Group Tours and Programs

Please note that we currently do not have any availability for Group Tours and Programs. We hope to have availability again in the near future. Thank you for your understanding.

Connect your group to the wonders of nature in Mississauga

If you have a group of friends, family, or club members that want to get in touch with nature, The Riverwood Conservancy has a program for you! Our private tours and programs give groups a chance to learn more about our special natural spaces, plants, and wildlife – and have a blast doing it!

We strive to deliver all of our programs with accessibility in mind. We're more than happy to adapt our programs to meet your groups specific needs. Whether it be shortening distances, slowing the pace, or simply staying in one area and observing nature while seated. Please let us know how we can accommodate you and your group when you book your program below.

Outdoor Guided Tours

$15 per person | minimum charge of $225
1.5-hour outdoor program
A group of 25 participants or less is recommended

Get your group outdoors and immersed in nature with a guided outdoor tour at Riverwood led by our naturalists. Choose from our list of engaging programs below, or get in touch with us if you have a particular subject in mind that isn't covered and we can explore additional options.

Riverwood 101 | Year-Round

Join us for a tour around Riverwood exploring the natural and cultural history of the site, as well as visiting the garden beds and conservation sites that The Riverwood Conservancy maintains.

Birding | Year-Round

Riverwood offers one of the best birding opportunities in Mississauga, thanks to its habitat preservation and diverse ecosystems. Join us to learn bird identification by colour, shape, and sound. Binoculars will be provided for the duration of the event and a bird checklist to take home. All experience levels are welcome, and we'll tailor the tour to accommodate your group’s birding knowledge.

Tree ID: Bark, Buds, and Leaves | Year-Round

Riverwood has a vast biodiversity when it comes to trees, creating a healthy and thriving ecosystem. Learn how to identify Ontario’s tree species by leaves, bark, buds, cones, and shape.

Wildlife Tracking | January - March

Winter offers ideal conditions for tracking wildlife and understanding their movements. Each track offers a hint to a bigger story. Join as we explore the footprints left in the snow, the remanence of animal chews, and the hints of a warm winter home beneath the snow.

Butterfly ID | May - August

Join us for a slow meander through Riverwood looking at all things that flutter! Learn the basics of identifying butterflies by their colours, size, shape and flight. We will equip you with butterfly nets and teach you how to ethically catch, identify, and release butterflies.

Garden Tour | May - September

With nearly ten unique gardens at Riverwood, there is much to explore and learn. Join us for a stroll through our garden beds and learn about their upkeep and maintenance that is primarily done by our dedicated volunteers. Discover how you can bring the magic of these gardens to your own backyard.

Wildflower Walk | May - September

Join us for a walk in the woods as we admire our native wildflowers (and some pesky invasives as well). Every new month provides opportunity to see a new species of blooming wildflower.

The Salmon Run | Late September - Mid October

A struggle between life and death. Join us to learn about the fascinating biology and history behind the yearly salmon run. From Lake Ontario all the way up the Credit River that runs through Riverwood, watch as these Salmon migrate through shallow rivers to lay the next generation. Please note that Riverwood does not have natural waterfalls or man-made dams, thus you do not typically observe salmon “jumping” out of the water.

Fall Colours | September - October

The fall season is here and the forest canopy is on display with bright reds, yellows, and oranges! Join us for a walk in the woods, observing the season’s changes and learn why such phenomena occurs. You may be surprised that it is not only the trees that are changing colours.

Winter Wildlife | November - March

Canadian winters are extremely taxing on the survival of our wildlife. Many species have chosen between three distinct adaptations; hibernation, migration, or to completely tolerate the colder conditions. Join us for a walk around Riverwood as we look at some of the species that are braving the snow, and as well explore the habitats of hibernating critters.

Indoor Workshops

$375 per group | additional fees for material costs
1-hour workshop
A group of 25 participants or less is recommended

Experience the charm of Riverwood from the comfort of one our historic buildings! Choose from a variety of engaging indoor workshops and programs listed below.

Trivia | Year-Round

Get ready for some friendly competition! Join us for a 1.5-hour trivia event featuring five rounds on various topics. Small prizes for the winning team! Choose from our nature-themed trivia, covering subjects like birds, reptiles, plants, and more. Or, let us know your group’s preference – whether it’s pop culture, movies, music, or a mix of everything!

Bird Feeder/House Workshop | Year-Round

Build your very own bird feeder or bird box from scratch! We'll provide all the materials, tools, and step-by-step instructions you need to create a custom feeder or box for your backyard or balcony. Discover how different designs attract various bird species and learn which shapes and sizes work best for our feathered friends. Together, let's help provide much-needed homes for birds in the city!

Planter Designs | May - October

Join us for a talk or walk focused on a specific plant group, such as native plants, pollinator-friendly species, drought-tolerant varieties, or cultivated favourites. After the talk, follow our expert gardener as they guide you through creating a planter featuring three complementary plants that you can take home. You'll learn tips for designing planters, how to care for them, and how to enjoy their beauty across different seasons.

Wreath Making | November - December

Let’s create some seasonal wreaths together! Learn how to design, choose plants, and assemble decorative wreaths for the winter season using an assortment of natural greenery. Get inspired and learn how to add some colour to your balcony, patio, or front entrance. Each participant will make one wreath to take home.

Virtual/Off-Site Presentations

$200 per group | additional fees for mileage may apply
1-hour presentation
Recording or sharing of the presentation is prohibited

Can't make it to Riverwood in-person? No worries! Engage your group with a virtual presentation or we'll bring nature to you with an in-person session at a location of your choice. Select from our most popular programs in the list below, or get in touch with us for a customized presentation.

Riverwood 101

Join us for a virtual tour around Riverwood exploring the natural and cultural history of the site, as well as virtually visiting the garden beds and conservation sites that The Riverwood Conservancy maintains.

Birds and Blooms

Learn how to be thoughtful in your backyard gardens about providing natural food, shelter, water and space for our native bird species. Birds provide humans with a tremendous amount of ecosystem services, but how can you repay the favour?

The Beaver

A Canadian Legend. This remarkable creature is not just an ecosystem engineer, creating its own habitat, shelter, and food; but also plays a crucial role in providing essential ecosystem services and habitat for other wildlife. Join us to delve into the fascinating world of this diligent tree feller.

The Monarch Butterfly

Adored worldwide for its captivating beauty and inspiring conservation story. Join us to learn about the Monarch’s life cycle, its massive migration from Canada to Mexico, and the numerous challenges throughout its journey.