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A Guide to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden for a Blooming Visit! (+ Tips!)
- Where is the University of Alberta Botanic Garden?
- How to Get to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
- Best Time to Go to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
- Things to Know about the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
- What to Do and See in the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
- See the outdoor gardens
- Bring your dog on a garden adventure
- Join the garden picnic
- Book a photography shoot at the garden
- Enrol the kids in the garden programs
- Host your event at the garden
- Where to Eat and Drink near the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
- Patio Café
- Homefire Grill
- Fu's Repair Shop
- El Furniture Warehouse
- Where to Stay near the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
- Canterra Suites Hotel
- Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
- The Westin Edmonton
- FAQs about the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
It’s time to smell the flowers at the largest botanical garden in Alberta! The University of Alberta Botanic Garden, which boasts 240 acres, is the ultimate outdoor destination, filled with lush trees, thriving plants, and colourful blooms.
This green oasis is home to several gardens with 4,000 plant species, perfect for solo travellers, couples, and families who love seeing nature! And no, it’s not far from Edmonton, so you can leave the city behind without enduring a long drive!
If you’re like me and want to find a place for serenity and peace but not ready to get lost on a hike, here’s a guide that can help you look for things to do in the U of A Botanic Garden!
Where is the University of Alberta Botanic Garden?
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is situated in Parkland County, along Devonian Way, ten to fifteen minutes southwest of Edmonton. Coming from Edmonton, you’ll see the entrance on your left.
The road to Devonian Way will be empty of establishments but full of lush trees. There’s not a lot to see, so you won’t find landmarks in the area, except for the botanic garden.
How to Get to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Coming from downtown Edmonton: Drive to Whitemud Drive NW to Parkland County. Turn to Devonian Way, continue straight, and take another left once you see the entrance of the botanic garden.
Since it’s located outside city limits, there’s no public transportation that can get you there. The only way to reach it is by driving, which takes approximately
30 minutes from downtown Edmonton.
Best Time to Go to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Any time is the best time to go to the University of Alberta Botanic Garden since flowers bloom seasonally. The gardens are home to thousands of flowers, so you can see beautiful blossoms any month.
If you want to visit in the summer, when it’s the peak season for tourists, go around mid-July when flowers start to bloom. In the fall, hardy plants will start to show and the changing of leaves is particularly magical to see.
Things to Know about the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Location: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County
Contact: 780-492-3050, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Based on the 2024 schedule
- May Opening Dates: 10-12, 17-20. 24-26: 10 am – 5 pm
Open weekends, Fridays, and statutory holidays. Dates are subject to change the following year
- Summer Season (June to September): Monday – Sunday: 10 am – 6 pm
- October Opening Dates: 4-6, 11-14: 10 am – 5 pm
Open weekends, Fridays, and statutory holidays. Dates are subject to change the following year
- Winter Hours: To be announced
Admission:
- Adult: $19.75
- Senior (65+): $13.50
- Youth (13 – 17): $10
- Child (3 – 12): $5.25
- Family: $44.75
- Child (2 & under): Free
- Student (with valid student ID): $10
- Dogs on Leash: $5
What to Do and See in the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
See the outdoor gardens
Media credit: uabotanicgarden
When visiting the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, we all have to visit the gardens. There are seven you can check out and 80 acres all in all, taking approximately four hours or more.
The Aga Khan Garden, gifted by His Highness the Aga Khan, is a serene place inspired by Islamic architecture. It has limestone and granite terraces, still pools, fruit orchards, and over 25,000 trees.
Then, visit the Indigenous Peoples Garden, an outdoor space built in 1980. It’s filled with plants used by the Indigenous Peoples for dietary, medicinal, and ornamentation purposes.
Another must-see is the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, a kaiyou-style garden (a garden to stroll in) with a bridge, a belfry, and azumaya (a pavilion). The plants in this tranquil space can withstand our chilly climate.
Since this is a massive botanical garden, make sure you have the garden map with you (you can just keep it on your phone) to see all the attractions. It also ensures you won’t get lost while strolling the grounds since there are a lot of places to see.
Bring your dog on a garden adventure
Media credit: uabotanicgarden
If you have a furry companion, feel free to bring them to the botanic garden. Hours of walking in the garden will surely tire them out!
Remember that dogs must be on a leash at all times and must be on their best behaviour. Well-behaved dogs are welcome in all outdoor spaces—they’re not allowed in indoor spaces.
Don’t forget to bring poop bags and clean up after your pet to keep the place clean. In case you forget to bring doggie necessities, you can find water bowls, poop bags, and treats at the gift shop.
Join the garden picnic
Contact: 780-492-3267, [email protected]
Cost: $125 + tax for 2 persons
Experience a romantic picnic in the garden. Twilight Picnics are available as part of their special events, where you can have a chef-curated picnic box full of an assortment of sweet and savoury treats.
This experience has themed boxes, as well as gluten-free, halal, and vegetarian options. Plus, you’ll be serenaded by live music in a garden—a totally romantic experience, eh?
The picnic experience is only available for a limited time, though. And the slots get full pretty quickly, so it’s best to book as soon as you can.
If you can’t get a slot, you can enjoy dining at the Patio Café for some baked goodies, sandwiches, ice cream, and cold and hot drinks. On a nice summer day, sit in the outdoor area under the canopy!
Book a photography shoot at the garden
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Contact: 780-492-3138, [email protected]
Make those memories last by booking a photography shoot in the garden. The colourful blossoms, lush trees, and beautiful landscaping designs are the perfect backdrop for your photos!
You can even make this stunning place the venue for your engagement and wedding photoshoots. Do remember to book in advance, which is required for all professional photoshoots.
There are strict guidelines to remember, such as no equipment in planting areas, no moving of any plant material, and no climbing of trees. So, we suggest booking the best photographer in Edmonton who can work around these policies.
Enrol the kids in the garden programs
Media credit: uabotanicgarden
Take the kids on an educational and fun activity. The Kids in the Garden Programs are designed to inspire curiosity and critical thinking that aligns with the Alberta curriculum.
Basically, kids of all grade levels are welcome to join in on the field trips, with engaging activities, interactive games, and roleplaying to keep them informed of Alberta’s ecosystems.
Host your event at the garden
Media credit: uabotanicgarden
Take advantage of the spectacular scenery and host your event here. The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is open for weddings, celebrations of life, corporate events, and personal functions.
Whether you’re looking for an intimate or grand event, various indoor and outdoor event rental spaces in the gardens are available. The Inoi no Ba has a capacity of 16 to 30, while the Kurimoto Japanese Garden can accommodate up to 1,000 guests.
Some of the popular venues are The Diwan, which overlooks the Aga Khan Garden, and Ikoi no Ba, which offers views of the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. If you have the budget, you can even rent an entire garden and accommodate up to 5,000 people.
Where to Eat and Drink near the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Like hotels, you won’t find places to eat near the University of Alberta Botanic Garden. You can eat at the Patio Café inside.
But if you want to dine before venturing off, you can check out many Edmonton restaurants to satisfy your cravings. Here are our most recommended places to keep you full:
Patio Café
Media credit: uabotanicgarden
Location: Inside the University of Botanic Garden
Contact: 780-492-3050
Operating Hours: During visiting hours only
Price Range: $
Once you’re hungry, go to the Patio Café for some light snacks. There are sandwiches, baked goods, and ice cream to make sure you have the energy to continue your stroll in the garden!
Homefire Grill
Media credit: homefiregrill
Location: 18210 100 Ave NW
Contact: 780-489-8086
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 10 pm
Price Range: $$$
Homefire Grill is only 10 minutes away from the University of Alberta Botanic Garden, which makes it an ideal stop to recharge your energy before heading off. This hotspot makes dishes inspired by Indigenous food freshly cooked on an open flame.
You cannot go wrong with an oven-fired pizza, like The Carnivore, topped with pepperoni, ham, salami, and ground elk. The Bison Burger is also a popular dish with a bison patty, Saskatoon berry relish, cheddar, lettuce, and bacon.
Fu’s Repair Shop
Media credit: fus_repair_shop
Location: 10524 Jasper Ave
Contact: [email protected]
Operating Hours:
- Wednesday: 5 pm – 10 pm
- Thursday: 5 pm – 11 pm
- Friday – Saturday: 5 pm – 1 am
- Sunday: 5 pm – 10 pm
Price Range: $$
No, Fu’s Repair Shop is not what you think it is. Despite its name, it’s actually a delicious, 18+ only Asian fusion restaurant that will indulge your appetite after a tiring day strolling in the gardens.
They’re all about dim sum, dumplings, noodles, and cocktails. Start with the sweet and sour crispy pork dumplings, then the green onion cakes with chilli oil for a spicy kick.
You must try their cocktails (make sure you have a designated driver!). The Spiked Mango Lassi has white rum and Yakult and is dangerously delicious!
El Furniture Warehouse
Media credit: elfurnitureab
Location: 10765 Jasper Ave
Contact: 587-520-1798
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 11 am – 2 am
Price Range: $
We love cheap eats, and El Furniture Warehouse is one of those places that hit the right spot for an affordable price! Nachos, burgers, and beer? Top-notch combo!
Try the nachos with spinach dip, street tacos, and the spicy chicken sandwich with a side of fries. For the drinks, popular ones are the Pink Warehouse (refreshing and zesty) and Pineapple Express (slightly spicy).
Where to Stay near the University of Alberta Botanic Garden
Since the botanic garden is located outside the city limits, there are no hotels nearby. There are also no places to stay along your drive on Devonian Way.
So, the nearest and most convenient hotels are in the city centre of Edmonton. The good thing is staying in Edmonton allows you to explore downtown and rent a car to get to your destination.
Here are our recommendations for the best and most convenient places to stay:
Canterra Suites Hotel
Media credit: canterrasuiteshotel
Location: 11010 Jasper Ave
Contact: 1-877-421-1212 (Toll-Free), [email protected]
Price Range: $
If you’re vacationing in Edmonton, the Canterra Suites Hotel is worth checking out because you basically get an apartment-like room. The suites have full kitchens and a dining table, so it’s basically like a home away from home.
Plus, there’s free WiFi, dry cleaning, pick-up and delivery, parking facility, business services, and free North American phone calls. It’s also located downtown, so you’re close to shops and restaurants in Edmonton.
Fairmont Hotel Macdonald
Location: 10065 100 St NW
Contact: 780-424-5181, [email protected]
Price Range: $$$
Should you decide to stay in luxury, try the Fairmont Hotel Macdonald. This historic hotel is situated in downtown Edmonton, offering views of the North Saskatchewan River Valley.
The rooms are classic and spacious with ultra-premium amenities, such as a Nespresso machine, Fairmont bathrobes, and additional features you can request (the microwave is a nice addition for week-long stays).
The Westin Edmonton
Location: 10135 100 St NW
Contact: 780-426-3636
Price Range: $$
If you’re in Edmonton for festivals and sports events, The Westin Edmonton is a hotel worth staying at. It gives you access to the Arts District and is only a 15-minute walk to Rogers Place.
On-site amenities include an indoor pool, fitness centre, free WiFi, and turndown service. If you’re here for business, all rooms have desks for you to work in.
