How to Enjoy Your Visit to the Aurora Community Arboretum

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or returning to your favourite trail, the Aurora Community Arboretum offers a peaceful, natural escape in the heart of town — open to the public year-round, free of charge.

Winding through over 100 acres of forest, meadows, and carefully maintained tree collections, the Arboretum offers something to enjoy in every season: spring daffodils, summer wildlife spotting, brilliant fall colour, and peaceful winter walks. This page will help you make the most of your visit — from finding parking and trails to knowing what’s blooming and where to explore.

Visitor Etiquette

To protect the beauty and biodiversity of the Arboretum and ensure a positive experience for all:

Dogs must be under control and leashed at all times.*
Pick up after your pets and dispose of waste in appropriate bins.
Stay on marked trails to protect plant life and wildlife habitat.
Do not feed wildlife, including swans, ducks, or geese.
Leave all trees, plants, flowers, leaves, seeds in place.
Respect other visitors and share the trails.
Cyclists yield to pedestrians or other cyclists and alert them as you approach from behind.
Drones, fires, and camping are not permitted.
Motorized vehicles are not permitted.

* Canine Commons, a designated leash-free dog park, is located at 315 Industrial Parkway N.

General Safety

Prepare for the weather.

Visit with a friend or a group.

Tick season is typically early spring through late fall. Stay on trails and check yourself and pets after visiting. Learn more about tick safety from LSRCA.

Consider reviewing the Town of Aurora’s park etiquette guidelines for more information.

Group Leaders & Facilitators

The Arboretum is a great space for self-guided exploration, school field trips, and community group visits. However, please note:

The Arboretum is supported by volunteers, and we cannot offer regular programming. We do not have a dedicated visitor centre.
There are no user fees or booking system for visiting the trails or gardens, but it is helpful to advise the Arboretum if you wish to bring a group.
If your group is hoping for a guided walk, contact us in advance, and we will try to accommodate you; opportunities are limited as volunteer availability varies.
For picnic pavilion or indoor space rentals, contact the Town of Aurora (e.g. Lambert Willson Park or Aurora Family Leisure Complex)

Reach out to us at auroraarboretum.info@gmail.com with your group inquiry.

Getting Here

Driving & Parking: There are multiple entrances and parking options surrounding the Arboretum:

Parking Lots

Aurora Seniors Centre / Town Hall
Aurora Family Leisure Complex
Aurora Sports Dome
Street parking on Hollandview Trail or Woodroof Cres.

Entrances
Access points are located along Hollandview Trail, Woodroof Cres, John West Way and Industrial Parkway North.

Public Transit

York Region Transit to Yonge and Wellington; ~20 minute walk to Arboretum entrance.

Go Train to Aurora Station ~15 minute walk (1.4 km) to Arboretum entrance

👉 Download the Arboretum Map (PDF)

What to See and When to Visit

Spring

Daffodils in bloom: The Field of Gold is a must-see, with over 13,000 bulbs creating a sea of yellow by late April to early May. Download the map to find the Field of Gold and nearby parking: Download Map.

- Daffodil plants and flowers are toxic to dogs if ingested.

New growth & blossoms: Watch for flowering shrubs in Flora Aurora, and early-blooming trees like the Eastern Redbud.

Bird activity: Migratory birds return, a great time for birdwatching.

Summer

Shaded trails: Walk along river-adjacent paths for a cool, peaceful escape.

Pollinators at work: Look for bees and butterflies in the meadow and shrub areas.

Flora Aurora: In full bloom, this area showcases flowering trees and shrubs.

Swans & Stormwater Pond: Keep an eye out for the resident Trumpeter Swans in the stormwater pond. If you’re lucky, you might spot young cygnets during the early summer months.

Fall

Stunning foliage: The Bottomland Forest and Shelterbelt trails light up with brilliant colour.

Photography-friendly: Fall is one of the best seasons for capturing the Arboretum’s beauty.

Winter

Open year-round: Trails remain open, though they are not maintained in winter. Conditions can vary widely.

Good boots = a good choice: Trails can be icy or snow-covered. Wear sturdy boots and be prepared for a bit of a workout.

Animal tracks: Look for signs of local wildlife in the snow.

Amenities

Public Washrooms: In Aurora Family Leisure Complex year round.
Between the baseball diamonds at Lambert Willson Park, (open spring through end October).

Benches: Along main trails and at rest spots

Playground: Beside the Aurora Family Leisure Complex in Lambert Willson Park.

Leash-free Dog Park: 315 Industrial Parkway North, parking available.

Trail Info

Main Trails: Crushed limestone and paved; stroller- and walker-friendly

Grass Trails: Mowed through naturalized areas (may be muddy after rain).

Loop Options: Create your own route — from 15-minute loops to full-length walks.

Capture the Moment

Personal photography is welcome.

For commercial or group shoots, please contact the Arboretum in advance: auroraarboretum.info@gmail.com