Welcome to Abbey Gardens in Haliburton, your destination for fresh local food, outdoor exploration, workshops, innovative businesses, events and more – year-round.
Situated on 300 acres, we offer a lively community hub perfect for the entire family. Adults and children alike can explore the trails, gardens, and even get close to our rare Ojibwe horses.
Interested in living more sustainably? There are many interactive learning opportunities on site. Visit our flourishing grounds today! We look forward to welcoming you!
Explore what you can do
Events Calendar
See what’s happening this month.
The Food Hub
Featuring products (and produce from the garden!) sourced within 200km!
Fresh Produce Program
Register for our CSA program and get fresh greens 365 days a year.
Workshops
Discover hands-on learning opportunities for adults and kids.
Hiking Trails
Explore our old farm trails on foot and by snowshoe.
Meet Our Ojibwe Horses
Become acquainted with this rare breed.
Equine Assisted Learning
Experience personal development with a twist.
Summer Camps & Day Programs for Kids
Kids love our fun, hands-on learning experiences.
Youth Programs & Volunteering
We have a Leaders-In-Training program and volunteer opportunities.
School & Daycare Programs
School groups, daycare centres and camps can learn here.
Catering & Events
Book our picture-perfect venue in Haliburton.
Volunteer
Get involved and support our mission.
Donate
Help us continue our work with a financial contribution.
Membership Benefits
Support Abbey Gardens and take advantage of annual savings.
Book A Tour
Guided and self-guided tours are available by donation.
THERE’S A BIGGER STORY HERE
How It All Began
Everything fell into place when John Patterson, a retired businessman, came up with the idea of transforming a local gravel pit into a garden. He was inspired by his trips to Butchart Gardens in B.C. and the Eden Project in Cornwall, UK, the largest indoor rainforest in the world. Both destinations are rehabilitated open-air mines that feature world-class gardens. Soon John began his search for suitable land in the Haliburton Highlands to turn into a greenspace where the community could gather, learn, and enjoy. In 2009, the dream became a reality.
Where We Are Now
What started out as one small garden has become so much more. As a not-for-profit charity, Abbey Gardens provides economic and recreational opportunities for our community. Everything we do here helps further our mission to promote sustainable living, so that more people can discover ways to reduce their impact on the planet. We have a dedicated team of full-time and seasonal staff who help manage our gardens, programs, retail, wholesale and daily operations. Volunteers have also embraced our mission and are integral to our success and development.
GROW
Abbey Gardens welcomes like-minded, start-up and established organizations to locate on our site.
Businesses on our site
Abbey Retreat Centre (ARC)
County Coffee
Into The Blue Bakery
Haliburton Solar and Wind