Escape to the Whimsical Bloomland in Oz at the RBG

As a lifelong fan of The Wizard of Oz movie, I have been looking forward to the Royal Botanical Garden’s 2026 winter floral showcase, Bloomland in Oz, since it was first announced. Inspired by the pages of L. Frank Baum’s book The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, Bloomland in Oz features captivating botanical displays, artistic creations and 25,000 real blooms – the perfect escape from a cold and snowy winter!

Last year we visited both the Alice in Bloomland showcase and the Fleurs de Villes: Downton Abbey floral display at the Royal Botanical Gardens and loved them both so much that we decided to purchase an RBG membership so we can visit the gardens as often as we like and never miss these special events!

January 31 – April 6, 2026 (Tuesday – Sunday with some exceptions)

Like the Alice in Bloomland showcase last year, Bloomland in Oz is a whimsical and colourful escape to a garden filled with fragrant blooms (over 25,000 primarily exquisite orchids). Visitors of all ages will enjoy the opportunity to “follow the yellow brick road” and experience the enchanting Wizard of Oz-inspired displays which start at the entrance to the RBG Centre.

This is a timed ticketed event and space is limited. Please book in advance to avoid disappointment as at-the-door tickets are not available once capacity is reached.

We spent about an hour viewing the Bloomland in Oz showcase as well as the Of Wonders Wild and New visual art exhibit and enjoyed both. We didn’t have time for the Bloomland Enchanted Tea on the day of our visit but might go back another day to enjoy (we had tea at the Downton Abbey showcase and it was lovely!).

On weekends and holidays, visitors can meet a character actor dressed as Dorothy who will be strolling through the exhibit between the hours of 9 am – 3pm. There’s also a 19+ after-hours event, RBG After Dark, which will take place on February 19, March 12 and April 2 from 6 pm – 10 pm.

Entrance and Garden Shop

Bloomland in Oz fun starts at the entrance to the RBG Centre with charming displays at the front entrance and through to the Garden Shop.

The RBG Garden Shop also features quite a selection of Wizard of Oz merchandise and books if you would like a souvenir or a gift for a Dorothy fan in your life.

Foyer and McQuesten Theatre

In the foyer area of the McQuesten theatre, you will find a display featuring the Tin Man, a photo spot with a bench and a wall of poppies, a gazebo-like structure covered with flowers, and the Cowardly Lion. The theatre space is taken up by a massive version of the Emerald City and the orchids that are part of the displays are simply stunning!

Breezeway Display

The Breezeway is home to the very impressive Flying Monkeys – the work that has gone into creating these is incredible!

Mediterranean Garden

Strolling through the ground level of the beautiful Mediterranean Garden, you will find Glinda the Good Witch and the Wicked Witch of the West both created out of the most beautiful flowers and plant material. On the second level of the garden, there is a lovely spot for photos as well as the great and powerful Wizard of Oz.

Bloomland Enchanted Tea

To complement your experience, the RBG offers an exclusive tea at the Tea House in Hendrie Park which is available only to Bloomland in Oz guests. Bloomland in Oz teas will take place Wednesdays to Sundays from February 4 to April 5th and reservations are required as there will be no walk-ins. Attending the tea requires both a Bloomland in Oz ticket as well as a reservation at the Tea House.

Reservations are required and made through Open Table.

Guests may select from one of several three-tier towers – the Over the Rainbow tower ($42) which includes a number of savoury treats, sweets and a choice of Sloane tea or coffee, the Yellow Brick Road tower ($40) which offers vegetarian items or Poppy Field tower ($44) which is vegan. There is also Dorothy’s Tower ($22) for guests aged 10 and under.

The items all have delightful Oz-themed names such as Ruby Tartlet, Emerald City Roll, Cowardly Lion’s Roar, Tin Man’s Heart, Munchkins Cake Pop, Flying Monkeys Truffle, Toto’s Sugar Cookie, Wicked Witch Chocolate Raspberry Scone and Glinda’s Strawberry Cream Scone.

We weren’t able to attend the Bloomland in Oz tea on the day of our visit, however, we did attend the Downton Abbey tea during the Fleurs de Villes event last year and it was lovely. We ordered one tea tower at that event and it was more than enough for two of us. I assume that it’s fine to share a tray at this event as well.

Many dates are already sold out so plan ahead and make your reservations if you want to include afternoon tea with your Bloomland in Oz visit!

Visual Arts Exhibition

Admission to the visual arts exhibition ‘Of Wonders Wild and New’ is also included with your tickets for Bloomland in Oz. Last year’s exhibit featured fibre artists and this year’s features artists who create with wood.

The exhibition features six artists from across Canada, Six Nations, Italy and Spain including the celebrated Italian artist Willy Verginer who explore the themes of the power and beauty of nature, duality, our impact on the environment, and the material splendor of wood.

What You Need To Know

• The Bloomland in Oz experience at the RBG Centre (680 Plains Rd. W., Burlington) will take place January 31 to April 6, 2026.
• Generally open Tuesdays – Sundays and closed on Mondays but exceptions apply (holidays and March break). Standard hours are 10am – 5pm on weekdays and 9am – 5pm on weekends but may vary so check the RBG website to confirm.
• RBG After Dark is a 19+ experience held on February 19, March 12 and April 2 from 6-10 pm. This is a licensed event with signature cocktails, food and music.
• Admission Fees for Adults: $19.50 + HST + $2 service fee (off-peak hours) and $24.50 + HST + $2 service fee (peak hours). Reduced admission fees for Seniors, Students and Children. Age 2 and under are free but registration is required. Included with Membership during Off-Peak hours, $5 for members during Peak hours – registration is required.
• Tickets are non-refundable and final sale.