Things to do this Summer: A Guide to Calgary's Most Enchanting Public Gardens
Imagine a perfect summer day spent wandering through Calgary's hidden floral paradises, hand in hand with your loved ones.
There's something profoundly magical about gardens, they offer a serene escape from the hustle and bustle, a place to reconnect with nature and each other.
In Calgary, the summer is short but brimming with energy, making it the perfect season to explore the city's best botanical wonders.
Date Night Ideas and Family Fun in Calgary's Gardens
Calgary boasts an array of stunning gardens, each with its own unique charm.
Whether you're planning a romantic date night or a fun family outing, these gardens provide the perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories.
Wandering through these vibrant spaces or enjoying a leisurely picnic is an ideal way to connect deeply with loved ones.
Without further adieu, here are our favourite gardens to visit this summer:
Beaulieu Gardens at Lougheed House
Where they are: 707 13 Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Hours: Typically open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m., but check their website for seasonal variations.
Nestled around the historic Lougheed House, Beaulieu Gardens are a testament to the Victorian era's elegance.
The meticulously maintained gardens are perfect for a quiet stroll or a picturesque picnic.
With its lush lawns, blooming flower beds, and shaded pathways, it offers a romantic and tranquil environment.
Explore the rich history of Lougheed House while enjoying the beauty of Beaulieu Gardens.
Reader Rock Garden
Where it is: 325 25 Ave SE, Calgary, AB
Hours: Sunrise to sunset.
A haven for plant enthusiasts, Reader Rock Garden features an array of unique and stunning plants.
The terraced paths and tranquil rock gardens create a serene atmosphere, ideal for a peaceful afternoon.
Originally developed by William Roland Reader, the garden showcases his passion for alpine and rock plants, turning a hillside into a home for alpine plants.
It's a perfect spot for those who appreciate botanical diversity and historical landscapes.
The Devonian Gardens
Where to find it: 317 7 Ave SW, Calgary, AB, on the 4th floor of the CORE Shopping Centre.
Closing Time: Open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. most days, but closes early at 5 p.m. on Sundays.
The Devonian Gardens is an indoor botanical paradise located in the heart of downtown Calgary.
It's a perfect year-round destination with its lush tropical plants and tranquil fish ponds. Whether you need a break from the sun or somewhere to enjoy lush greenery in the winter, the Devonian Gardens is the place.
Spanning over 2.5 acres, it includes an indoor children's playground, a koi pond, and numerous seating areas. Conveniently located by the CORE foodcourt, it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat and find a secluded spot to relax.
The garden is a green oasis amidst the urban environment, offering a refreshing escape from the city's hustle.
Central Memorial Park
Location: 1221 2 St SW, Calgary, AB
Hours: 5 a.m. - 11 p.m.
Central Memorial Park is a historic park that features beautifully landscaped gardens, a perfect spot for relaxation and reflection.
The park's serene environment is ideal for a peaceful afternoon, and shares the space with multiple fountains and the oldest public library in Calgary.
Established in 1912, it is Calgary’s oldest park and includes a Sidewalk Citizen Restaurant (it’s a fantastic spot to eat, one off our favourites!) and several war memorials.
The lush lawns and ornamental, Victorian-era flowerbeds provide a tranquil setting for a walk around.
Gerry Shaw Garden
Location: 3202 Elbow Dr. SW, Calgary, AB
Closing Time: Open until dusk.
Though the Gerry Shaw Garden is quite small it's a lovely place to stop on a walk along the river to rest. Located along the Elbow river pathway, it’s got a woodsy feel to it in the shade, and when the lamps come on in the evening it feels magical.
Hidden right along Elbow Drive and across from 30th Avenue, it feels secluded by the trees that enclose it.
It’s definitely worth a stop if you’re enjoying a walk through the neighbourhood.
Calgary is brimming with stunning opportunities to make memories together outdoors in the summer.
The energy is explosive and the beauty of the gardens provides the perfect backdrop for deep connections.
Whether you're planning a romantic date or a family outing, these gardens offer a serene escape and a chance to reconnect with nature and each other.
So why not make this summer unforgettable? If floral, garden themed photos are your style, book a photoshoot with us today!
Be sure to check out our post on styling the perfect picnic to add a touch of magic to your garden visit.
PS: Don’t Forget
Before professionally photographing in any garden or public space, be sure to research and obtain the proper permits. Always be respectful of everyone who is there to enjoy the garden.
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