Summer in Calgary is one of the best seasons to be outside. The days are long, the air is warm, and everything’s green — it’s the perfect time to slow down and simply enjoy it. Whether you’re heading out for a walk, planning a weekend hangout, or just need a mental reset, check out some of Calgary’s stunning flower gardens.
They’re not just pretty to look at — they also attract birds, support pollinators like bees and butterflies, and play a role in keeping our local ecosystem thriving. Plus, let’s be honest: spending time in a beautiful space just makes you feel better.
So, if you’re looking for an easy way to recharge, here are some of our favourite parks and greenspaces around Calgary to see flowers in full bloom this season. Whether you’re into full-blown botanical gardens or want a quiet spot to wander, there’s something here for everyone (even indoor spots).
Visit Reader Rock Garden
Location: Southeast of Stampede Park, near Union Cemetery.
This historic gem is one of Calgary’s oldest cultivated gardens. Named after William Reader, Calgary’s first Parks Superintendent, Reader Rock Garden is perched on a hillside, filled with native and alpine plants that flourish in Calgary’s climate. Stone pathways wind through terraced flowerbeds, rock features, and shaded groves, making it feel like a secret garden in the heart of the city.
It’s a perfect place for a quiet morning stroll, warm afternoon adventure, or leisurely brunch at Reader’s Garden Café.
Wander Through Silver Springs Botanical Gardens
Location: Just off the Bow River Pathway in Silver Springs.
What began as a community beautification project has grown into a truly stunning display of colour and care. The Silver Springs Botanical Garden is volunteer-run and split into themed beds along a stretch of pathway near the Bowmont escarpment. Expect to find everything from iris and peony beds to mixed perennials and plenty of rose gardens.
Spring through early fall, this place is blooming. It’s a beautiful visual reminder of the power of community, and one of Calgary’s most underrated garden walks. And don’t miss the stone labyrinth near Fruit Grove for a meditative walk!
Check Out Senator Patrick Burns Memorial Rock Garden
Location: Near Riley Park just north of downtown.
Tucked just north of Riley Park near Kensington, this peaceful spot was originally part of Senator Burns’ estate in the early 1900s. The rock garden is a quiet, shady corner that comes alive with colour in the summer months, framed by mature trees and stonework along 10th Street NW.
Pair this with a loop around Riley Park’s other big floral attraction: wide-open flower beds that surround a wading pool. It’s one of the city’s prettiest summer spots for a picnic or splash with the family.
Walk To Lawrey Gardens
Location: Near Edworthy Park along the Bow River Pathway.
Lawrey Gardens is a quiet, lesser-known gem found just off the Bow River Pathway near Edworthy Park. It offers a natural experience and supports a surprising variety of native species.
“Willow Pond,” formed from an old slough, now supports cattails, willows, as well as birds and wildlife that thrive in wetland habitats. Across the garden, you’ll find wildflowers adapted to different conditions — from round-leaved orchids and small wood anemone in moist areas, to prairie onion and ascending purple milk vetch in open spaces, plus wild bergamot and spreading dog-bane along the forest floor.
Despite past disturbances and the presence of invasive plants like Canada thistle, this space remains a rich habitat for birds, butterflies, and even the occasional deer — an unexpected pocket of wilderness in the city accessible by foot or bike only.
Stroll Through Beaulieu Gardens
Location: Outside Lougheed House in the Beltline downtown.
This Victorian-style garden is a downtown treasure. Set on the grounds of the historic Lougheed House, Beaulieu Gardens features manicured lawns, floral displays, fountains, and formal garden beds inspired by European traditions.
It’s particularly beautiful in mid- to late-summer when the dahlias, delphiniums, and ornamental grasses reach full height. It’s a great spot for wedding photos or a weekend afternoon wander.
Pop Into Gerry Shaw & Lowe’s Garden
Location: Along the Elbow River Pathway & Elbow Drive.
Gerry Shaw and Lowe’s Garden are charming slivers of green space that blend formal garden beds with natural grasses and shrubs, showcasing Calgary’s seasonal changes. It’s a peaceful place for a stroll or quiet contemplation with several benches, especially in the early morning or evenings when everything’s still.
It’s also part of a walking loop through the Elbow River pathway network — great for flower enthusiasts who also want to log a few kilometres. Consider extending your walk into Elbow Island Park; there’s not much for flowers here, but you can sure make use of the loungers!
Indoor Escapes
When you’re in need of a tropical escape, but don’t have time to leave the city (or perhaps in shoulder season when flowers are scarce), Calgary has a few indoor gems you can visit:
Explore The Devonian Gardens
Location: Inside the CORE Shopping Centre, downtown Calgary.
Recently renovated and filled with tropical plants, fountains, and quiet seating areas, Devonian Gardens is Calgary’s go-to indoor oasis. It’s not a traditional flower garden, but the foliage and curated design make it a worthwhile stop for anyone craving greenery year-round.
Check out our visit to the gardens here.
Pay To See Dorothy Harvie Garden & ENMAX Conservatory
Location: Inside the Calgary Zoo.
Tucked inside the zoo, this indoor-outdoor garden experience offers a mix of native and exotic plant life, plus rotating floral displays depending on the season. From orchids and hibiscus to butterfly-friendly beds, it’s both educational and beautiful.
Perfect for pairing with a full day of exploring the Calgary Zoo.
Bonus Stops: Flower-Filled Parks Worth a Visit
Not every floral fix comes from a dedicated garden. These Calgary parks aren’t official botanical sites, but they’re home to some of the city’s most colourful and flower-filled corners:
- Baker Park: Known for its wedding archways and symmetrical flower beds, it’s an ideal picnic spot along the Bow River.
- Prince’s Island Park: Downtown’s signature park with manicured gardens and vibrant summer blooms along scenic river pathways.
- McHugh Bluff → Rotary Park: This scenic walking route ends with one of Calgary’s best skyline views, lined with flower beds galore in warmer months.
- Central Memorial Park: Calgary’s oldest park with formal gardens, a central fountain, and vibrant seasonal flowers in downtown.
Don’t Miss Calgary’s Blooming Season
Calgary’s growing season may be short, but our gardens can bloom big even in a short timespan. Whether you’re visiting a historic rock garden, strolling through a riverbank path lined with petals, or finding flowers where you least expect them, there’s no shortage of natural beauty if you stop to look around.
So this summer, take a moment. Sit in the sun, breathe in the blooms, and let Calgary surprise you with its vibrant summer colours.
