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Photography Sessions

The Humber Arboretum offers many options for beautiful and creative commercial photography. Discover our spring-flowering trees, our colourful annual and perennial gardens, ornamental grasses, and seasonal colours. We also have theme gardens such as the Garden of the Rising Moon and the Tranquility Garden. Other areas for photography include forest trail entrances, ponds, wooden bridges, stone paths, and unique structures.

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Photography Permits

Wedding photography, engagement photography, family photo shoots, graduation photos, or other planned photography sessions at the Humber Arboretum require a permit.

COVID-19 Notice: Permits are now available on a limited basis. The process and approvals are based on the current government restrictions and are subject to change depending on direction and guidelines provided by the City of Toronto and Ontario's Roadmap to Reopen.

Pricing

Permits cover a two-hour window and pricing is based on time of year:

  • June 1 to October 15: $254.50
  • October 16 to May 31: $199.50

Please note that currently VISA or Mastercard are the only available payment options.

How to Apply

The Centre for Urban Ecology remains closed due to COVID-19 and staff are working remotely. The following application process is in place until further notice:

Applications must be made at least 5 business days prior to the requested date.

  • Read the Humber Arboretum Photography Permit Terms 
  • Send an email to arboretum@humber.ca with your requested date and time
  • Arboretum staff will reply via email to let you know if your requested day and time is available, and if not to suggest an alternate.
  • You will be sent a fillable PDF to complete with further information (party size*, photographer name, etc) and will be sent details on how to process your payment.

*Please note that party size is always restricted to a maximum of 25 people at the Humber Arboretum and may be further restricted to be in keeping with government guidelines for outdoor gatherings.

photography permits

Commercial Photography Permit FAQ

The Humber Arboretum exists for the purposes of education and conservation. Photography permit fees support the upkeep of the grounds, gardens, and natural environment.

Anyone wishing to use the Arboretum for student, commercial, corporate, or documentary photography or filming must apply for a permit in advance. This includes any kind of wedding photo shoot, whether or not the photographer is a professional.

Yes. After your payment is received, you will be emailed your permit as a PDF. Please either print the permit or have it available to view on your phone or tablet. When you arrive for your allotted time you may begin taking photos immediately, but a member of security will come around and ask to see your permit.

No, your permit grants you permission to take photographs on the outdoor property, but the Arboretum grounds also remain open to the general public at all times. Depending on the time of year there may also be school groups, nature camp participants, tours, or other wedding parties on site at the same time as you.

No, use of a particular area is on a first-come, first-served basis.

No, the full 2-hour fee is a flat starting rate.

Each additional hour after the first two may be available for an additional fee, with the amount to be determined based on the situation. Extra time must be arranged and paid for in advance. Please include this request in your initial email query.

No, the photo permit does not include the Centre for Urban Ecology.

Maybe. The Humber Arboretum is an active, living space. We have paved trails near the front of the Arboretum and you are welcome to stay on those, though you may still encounter disturbed soil, goose droppings, wet stones, and the like. But we encourage you to embrace the space and be prepared to head out on our lawns, wooden decks, and forest trails to make the most of the natural elements.

Our flower beds are seasonal and are generally planted at the end of May, but we are always thrilled to have you and your party pose in front of any of our many themed botanical gardens or natural features. However you may not pick any flowers or enter the garden beds. Please be aware that the permit holder will be held responsible for any and all damages caused by members of their party to any plant material, building, structure, equipment or other property of the Humber Arboretum or Humber College.

Your permit is valid only on the date and time specified, and may not be transferred to another party. You can receive a refund (less a $25.00 service charge) if a cancellation request is received a minimum of 15 working days prior to the permit date.

Because we do not limit photography permit hours to the times when the Centre for Urban Ecology is open, you may not be able to contact any of the Humber Arboretum staff directly. However you can always call Humber Public Safety at 416-675-8500.

Parking in the Humber Arboretum entrance turn circle is strictly prohibited as this is a fire route.  Limos, stretch vehicles, and buses may drop off & pick up the party, but must park off-site for the remaining time. Personal vehicles will follow Humber Parking Services regulations. Please see our directions page for full details on personal vehicle parking at Humber Arboretum. 

There are no refunds for inclement weather. Many groups have created wonderful photos with the help of umbrellas and our roofed gazebos.

The maximum group size is 25 people.

Probably not. Dogs are permitted in the Humber Arboretum on leash; other than that please contact us well in advance with a specific inquiry if you are interested in bringing anything other than people with you on site.