Wild Mushroom Walks

faded russula mushroom

This summer, you can explore the wonderful world of mushrooms with expert , who will be leading a number of mushroom discovery walks through the Garden’s natural areas. Mushroom walks will be offered with a choice of morning, afternoon, and evening times. These walks have been very popular and we recommend you book early to avoid disappointment.

The walks usually go out for about 1-1/2 hours. Participants walk together looking for and at mushrooms, talking about mushrooms and their relationship with trees and other plants. You will be collecting some samples, especially of the edible mushrooms, medicinal mushrooms and any rare or unique mushrooms which will be collected for science. After the walk, you will bring your samples back and spend 1/2 to 1 hour sorting them out and discussing what characteristics to look for so you can properly identify them. The goal is for you to be able to learn a minimum of 2 or 3 mushrooms that you can confidently pick on your own.

Bring some layers for any weather, a small knife to collect mushrooms with and a basket if you have it. If you have any mushrooms from your yard or neighbourhood, come a bit early and bring them along for identification and discussion. 

$45 + tax per person includes Garden admission. 

Upcoming Course Dates (2.5 hours)

  • Sun. May 11, 10:00 a.m.
  • Fri. May 16, 6:00 p.m.
  • Fri. May 23, 6:00 p.m.
  • Fri. May 30, 6:00 p.m.
  • Mon. June 2, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. June 12, 10:00 a.m.
  • Sun. June 15, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. June 26, 6:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. July 3, 6:00 p.m.
  • Mon. July 7, 2:00 p.m.
  • Mon. July 14, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. July 17, 6:00 p.m.
  • Mon. July 21, 2:00 p.m.
  • Fri. July 25, 6:00 p.m.
  • Mon. July 28, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. July 31, 6:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. Aug 7, 4:30 p.m.
  • Mon. Aug 11, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. Aug 14, 10:00 a.m.
  • Mon. Aug 18, 2:00 p.m.
  • Fri. Aug 22, 10:00 a.m.
  • Mon. Aug 25, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. Sept 4, 10:00 a.m.
  • Mon. Sept 8, 2:00 p.m.
  • Thurs. Sept 11, 2:00 p.m.
  • Mon. Sept 15, 2:00 p.m. 

About the instructor

Martin Osis is passionate about wild mushrooms! He loves to look at them, touch them, smell them, taste them and talk about them. For decades he has been educating and entertaining people and groups about mushrooms by talks, forays, workshops, identification courses and just going on and on and on about mushrooms. His enthusiasm about mushrooms makes him a sought-after speaker. Check out some of his educational blogs and upcoming events on his

Important to know

  • Dogs are welcome as long as they are on a leash.
  • Min. 5 participants/max. 25. Walks may be cancelled if enrolment is low.
  • Individuals will be given the option to re-book; however, no refunds will be provided if a registered participant is unable to make the walk.
  • Tickets may be purchased in the Welcome Centre up to 1.5 hours in advance of the walks, subject to availability. However, due to the popularity of these walks, advance booking is strongly recommended.
  • Mushroom quantity and variety are weather dependent. 

$45 + tax per person includes Garden admission.