Planted in Winnipeg, Blooming With Cultural and Natural Diversity

An aerial view of a large building with a glass roof, surrounded by gardens and greenspace.
A family walking through a biome

Funding provided through the New Building Canada Fund (inactive).

Did you know?

The Leaf is home to the Wollemi Pine (Wollemia nobilis), also known as the dinosaur tree from the pre-Jurassic era. The extremely rare tree was thought to be extinct for over two million years until rediscovered in Australia in the mid 1990s. The Leaf is helping preserve and protect the species.

Dreaming of a tropical oasis or a Mediterranean retreat? Or perhaps a hands-on learning experience exploring the diversity in nature? You might not need to travel as far as you think for your next getaway or educational outing! Look no further than Winnipeg, Manitoba, for The Leaf – Canada’s Diversity Gardens. Nestled within Assiniboine Park, this horticultural paradise showcases a variety of environments, from lush tropical rainforests to sun-drenched Mediterranean landscapes and rich Canadian greenery.

How are biomes different than ecosystems?

Biomes are larger in scale compared to ecosystems. They are extensive areas of the Earth's surface. A biome contains multiple ecosystems, where the defining factor is climate. Examples of biomes are forests, deserts, or grasslands.

With support from the federal government, The Leaf opened its doors in 2022 after replacing the old Assiniboine Park Conservatory, a century-old building that had exceeded its lifespan. The previous conservatory focused primarily on plant exhibitions, while the new modern facility provides visitors with immersive environmental and cultural learning opportunities. The design includes multiple biomes and gardens, representing different climates and featuring a wide array of plant life from here in Canada and around the world.

This horticultural paradise isn't just a visual spectacle; it's an interactive educational experience that helps us understand the biodiversity of the world, and why it's so important. The Leaf serves as a living classroom, offering a stunning display of diverse plants and making it the ideal place for students and community groups to learn in a dynamic environment. Teachers and community groups can nurture students’ curiosity with engaging and hands-on lessons in areas like the Tannis M. Richardson Classroom, or the biomes and gardens. These learning opportunities focus on important themes like sustainability, health, food, and spirituality, helping visitors of all ages develop a deeper appreciation for nature and different cultures.

What to expect at The Leaf

An indoor waterfall inside a tropical biome.

The Leaf features four breathtaking biomes. The Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome, home to Canada's tallest indoor waterfall, offers a lush, rainforest-like environment that provides a tropical escape. The Mediterranean Biome displays plants suited to climates with mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers, like Greece, Italy, South Africa, Southwest Australia, Central Chile, and California. Colourful floral exhibits in the Babs Asper Display House change four to five times a year to highlight seasonal and global themes. Take the elevator up six stories to the magical Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden, a tropical paradise where you can interact with stunning butterfly species. These environments, especially the tropical ones, are perfect retreats from our cold Canadian winters, offering warm escapes within a magnificent indoor setting all year-round.

Did you know?

Through horticultural and interpretive displays, education programs, on-site engagement, and special events, The Leaf explores the human connection with nature and the role plants play in shaping our communities and cultures.

Outdoors, explore the Gardens at The Leaf, approximately 30 acres of gardens and greenspaces which includes the Indigenous Peoples Garden, Kitchen Garden, and Sensory Garden among others, each designed to further educate and engage visitors.

Complete the experience with some savoury dishes right on the premises. The Leaf’s restaurant explores food that celebrates the harvest of each season and incorporates flavours from around the globe with fresh ingredients from the Kitchen Garden.

The Leaf not only serves as a tranquil retreat, but promotes environmental sustainability, and enriches cultural understanding through its diverse programs and exhibits. Through every season, The Leaf is a place where Canadians can come together to celebrate the environment and the diverse cultures that shape our country.

Quick facts:

  • The Leaf has been awarded "Garden of the Year" at the 2023 International Garden Tourism Conference.
  • The Leaf is home to Canada’s largest indoor waterfall at 60 feet. The waterfall helps create a humid, warm environment in the Hartley and Heather Richardson Tropical Biome.
  • The biomes are open year-round, providing a perfect escape from the cold Canadian winters.
  • The construction and ongoing operation of The Leaf provide economic benefits through job creation and increased tourism. As a significant attraction within Winnipeg's Assiniboine Park, it draws visitors not just locally but also from other regions, boosting local businesses.

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