Plant yourself in vibrant vistas at the 4 best botanical gardens in Edmonton!
Edmonton is a treasure trove of natural beauty, offering everything from scenic hills and serene lakes to expansive parks and nearby mountains perfect for a quick escape.
Among all these wonders, the botanical gardens hold a special place in my heart. These lush green spaces provide the perfect refuge from the city’s bustle, and what makes them truly remarkable is the diversity—showcasing thousands of plant species from around the globe.
If you’re a plant enthusiast like me, here are the best botanical gardens in Edmonton that you absolutely need to explore!
The University of Alberta Botanic Garden
– Media from uabotanicgarden
Address: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County
Contact Details: +1 780 492 3050
Operating Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: $19.75
Child: $5.25
Youth: $10
Seniors: $13.50
The University of Alberta Botanical Garden features some of the most tranquil and beautiful lawns and themed gardens in the city. Located near campus, this stunning 240-acre oasis welcomes visitors for a nominal fee.
The garden showcases 4,000 plant species across 80 acres of cultivated land, with three indoor displays and four main gardens.
Notable highlights include the Indigenous Peoples Garden, the Aga Khan Garden, the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, and the Patrick Seymour Alpine Garden, each offering a unique charm and captivating landscapes.
| Tips: The garden sometimes offers the Twilight Picnic Experience where you and your date can enjoy a curated meal on a picnic blanket before meandering around the garden grounds. The experience requires prior booking, with available dates regularly updated on this portal. Note that the gardens are best to visit during the spring and summer seasons. Operating hours may change depending on the weather and season you visit, so stick around on their website for details and updates! |
The Edmonton Chinese Garden
– Media from exploreedmonton
Address: Louise McKinney Riverfront Park, AB T5H 2A4
Contact Details: +1 780 492 3050
Operating Hours: Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
The Edmonton Chinese Garden is a small but beautifully landscaped heritage garden built in homage to the Chinese community in the city. The garden features a traditional entrance gate, with ornate statues and finishes.
Once you walk in, you’ll quickly notice an ornate gazebo and red-bricked path that leads you to the Ting Dry Pond, bridge, and the Nine Dragon Wall.
The wall was built in homage to the Great Wall of China and stands as one of the most popular points of interest inside the garden.
| Tips: Parts of the garden are currently undergoing construction work for Phase II of its maintenance project. Feel free to donate funds to help speed up the process! Learn more about it here and donate when you can. You can also help the fundraising efforts by becoming a member of the Edmonton Chinese Garden Society. The nearest parking to the garden is located within Louise McKinney Park, just to the south of Grierson Hill Road. |
Muttart Conservatory
– Media from muttartconservatory
Address: 9626 96a St NW
Contact Details: +1 780 496 8755
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Admission Fee:
Adult: $14.95
Child: $7.75
Youth: $12.95
Senior: $12.95
The Muttart Conservatory is one of the city’s top botanical gardens, featuring iconic glass pyramid greenhouses filled with tropical and arid biomes.
With around 700 plant species in climate-controlled spaces and a range of engaging events and educational programs, there’s always something to explore.
The modest admission fee makes it easy to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and enjoy this tranquil oasis. Its curated collections and beautifully maintained gardens invite visitors to wander and reconnect with nature’s wonders.
| Tips: You can actually book a timed entry to the garden ahead of your visit. This means that you can only visit during your chosen time slot. This ensures that the number of guests is controlled. You can check out the time slots here. Please take note that the garden offers adult-only evening admissions from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Wednesday. If you’re bringing kids with you, plan your visit in the morning or afternoon. |
St. Albert Botanic Park
– Media from stalbertbotanicpark
Address: 265 Sturgeon Rd, St. Albert
Contact Details: +1 780 458 7163
Operating Hours:
Monday, Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, 10:00 am to 5:00 pm
Wednesday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm
Admission Fee: Free
The St. Albert Botanic Park is one of the most romantic botanical gardens in the city, and it’s not hard to see why. There are a dozen areas within the 5-care property that you can explore with a date, your loved ones, or even by yourself.
You’ll mostly find beautiful beds of flowers, fruiting trees, plenty of foliage, and even flora from different parts of the world. The cobblestone pathways give the garden an amplified romantic vibe, so this is a good date spot if you’re looking for one!
| Tips: While admission is free, consider leaving a donation of any amount in their donation box by the patio. The whole garden is volunteer-run, so donations of any amount will go very far. Note that there is a gift shop inside the garden. They are only open from May to Labour Day and close during the winter season. I highly recommend dropping by in the late spring or early summer to catch most of the flower beds in full bloom. |