Private Rooftop Herb Garden for One Weekend Only

For the first time in almost five years, The Fairmont Royal York will open its garden gates to the public. The 2006 ''Wild About Herb'' weekend package and events program presents the ultimate backstage pass. For one weekend only, green thumbs and garden aficionados alike will enjoy exclusive rooftop access to the chefs' private herb garden.

Scheduled for July 15th - 16th only, the 2006 ''Wild About Herb'' package includes:

-One night accommodation in a Fairmont Room
-Four-course, herbal inspired welcome dinner
-Continental breakfast
-Private rooftop garden tour and picnic lunch
-Presentation with renowned herbalist and gardening professional Conrad Richter, Richter's Herbs
-Cooking with herbs demonstration with the chef
-Herbal oil-making workshop
-Herbal crafting workshop

The 2006 Wild About Herb Package is available July 15th-16th only. Package rate is from $349 CAD / approx. $304 USD per person, based on double occupancy, plus taxes. Space is limited and reservations can be made by calling
1(800) 441-1414, or online.

The Fairmont Royal York unquestionably takes culinary gardening to new heights. As Canada's largest city-center hotel herb garden, the 4,000 square foot hi-rise herbarium sits 200 feet above ground, 45 feet above sea level, and 18 stories high. Overlooking the CN Tower, with a magnificent view of the lakefront, the garden is part of the hotel's award-winning environmental program and successfully produces the herbs needed for dishes in the hotel's dining rooms. Rosemary, lavender, lemon thyme, chives, parsley, tarragon, and basil are just a few of the many herbs growing in the 17 four-poster beds and 23 planter pots.

In its eighth bountiful year, the rooftop garden has been recognized by WHERE Toronto magazine as one of the Top 101 sights in the city despite the fact that it is not accessible to guests or the public.

The Fairmont Royal York's rooftop was first planted in 1998 and has been flourishing ever since. The hotel's culinary brigade personally tends to the maintenance, replanting, and harvesting of the garden each year.

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, The Fairmont Royal York is within walking distance to business and theatre districts, and the city's best shopping and dining. Nearby attractions include the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Hockey Hall of Fame, Chinatown, St. Lawrence Market, Habourfront and Air Canada Centre. Union Station, the subway and three kilometers of shops and services are connected to the hotel by the city's extensive underground system.