Garden Oasis

With an average of only 115 frost-free days per year, it might be a stretch to call Calgary ‘The Garden City.’ But with the reopening of the Devonian Gardens, we’re one step closer.

After almost two years of renovations, the indoor gardens are reopening their doors on June 27, with the grand opening celebrations starting at 12:15 pm till 2 pm.

We love the gardens because they offer a free rainy day activity that’s a bit out of the box. They’re easily accessible by train or bus (a highlight itself); they’re surrounded by eye-popping office towers (for the preschooler); and they’re in close proximity to good coffee and shopping. 

The new Devonian is lit by one of the largest skylights in the country which extends over the shopping centre and includes a state-of-the-art playground, a climbing wall and the nearby giant koi ponds of old (one of the only remaining attractions from the original gardens). Bring your lunch and sit at bistro tables beneath the canopy of trees (relocated by crane last summer) while your toddler runs the pathways.

Good to know: There is a family washroom located at the west end of the gardens and the playground area is right beside the food court. There are also washrooms both in the food court and beside the play structure.

We know about a few other secret gardens in the city. Here are 5 Secret Gardens and Parks in Calgary to check out with the kids.

Tested by Heather J., Calgary