Linden Gardens: An Okanagan Gem

Hiding in a quiet corner of the Okanagan, you can find an alternative to the beach days and wine tours so common from spring to fall across this popular tourist region of British Columbia.

Linden Gardens, a 9-acre expanse of flowers, trees, ponds, and streams, is the nature lover’s idea of heaven. Located in Kaleden, on the west bank of Skaha Lake, Linden Gardens is a family owned and operated treasure that originally sprung out of a beloved hobby.

Visit in the spring and you’ll find the gardens full of budding trees and blossoming flowers growing in the warm sun. Stop by in the summer to see the garden in all its glory, a full bloom. And lastly, visit in the fall to see the plants slowly preparing for their winter sleep, but still very much alive and green.

Spring, summer, fall, no matter when you go to Linden Gardens, you will find a natural oasis to capture your interest and unwind your mind.

The Garden

While you meander along the bark mulch track, admiring the blossoms and lush landscape, following the cheeky “road” signs, it seems like hours could go by in this magical garden.

Although the time of year will greatly affect the amount of blooming flowers you see, you can always count on plentiful shades of green from spring to fall; from wispy sage willow trees to light pistachio shrubbery to shamrock lily pads on the pond.

Frog City Cafe

Located in the heart of Linden Gardens is the rustic yet cozy Frog City Cafe, where you can sit inside or on their patio and sample some baked goods, specialty coffees, or eat a full lunch.

Not only is this cafe a nice spot to while away an afternoon, it’s also a popular wedding location, especially throughout spring and summer.

Best Time to Go

Linden Gardens is open from May 1 to September 30, with the most plants blooming in June and July. For a full listing of what is blooming when, you can check out their Blooms and Blossoms guide here.

The gardens are open from 8am – 5pm while the Frog City Café is open from 8:30am – 4:30pm. Admission is $5 for adults and $2.50 for children.

Also, if you want a quieter walk through the gardens with fewer visitors, definitely go first thing in the morning in the summer. If you’re visiting in early spring or fall you’ll find the trails quieter too. I visited at the beginning of September and would highly recommend this time of year as the garden was serene and you will have time to marvel at the plants in peace.

How to Get There

Out of Penticton, drive south along Highway 97. About 10 minutes later the highway takes you past the small community of Kaleden. Turn off at Lakehill Road; make a right on Birch Avenue and then a left on Linden Avenue. Follow along until you see the signs for Linden Gardens.

Free parking is available for visitors.