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University of Alberta Botanical Garden
Nestled in the heart of Alberta’s diverse landscape, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden is a breathtaking 240-acre oasis of cultivated gardens, natural areas, and research spaces. Established in 1959 and located just 15 minutes southwest of Edmonton, the garden serves as a living museum, a center for conservation and education, and a peaceful retreat for visitors of all ages. It features a stunning array of internationally inspired gardens, ecological habitats, and collections of rare and exotic plants.
Go to University of Alberta Botanical Garden Events or Education Page
Top Attractions
Aga Khan Garden
His Highness the Aga Khan. Designed by the internationally acclaimed landscape architecture firm Nelson Byrd Woltz, this garden seamlessly blends contemporary design with traditional Islamic garden elements, making it one of the largest Mughal-inspired gardens in North America. The garden’s layout is a masterpiece of balance and harmony, featuring: Secluded forest walkways that offer a moment of reflection and peace. Granite and limestone terraces with geometric patterns inspired by Persian and Mughal design. Still pools and water channels that reflect the vast prairie sky, mirroring the tranquility found in traditional Islamic gardens. A cascading waterfall tumbling over textured stone, creating a soothing soundscape. Lush fruit orchards and Calla Pond, where trees and flowering plants provide both shade and beauty. Over 25,000 trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and wetland plants, selected for their fragrance, visual appeal, and ability to thrive in Alberta’s climate. More than just a place of beauty, the Aga Khan Garden is a cultural and intellectual symbol, representing collaboration in education, art, and nature. It serves as a space where visitors of all backgrounds can find inspiration, serenity, and a deeper appreciation for the interconnectedness of people and landscapes. The Garden has isolated forest walks, granite and limestone terraces, still pools that mirror the prairie sky, and a waterfall cascading over textured stone. Fruit orchards surround the enormous Calla Pond, and the garden includes over 25,000 trees, shrubs, perennials, annuals, and wetland plants chosen for their aroma, beauty, and capacity to thrive in Alberta’s northern environment. People from various backgrounds gather at the Aga Khan Garden to appreciate its beauty, calm, and activities. It will delight, surprise, and inspire those who visit. It is a sign of ongoing intellectual, educational, and cultural partnership.
Kurimoto Japanese Garden
Named in honor of Dr. Yuichi Kurimoto, the first Japanese national to graduate from the University of Alberta, the Kurimoto Japanese Garden is a five-acre sanctuary embodying the principles of harmony, simplicity, and natural beauty. Designed in the classical Japanese style, the garden features: Traditional stone lanterns and a pagoda, evoking a sense of ancient elegance. A torii gate at the entrance, symbolizing the transition into a sacred, tranquil space. A belfry with a bronze bell, reminiscent of those found in historic Japanese temples. A koi pond with wooden bridges, creating an idyllic scene of stillness and movement. Throughout the seasons, the garden transforms—bursting with cherry blossoms in spring, rich greenery in summer, vibrant maples in autumn, and the quiet beauty of snow-covered landscapes in winter. Opened in 1990, the garden is named for Dr. Yuichi Kurimoto, the first Japanese national to graduate from the University of Alberta’s Faculty of Arts in 1930.
Patrick Seymour Alpine Garden
This five-acre garden is dedicated to plants that have evolved to survive in some of the harshest environments on Earth—alpine ecosystems above the mountain treeline. The Patrick Seymour Alpine Garden showcases: Rare and hardy alpine species, including dwarf conifers, mosses, and delicate wildflowers. Rugged rock formations, simulating the natural conditions of high-altitude terrains. A focus on conservation, highlighting the fragility of alpine ecosystems and the importance of preserving these unique plant species.
Native People’s Garden
A living tribute to Indigenous botanical knowledge and cultural traditions, the Native Peoples Garden offers a glimpse into how plants have been used for centuries by Indigenous North Americans. This sacred and educational space features: Medicinal plants historically used for healing and wellness. Edible plants and herbs once essential to traditional diets. Dye and fiber plants used for textiles, basketry, and artistic expression. The garden serves as a bridge between past and present, honoring Indigenous ways of knowing and fostering a deeper understanding of how people and plants are intrinsically connected.
Plant Collections
Beyond the individual garden spaces, the University of Alberta Botanic Garden plays a vital role in conservation, research, and horticultural education. Its plant collections include: Ornamental plant varieties, from roses to peonies, that showcase the beauty of cultivated flora. Fruit and vegetable plots, demonstrating sustainable growing techniques and promoting food security. Wetland and native plant species, contributing to biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration efforts.
