Please complete your profile to unlock commenting and other important features.

Please select your date of birth for special perks on your birthday. Your username will be your unique profile link and will be publicly used in comments.
Narcity Pro

This is a Pro feature.

Time to level up your local game with Narcity Pro.

Pro

$5/month

$40/year

  • Everything in the Free plan
  • Ad-free reading and browsing
  • Unlimited access to all content including AI summaries
  • Directly support our local and national reporting and become a Patron
  • Cancel anytime.
For Pro members only Pro
Summary

This Gorgeous Garden Is A Toronto Day Trip With Italian Vacation Vibes

Hello, architecture goals!
Contributor

When it comes to day trips from Toronto, Niagara Falls is tried and tested. Whether you've been once or a hundred times, you can count on the city for an easy and fun-filled outing. But if you're looking for peaceful European vibes rather than bustling streets, Oakes Garden Theatre is sure to satisfy.

With ornamental iron gates, limestone walls, and a central amphitheatre, this tranquil spot tucked away amid the tall buildings gives us secret Italian vacation vibes, and we're here for it.

You can find this lush garden oasis, which serves as the entry point to Queen Victoria Park, near the base of Clifton Hill.

There's a shaded lily pond that features a cute footbridge and a handful of well-maintained gardens for you to admire during your visit.

The gardens have been open since 1937, so there's plenty of history in these walls as well.

Best of all, there's no admission price to get in!

If you'd rather be ambling around the streets of Italy right now, this garden is an excellent substitute (not to mention a much cheaper alternative).

Plus, with so many additional activities within walking distance, you'll never get bored.

Despite being next to the action, you'll likely feel like you're worlds away when you visit this place.

Oakes Garden Theatre

Price: Free

Address: 5851 Niagara Pky., Niagara Falls, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can pretend you're in Italy at this stunning spot in Niagara Falls.

Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

Explore this list   👀

  • Amber Van Wort was a writer at Narcity Canada. She studied journalism at Durham College in Oshawa and holds a special place in her heart for the Toronto Maple Leafs. She continues to be published in the Chicago Tribune, Best Reviews, and previously, The Belleville Intelligencer, totaling up to 9+ years of experience.

This enchanting small town set on a BC island was named among North America's 'most peaceful'

Sandy beaches, ancient forests and a cozy town — anyone?. 🌲

New data reveals the 'most peaceful' places to live and Canadian towns demolished US ones

Five Canadian towns were named the most serene on the continent. 🍁

This Ontario gem with waterfront towns and beaches is one of Canada's 'best' spots to live

It has "large" homes "priced much lower" than major Canadian cities.