To commemorate the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Ontario in 1984, the Province and The St. Lawrence Parks Commission presented the Queen Elizabeth Gardens as a gift to Her Majesty.

The Queen Elizabeth Gardens, an eye-pleasing oasis of brilliant colour and breathtaking fragrance, are located in Upper Canada Village Heritage Park, the scene of a battle where American forces fought British Regulars, aided by a Canadian contingent, in 1813.

The Gardens have been designed with an awareness of this history; the 50-acres (20 hectare) site is in the heart of the area settled by the Loyalists; through historic varieties of plants and lush walkways that lead to historical memorials, the Gardens stand in a colourful tribute to the richness of the past.

Today, standing at the Gardens' entrance, one can see the silhouette of the monument honouring the soldiers who fought in the Battle of Crysler's Farm during the War of 1812, on a high mound over-looking the St. Lawrence River. Below the monument is the Battle of Crysler's Farm Visitor Centre, where visitors can learn how the battle was fought through an audio-visual re-enactment and exhibits. The Visitor Centre also houses a splendid mural showing visitors what happened at Crysler's farm on this memorable November 11, 1813.

To the east of the monument is the Pioneer Memorial, Loyalist Memorial and the Bicentennial Stone, the latter carved by the people of Ontario.

The heart of the Gardens is undoubtedly the sunken Rose Garden. Thirty different varieties, including multiple blooming and climbing roses, flower throughout the summer. A special gem, the Antique Rose Area, displays roses dating from 1590 to 1850, such as alba, bourdon and moss roses. Many of them exude a headier fragrance than the modern varieties.

Rhododendrons, azaleas, tulip trees, over 30 different lilac varieties and unusual dwarf trees are only a few of the numerous resplendent species which compose the Gardens' kaleidoscope of colour.

For the photographer in search of a beautiful setting, the two fountains within the Gardens may be of equal interest. The smaller one is placed in the Rose Garden and the larger one, located at the south area of the Gardens, is the Expo '67 fountain which shoots a tower of water up to 35 feet high.

From the early spring bulbs to the late fall blooms, the Queen Elizabeth Gardens offer the visitor an always changing natural environment. Many couples have taken advantage of the Gardens as a picture-perfect setting for their wedding.

Admission to view the Gardens is free.