Central Alberta 
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden opens for the 2026 season just in time for Mother’s Day.
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
With over 39,000 annual flowering plants ready for display, the garden is set to present its largest-ever exhibition of blossoms this season, offering a dazzling array of colours once the threat of frost has passed.
On Mother’s Day, visitors can wander through the fragrant Alpine Garden, pause by the koi-filled ponds, or enjoy refreshments at the Patio Cafe.
The Gardens
The six gardens managed here give you 80 acres of space to walk, unwind, and learn about nature. You can also opt for a free guided tour.
- The Aga Khan Garden is a stunning display of landscape architecture designed to represent Islamic culture and themes while displaying northern forest trees and shrubs. Sit by the reflection ponds or wander through the Aga Khan forests.
- The Botanic Gardens Collection is an incredible display of various plants that can withstand Alberta’s harsher climate.
- The Indigenous Gardens hold plants that are significant and valuable to the Indigenous peoples of Canada. You can walk among plants used as medicine, food, and decoration.
- The Kurimoto Japanese Garden is another beautiful display of landscape architecture. All of the plants are native to Alberta, but are combined with traditional Japanese architecture.
- The Patrick Seymour Alpine Garden holds numerous beautiful plants which grow above mountain treelines. It is amazing to see, as access to this type of foliage is difficult.
2026 at the Gardens
The gardens and their beauty are a major reason to visit the U of A Botanic Gardens. Plus, you can look forward to the regular spring, summer, and fall programming offered here.
The U of A Botanic Garden Yoga classes can be a summer date idea, or just a way to spend some time alone in the garden. Other summer events to watch for include art shows, Father’s Day events, stargazing parties, and Japanese tea ceremonies.
Highlights announced till date include:
- Horizons in Unison – Across Generations: A vibrant cultural celebration in the Aga Khan Garden featuring chair yoga, Arabic calligraphy, henna, cultural snacks, community dialogue, and soulful Sufi and Ghazal performances by Shabnam Merali.
- Japanese Tea Ceremony: Experience the peaceful beauty of a traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony presented by Matsukaze Chanoyu Association beside the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, offering mindfulness, ritual, and rare cultural immersion.
- Emilio De Mercato Piano Recital: International pianist Emilio De Mercato performs Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, and Liszt in a dramatic recital showcasing world-class talent fresh from his Carnegie Hall debut.
- Mêskanâs: Celebrating Indigenous Culture: Celebrate Indigenous culture through music, dance, art, fashion, food, storytelling, and crafting activities in the Indigenous Peoples Garden, highlighted by a special welcome ceremony honouring tradition and community.
- Alegria! Latin American Cultures
Enjoy a lively celebration of Latin American culture featuring folk dance, storytelling, music, drumming, authentic cuisine, and an energetic finale by Orquestra Son Romera. - The Way of Tea: Japanese Culture: Immerse yourself in Japanese culture through martial arts, music, performances, lantern floating, and tea traditions celebrating cultural connection and shared experiences in the beautiful Kurimoto Japanese Garden.
- Guided Forest Therapy: Reconnect with nature during a calming forest therapy experience led by Milena McWatt featuring meditation, sensory exploration, gentle wandering, and a peaceful tea ceremony.
- Horticulture Classes: Learn hands-on gardening skills from senior horticulturists through practical classes covering planting, seed collecting, and plant propagation while gaining deeper knowledge of thriving garden practices.
- Wild Mushroom Walks: Explore the fascinating world of fungi with mushroom expert Martin Osis during guided walks focused on identifying, collecting, and understanding wild mushrooms in natural garden spaces.
- Yoga + Soundbath: Relax with gentle yoga led by Melanie Maltais followed by a restorative sound bath using healing frequencies to encourage relaxation, stillness, and nervous system balance.
Though not yet announced, throughout the summer, the Gardens host a variety of date nights for adults centred on different themes. If you can’t make the specific summer Date Night events, you can alternatively book a Twilight Picnic Experience. These include garden activities, a gourmet picnic basket, and space in the gardens to set up the picnic.
The Patio Café & Dining in Devon
While you’re here, you can take advantage of the on-site Patio Café concession. They offer fresh soups and sandwiches, freshly baked sweets, and coffee drinks. If you’d rather explore and get a snack on the way home, make a quick stop in Devon. Athabasca Avenue in Devon is a great spot to find the town’s local eateries. Follow Superior Street to find even more!
Planning your trip – University of Alberta Botanic Garden:
University of Alberta Botanic Garden
What: The gardens are operated by the University of Alberta, with much of the construction and landscaping possible thanks to donors. The gardens have grown over the years now to include six different spaces of totally unique garden areas.
The U of A Botanic Garden is a calming and peaceful place to visit any day of the week. The gardens stretch over 240 acres of land, with six major garden showcases to explore. And on top of being a beautiful place to visit, you can also rent these outdoor spaces for events like weddings.
Best time to go: May 8 to October 12, 2026 for the gardens.
- May: Open Friday to Sunday + Holidays) – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- June – September 3: open daily, Sunday to Thursday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Friday and Saturday: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. - September 4 – October 12 : Open Friday to Sunday + Holidays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Special events:
Mother’s Day – May 10, 2026
Horizons in Unison – Across Generations – May 23, 2026
Japanese Tea Ceremony – May 24, Jun 21, Jul 12, Aug 16, 2026
Emilio De Mercato Piano Recital – May 31, 2026
Mêskanâs: Celebrating Indigenous Culture – June 14, 2026
Alegria! Latin American Cultures – August 23, 2026
The Way of Tea: Japanese Culture – September 13, 2026
Guided Forest Therapy – Various
Horticulture Classes – Various
Wild Mushroom Walks – Various
Yoga + Soundbath – Various
Where: 51227 Hwy 60, Parkland County
5 km north of Devon on Highway AB-60
How much:
Admission Prices
Adult: $19.75
Senior (65+): $13.50
Youth (13-17): $10
Student (must show student ID): $10
Child (3-12): $5.25
Child (2 and under): FREE
Family (2 adults & accompanying children): $44.75
Dog: $5
For more information:
University of Alberta Botanic Gardens
