Did you know that there is a delightful garden west of Edmonton in Lac Ste. Anne County?
Credit: George Pegg Botanic Garden
The rich plant diversity in Alberta can easily be witnessed first-hand at the George Pegg Botanic Garden. This central Alberta summer destination is part botanical garden and part heritage centre. The scenic site is popular for events, family functions, and picnics.
Named for George Pegg, a prominent and early Alberta botanist, the centre is a preserved landscape of wildflowers, Heritage trees, lines of groves, and historic buildings. Pegg was the first to identify many Alberta plant species, and his important work can all be taken in through a walk around the Centre’s grounds.
During your visit, you’ll get to see some incredibly unique and rare Alberta shrubs, trees, and flowers, and the special collection of Heritage Trees- these are marked by black plaques and are significant for either their size, age, or species. The twos pecies located here include the Ponderosa Pine and Swedish Columnar Aspen.
The Centre is a short drive north of Wabamun Lake and Edmonton and is easily accessed off Highway 43 near Glenivis. There are a couple of campgrounds along Highway 43, which are perfect for a night’s accommodation after a visit to George Pegg. Lessard Lake Campground has over 30 serviced sites and tent sites, all with firepits and within walking distance of washrooms. A bit further east is the Country Comfort Cabins and while comfort tents and cabins are under construction, the campground still offers RV/trailer and tent campsites with firepits.
Planning Your Trip to George Pegg Botanic Garden
What: This unique combination of protected, preserved gardens and historic sites is a 12.6-acre area that celebrates the work of botanist George Pegg, and the natural flora and fauna of Alberta. There are walking paths, event spaces, picnic sites, educational opportunities, and a self-guided interactive tour. It is also home to numerous heritage trees, significant for their size, age, and type.
Best time to go: Summer
- June 2026: weekdays from 10:00am-4:00pm.
- July & August 2026: Open daily 10:00am-4:00pm.
- All other times by appointment.
How much: Admission to the Botanic Gardens is by donation
Getting there:
56015 RR 43, Glenevis, AB (2.5 km north of Glenevis, Alberta, off Highway 43 and is 50 minutes northwest of Edmonton).
From Edmonton travel west on Highway 16. Exit north onto Highway 43. Turn north at the Glenevis junction (Range Road 42A) and follow the signs.
For more information:
Lessard Lake Public Campground