Photo via Jose V Diaz/Shutterstock
Have you been a little overwhelmed lately? If so, you’re not the only one. Research shows that social media use has a considerable impact on mental health, and there’s certainly a lot to see online these days.
Forest bathing and escapes to nature are remedies that have been used for thousands of years to improve mental well-being. There’s even an entire think tank at the University of British Columbia dedicated to research on nature therapy.
You can take advantage of Calgary’s abundant parks and green spaces, and spending time in them can be an ideal way to find calm. If you’re looking for a sense of peace or simply a good place to meditate in Calgary, here are the top spots to do just that.
This gorgeous garden is a love letter to Calgary from William Reader, a 20th-century botanist who built it from the ground up. You’ll find rare plants and delicate rockery at this hidden gem that’s just steps from the Erlton Stampede LRT station. There’s a gazebo where you can meditate, with gently cascading waterfalls and an abundance of fresh flowers in the spring and summer months. It’s the perfect place to stop and take in the scents of nature.
Where: 325 25th Ave. SE, Calgary
Calgary’s largest public garden is 100 per cent maintained by volunteers who are dedicated to preserving its serenity. You can spend hours wandering through the heritage gardens, and there’s even a meditation labyrinth modelled after the Chartres Labyrinth in France.
Where: 37 Silver Springs Dr. NW, Calgary
This riverbed forest loop features Calgary’s only forest bathing trail and interpretive signage designed to bring you calm. Located along the Bow River, it’s a peaceful haven for humans, birds, deer and other creatures alike. Wander along the riverside path and watch the shorebirds dive in and out of the water at this tranquil spot.
Where: 2425 9th Ave. SE, Calgary
This massive reservoir provides most of Calgary’s clean drinking water, and it’s also an ideal spot to get lost in the woods. You’ll experience a touch of B.C. in the forests that run along the shoreline. Plus, there’s also the nearby Weaselhead Natural Environment Park to get lost in. This large, still body of water is a wonderful place for shoreline meditation.
Where: 7305 Crowchild Trl. SW, Calgary
Sit amongst the butterflies at this temperate conservatory, an atrium that houses rare plants within the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. On a cold, wintry day, heading here is the best way to feel like you’ve escaped to the tropics.
Where: 1300 Zoo Rd. NE, Calgary
This is Calgary’s top spot for outdoor weddings, and it’s easy to see why. This stunning green space is located just across the Bow River from Bowness Park, with plenty of pathways and promenades.
Where: Scenic Bow Rd. NW, Calgary
Escape to the woods in Carburn Park, a pristine natural area that sits along the banks of the Bow River. This is a fantastic place to spot wildlife, and there are herds of white-tailed deer nestled in the brambles. If you’re still enough and reach out your hand, you may be lucky enough to serve as a landing spot for a friendly chickadee.
Where: 67 Riverview Dr. SE, Calgary
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