Take your time on a walk or hike through these gorgeous Calgary gardens.
Many of the gardens around the city are built with the help of several communities and partners and help to transform the urban Calgary landscape into quiet and peaceful areas.
Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs
The Silver Springs community, on the west side of Calgary, helps to keep the area’s Botanical Gardens alive and blooming each summer. A visit this summer will bring you to rows upon rows of seasonal flowers and a “secret” labyrinth. Details
Where: Sarcee Trail and Crowchild Trail NW
How much: free
Reader Rock Garden Historic Park
The completely restored Reader Rock Garden and Reader House are in a scenic spot in central Calgary on the south banks of the Elbow River. From the river, the park and gardens continue south while following McLeod Trail. The pretty area is filled all summer with blooming flowers which you can enjoy from the pathways, benches, gazebos, and stone walkways and bridges. Stop by the Reader’s Garden Café (in the restored Reader House) for a snack or coffee during your visit. Details
Where: 325 25 Ave SE, Calgary
How much: free
Beaulieu Gardens
Calgary’s historic Lougheed House is landscaped and decorated with the Beaulieu Gardens which stretch around the southeast corner of the building. The tiered lawns feature several layers of colour you can explore via paved pathways, which you can enjoy from a stop on the benches. The Historic Lougheed House’s restaurant is now also open for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Details
Where: 707 13 Ave. S.W.
How much: free
Calgary Zoo’s Dorothy Harvie Gardens
If you are planning a visit to the Calgary Zoo this summer, be sure to stop by and walk through the entire Dorothy Harvie Gardens and Enmax Conservatory. You will be met with beautiful tropical flower displays, live butterfly exhibits, and the grazers of the zoo like alpacas and greater rheas. Details
Where: St. George’s Drive and Memorial Drive NE, Calgary
How much: $24.95-$34.95
Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Gardens
The northern hillside in Riley Park is where you can find the walking trails of the Memorial Rock Gardens. Among the flowers are in fact many rocks and stones which come from the Senator’s demolished mansion. Details
Where: Riley Park – 800 12 St. N.W.
How much: free
Devonian Gardens
The indoor Devonian Gardens in downtown take up one indoor city block, or about 2.5 acres. The Gardens make for a simple and quick way to escape the noise of the city, a great place for a walk during work, or a family outing on the weekend. The Gardens feature vaulted glass ceilings, and indoor playground, and over 500 types of trees. Among the towing trees you can find a living wall, fountains, ponds, and 50-plus types of other plants. Details
Where: 400, 317 7 Ave. S.W (4 floor in the CORE Shopping Centre)
How much: Free
Quinterra Legacy Garden & Park
The Quinterra Legcy Garden & Park gives you and your family the opportunity for an interactive, fun, and even a musical garden stroll. The area was created in memory of 5 young lives lost and is a beautiful space which celebrates them, and children’s arts as a whole. You will find large instruments set up all throughout the park on which families can get groovin’ together. The area exists thanks to community efforts and continues to improve/be maintained thanks to donations. Details
Where: South Glenmore Park
How much: free
Gardens Near Calgary For a Day Trip
If you are looking for a garden-themed day trip near Calgary, here are some ideas:
- Cascade of Time Gardens Banff National Park
- Olds College Botanic Garden and Treatment Wetlands, Odds
- Coutts Centre for Western Canadian Heritage, Range Road 280, Willow Creek No. 26
- Trochu Arboretum and Gardens, Trochu
- Nikka Yuko Japanese Garden, Lethbridge
I love the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs – indeed it is a hidden gem.
Truly the most amazing place encompasing acres of forest and over 20 individual unique gardens taking you through endless pathways while enjoying a wonderful walk