Calgary comes to life in the springtime – quite literally. Flowers bloom, the grass is a little greener, the sun is high and even on those rainy days, it’s easier to stay motivated and smiling. In a city where the winter was long, dull, and cold we think that come mid-may you should treat yourself to a little colour therapy. The best place to do that? Well, a garden of course! Here are just 10 of the most beautiful gardens you can check out in Calgary and the surrounding areas.
DEVONIAN GARDENS
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Calgarians are no stranger to rain, but many still haven’t quite figured out where to go, or what to do when it pours. YYC’s Devonian Garden in the CORE downtown is a gorgeous spot where you can go to read a book, grab a bite, get some work don’t or just take a walk. Because it’s indoors, it’s warm and honestly, pretty dreamy. Talk about a paradise!
Where: 33 7 Ave SW 4th floor, Calgary
READER ROCK GARDEN
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Located in Erlton on the edge of downtown, this stunning memorial garden is by far one of the most unique in the city. This is because when planted, flowers were actually sourced from all over the world earning not only praise from Calgarians but also the government, who designated it an official national historical site.
Where: 325 25 Ave SE, Calgary
COUTTS CENTRE FOR WESTERN HERITAGE
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For those willing to take a short drive, we’d highly recommend hitting Coutts Centre for Western Heritage in Nanton. A popular place for weddings and events, this beautiful destination celebrates the one thing that makes Alberta so great! Its diverse heritage. Showcasing the flowers most significant to many cultures including roses, dogwood, peonies and poppies (just to name a few).
Where: Willow Creek No. 26, AB
BEAULIEU GARDENS
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A YYC must-visit, Beaulieu Gardens surrounds the historic Lougheed House. Located in the Beltline, this gorgeous destination is incredibly popular and features .4 hectares of colourful perennials, grass, and benches for taking it all in.
Where: 707 13 Ave SW, Calgary
DOROTHY HARVIE GARDENS
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Typically when you think ‘zoo’ it’s all animals and gift shops, but that’s just not the case in Calgary. Here, the attraction also showcases the cities natural beauty which is incredibly evident in the Dorothy Harvie Garden – aptly named after the philanthropist and blossom enthusiast who actually purchased most of the seeds used to landscape the area.
Where: 210 St. George’s Drive NE
SENATOR BURNS MEMORIAL GARDEN
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A beautiful destination complete with a wading pool, picnic tables, and fountains, the Senator Burns Memorial Garden, located in Riley Park, is the ultimate spot for a warm day out with friends or family. Named after a well-known rancher, politician, and co-founder of the Calgary Stampede, this place is incredibly special and well taken care of.
Where: 800 12 St. NW, Calgary
CASCADE OF TIME GARDEN
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Chances are, that if you’ve been to Banff, you’ve at least driven past the Cascade of Time Garden. With hundreds, if not, thousands of flowers, a gorgeous gazebo, bridges and ponds, this place is practically perfect.
Where: Cave Ave, Banff, AB
BOTANICAL GARDENS OF SILVER SPRINGS
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This year-round, hidden gem is exceptional in the spring. Meant to celebrate Alberta’s many horticulturists and wildlife, this stunning area is inclusive, progressive and totally free, which, we’d be lying if we didn’t say that we love.
Where: 37 Silver Springs Drive NW, Calgary
GERRY SHAW GARDENS
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Though his particular garden is a lot smaller than the majority of those on this list, it’s nothing short of beautiful. Surrounded by tall trees and flowers, this adorable spot is definitely worth checking out if you’re in the area.
Where: 3202 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary
OLDS BOTANICAL GARDEN
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Lastly, we’ve got the Olds Botanical Garden. Totally worth the hour drive it takes to get there, this beautifully done space is large and in charge, with wetlands, benches, gazebos, trees and of course, flowers for as far as the eye can see.
Where: 4333 47 St, Olds, AB
So there you have it, friends. 10 of the most beautiful gardens you can check out in Calgary and the surrounding areas. Now go, grab a coffee, the hand of a loved one, cross your fingers for beautiful weather and check them out! A little fresh air will do you some good!
