpose 100 years later.
The Assiniboine Park Conservancy, a non-profit organization, maintains and preserves the English Garden. Every year, new plant varieties are added to keep things fresh and inspiring, so there’s always something new every time you visit.
Opening Hours
The English Garden, along with the Leo Mol Sculpture Garden, is open year-round from 9 AM until dark. Just note that everything is closed on Christmas Day, including attractions and restaurants.
Accessibility
The English Garden in Assiniboine Park offers accessible paved paths and gentle slopes. These make it easy for visitors using wheelchairs, strollers, or anyone who appreciates a smoother stroll.
DOMO Trolley
One of the easiest ways to reach the English Garden is by hopping on the free DOMO Trolley, which runs through Assiniboine Park from spring to fall. The trolley follows a hop-in, hop-off route with a stop right near the English Garden.
It runs daily from June 28 to September 1, and yes, your leashed, well-behaved pet is welcome too (as long as the driver gives the go-ahead).
What to Do in the English Garden
Take in the gorgeous flowers and plants
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The English Garden is packed with local and imported blooms that change with the seasons. You’ll spot everything from prairie grasses and tall coneflowers to Manitoba-bred shrub roses, lilies, and other showstoppers.
Check out the garden’s two famous statues
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Keep an eye out for the charming Boy with the Boot and the Queen Victoria Monument. The boy statue was donated by the Winnipeg Downtown Rotary Club, while the monument was moved there in 1967 to mark Canada’s Centennial.
Take a scenic stroll through its pathways
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Follow stone walkways and winding trails that lead you to beautifully arranged beds, shady trees, and secluded nooks. The garden’s layout creates a peaceful, almost private feel—plus, it’s pet-friendly, too (just make sure your dog is leashed).
Hang out on one of the benches
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Whether you’re meeting a friend or just need a quiet moment to reflect or read a book, the benches scattered around the garden offer the perfect break. Some sit in the sun, while others are tucked under evergreens or apple trees for extra shade and serenity.
Take a mini photoshoot
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Since it’s very Insta-worthy, the English Garden is a favorite backdrop for wedding photos, engagement shoots, and casual snaps. If you’re lucky, you’ll even spot artists with sketchbooks or easels set up along the paths.
To snap awesome photos, early mornings or late afternoons are your best bet—the light is soft and flattering, and the garden feels more peaceful. You can also swing by off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and get the place (almost) to yourself.
Where to Eat near the English Garden
Assiniboine Park Cafe
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Website: https://www.assiniboinepark.ca/park-cafe
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/assiniboine_park/
Address: 30 Assiniboine Park Dr
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 4 PM
Contact: (204) 927-6080
If you’re ready for some munchies, head over to the Assiniboine Park Cafe beside the Riley Family Duck Pond. You can swing by the park treats window on the side for ice cream, drinks, and snacks, or sit inside and enjoy burgers or all-day breakfast.
Speaking of breakfast, you can’t go wrong with the Park Breakfast. It includes two eggs any way you like, served with crispy hash browns tossed in herb seasoning, toast, and your choice of bacon, back bacon, or Winkler’s farmer sausage.
Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar
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Website: https://www.gatherattheleaf.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gatherattheleaf/
Address: 145 The Leaf Way
Hours: Mon – Sun: 9 AM – 4 AM
Contact: (204) 927-7222
Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar is located inside The Leaf, a cozy spot led by chef Mike de Groot. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced locally, inspired by yummy stuff grown in the biomes like sugar cane, cardamom, coconut, guava, etc.
One of my go-to picks is their Hickory Smoked Pork Belly Rice Bowl, served with Mexi rice, mole, pickled red onion, cilantro, and lime. You can also ask your server about the latest seasonal dishes—they’re always mixing things up!
Where to Stay near the English Garden
Hilton Garden Inn
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Website: https://www.hilton.com/en/hotels/ywgmngi-hilton-garden-inn-winnipeg-south/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hilton-garden-inn-winnipeg-south/
Address: 495 Sterling Lyon Pkwy
Hours: Check-in time: 3 PM
Check-out time: 12 PM
Contact: (204) 594-7436
Just a 10-minute drive away from the English Garden, the Hilton Garden Inn is a cozy place to stay. Rooms come fully equipped with all the essentials—AC, free WiFi, mini-fridge, microwave, coffee, tea makers, and a flat screen TV.
You can unwind with a swim in the indoor pool, squeeze in a workout at the fitness centre, or enjoy a meal at the Garden Grille & Bar. Speaking of which, this spot serves up a fresh breakfast daily.
Viscount Gort Hotel
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Website: https://www.viscount-gort.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/viscountgortwpg/
Address: 1670 Portage Ave
Hours: Check-in: 3 PM
Check-out: 11 PM
Contact: (204) 775-0451
The Viscount Gort Hotel is a solid pick if you’re looking for a place to stay near the English Garden or Assiniboine Park. The rooms come with free high-speed WiFi, flat screen TVs, free local calling, and bonus movie channels like Crave and HBO.
Families especially love the hotel’s indoor pool area, which features a fun water slide, kiddie pool, and a hot tub. There’s also a fitness room for a quick workout, free parking onsite, and pet-friendly rooms available for a small fee.