The Centennial Botanical Conservatory will re-open to the public on Thursday, January 8, 2026. 
Hours of operation will be Tuesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed on Mondays)

Click here to learn more about the renewal of the Conservatory

Conservatory Renewal

The Conservatory was closed to the public from February 2024 to December 2025 in support of Phase 2 of the renewal project. Phase 1 and Phase 2 are now complete, marking major milestones in the Conservatory’s multi-phase revitalization.  

Visit the project's public engagement page at Get Involved Thunder Bay to see what has happened so far and explore plans for the future. As the project progresses opportunities to provide input and feedback will also be available.

Conservatory Figures - Phases 1 to 3

Updates

 Phase 2 Updates
  • Replaced the East and West wing aluminum structures and renewed floor space areas
  • Re-finished portions of the steel structure and piping in the Tropical Display House
  • Re-glazed the entire facility with more energy efficient Acrylite panels and renewed and upgraded all flat roofs
  • Added automated venting and irrigation systems
  • Replaced the entire electrical and HVAC system of the facility, including tie-in of the new in-floor heating system from the production greenhouse
  • Removed existing asbestos
  • Replaced and redesigned layout of all walkways throughout conservatory display areas to provide safe and accessible pedestrian circulation
  • Replaced the underground drainage systems in the display area
  • Replaced and upgraded water service into the facility
  • General refurbishment of the remaining public and workspace areas in the facility
  • Provided new accessible public washroom facilities, doubling washroom capacity
  • Renovated back-of-house area for improved operational facilities and to allow access for public/partnership groups to the new Gallery and Greenhouse Facilities
  • Replaced the existing standby generator on site with higher efficiency NG unit
  • Upgraded and/or replaced security and data systems
  • Upgraded the central water feature in the Tropical Display

About

The City of Thunder Bay's Centennial Botanical Conservatory is a multi-functional facility - a community gathering space that is home to a large variety of flowers, trees, tropical plants and cacti, and also a production facility where the plants that fill city-owned flower pots and gardens throughout the summer are grown over the winter and spring.

Accessible to all and a great place to visit year round, the Conservatory was opened in 1967 by the Fort William Parks Board as a Centennial project, and it is a legacy to the citizens of Thunder Bay.

"It’s a positive feast for the senses: the feel of warm humid air on your skin, the sound of trickling water, the scent of dirt and moisture and growing green things. Standing in the arboretum under its soaring glass roof on a cold winter day, or even a so-so grey day the rest of the year, instantly makes you feel better. And it’s the most affordable tropical vacation you’ll ever take—admission is free, although donations in the box at the door are much appreciated." - Bonnie Schiedel, northernontario.travel. Read the whole article here. 

In 2017, as a part of the celebration of the Conservatory's 50th anniversary the Friends of the Thunder Bay Conservatory group put together a comprehensive online history exhibit highlighting the early development of the facility and the folks instrumental in it's creation.

Location

1601 Dease St W, Thunder Bay, ON P7C 5H4 - Google Map

Facility Amenities

Features (some are seasonal)
  • Beehives
  • Community and children's gardens
  • Flowering plants, exotic trees and shrubs from around the world
  • Horticultural Society's perennial garden
  • Park benches (inside and outside)
  • Picnic tables
  • Pollinator garden
  • Shade trees
  • Waterfall and wishing pond

Washrooms and change tables

Accessible washrooms and change tables are available.

Parking

Plenty of parking is available, including motor-coach parking.

Tours

Guided Tours of the Conservatory are available by request. To book a tour, call 807-625-2941.

Bookings for Groups and Photo Sessions

Reservations are required. To book the Conservatory, call 807-625-2941.

Bookings will be available in February 2026 - with the first dates available starting February 17.

 

Price:

  • Schools & not-for-profit organizations: free
  • Wedding Ceremonies/Photos: half hour session $71.19 (HST included), one hour session $142.38 (HST included)

Please note that new rates and services will be pending budget approval in January - February 2026.

Events

The Friends of the Thunder Bay Conservatory host many great events at the Conservatory year-round.

Walking trails

Paved recreation trails are nearby that can take you to and from the Conservatory. See the City of Thunder Bay's recreational trails maps.

Contact Us