Tropical House - A Tonic For The Winter Blues



It's January 26th...it's not even February yet. Which means that there could very well be lots more winter left.  With the lack of snow and generally grey feeling of everything right now I find myself reacting with vitriolic responses to anyone who is on vacation in warmer climates.  As if they have the nerve to post pictures.  What the hell!  "na na na na na I'm sipping Margaritas" I hear them saying.  With their bare feet sticking out in front of a perfectly good view of the beach...

Ah well - I have found a small reprieve from the cold and grey - Gage Park Tropical House


Enter through this gate on the South Side of the Greenhouses in Gage Park
The Tropical House is a 6000 square foot oasis in the city housing tropical plants, aquatic plants, fish, tropical birds and a swim up bar....ok, there's no swim up bar, but you still have your imagination.
Go through the gate and look left
You could be forgiven if you had looked for it in the past but missed it.  The entrance is hidden away on the South side of the greenhouse buildings and it almost looks like you're not really supposed to be there...but be bold my friends, because a mini paradise awaits.

Entrance...this is a good sign
The Tropical House is part of a larger greenhouse structure that is used by the city.  In total, the greenhouse is comprised of some 22,000 square feet.  Most of the facility is used to plant and prepare for transplant, the various trees, flowers and foliage that is used in the city's beds and gardens.   The facility larger facility is usually not open to the public except during special events, but the Tropical House is,  and when you need some winter pick-me-up it's a great place to visit.
The tropical house features a really wide variety of terrestrial, aquatic, and succulent plants.  The air just feels good in here and the place is proof that colour green still exists in winter.  

As the city examines budget priorities, council is considering proposals to increase the size of this facility to allow for larger plants, more public space and to establish the tropical house as a tourist destination.  



In addition to the wide assortment of tropical plants, the ponds and a waterfall are home to some turtles and fish and a couple of tropical birds that are cared for by the folks at the Hamilton Aviary (more about that later).








The Gage Park Tropical House is open year round:

Monday through Friday 8 am to 2:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 3:30 pm
Closed all statutory holidays
Closed between Christmas and New Year’s Day




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