You don’t need to have a green thumb to enjoy this attraction. This 2.5 acre enclosed roof garden holds 20,000 plants! There is a full mile of lush walkways to enjoy, a sculpture court that will amaze you and a playground for the kids. Devonian Gardens is a peaceful indoor park located in the heart of downtown Calgary.
Devonian Gardens is one of the world's largest indoor parks. The Gardens opened in September 1977 and have been a favourite destination for local and international tourists, downtown workers, and Calgarians too. It is also a venue for special events, corporate functions and weddings.
Admission is FREE
J.H. Cook Architects and Engineers of Calgary created the park’s design, and the Devonian Group of Charitable Foundations and Oxford Development donated Devonian Gardens to the City of Calgary.16,000 plants were imported from Florida, and 4,000 native plants were used. The final tally for the construction of the Gardens was $9 million.
Located above Toronto Dominion Square and atop the Toronto Dominion Centre shopping complex at 317 7th Ave SW. Alberta’s largest indoor gardens, the Devonian Gardens have numerous ponds with rainbow trout and koi. Watch closely to see turtles! Devonian Gardens is home to 45 Red Ear Slider turtles - the most common pet turtle. Families who could no longer care for them donated many of Devonian Gardens’ turtles.
Sections of the Devonian Gardens include the Quiet Garden, Sun Garden, Creek Bed, Reflecting Pond. Various sculptures are found throught the Devonian Gardens, which also hosts a permanent art exhibition in the Sculpture Court that showcases the work of Calgary artists.
Devonian Gardens Playground:
The playground is situated in a corner to help maintain the peaceful nature of this indoor oasis throughout the Gardens. While the children take a few minutes to play hard and burn off some energy, you can enjoy the site of the terraces, which go from the fourth floor to the second floor.
Sun Garden Area:
This is a popular spot for weddings and corporate functions.While strolling through the Sun Garden area, look for the assorted fish in the pools. Species of fish include Koi and Catfish. The Sun Garden is also home to ficus nitida and benjamina meant to resemble Calgary’s native poplars, as well as to bottle brush callistemon meant to resemble the local willows. Norfolk pine (araucaria excelsa) represent the Norway spruce. The pools are made of Styrofoam with a layer of gunized cement. During construction, 4,000 yards of loam were brought in to fill the plant beds
Did you know:
- Devonian Gardens Calgary PhotosDevonian Gardens changes the floral displays approximately 18 times a year. The flowers planted reflect the changing seasons and occasions.
- The Devonian Gardens pools and ponds re-circulate 85,000 gallons of water
- In early spring, you can smell the sweet aroma of tulips, narcissus, and hyacinths in blossom. During Easter, you will find beautiful Easter lilies among pink & blue hydrangeas.
- The Devonian Gardens are brightend by 400 and 1,000 Watt metal halide lights
- Throughout the summer, come & view the azaleas, carnations, mini roses, gardenias African violets, kalanchoes, and lilies of many colours & sizes. Relax in the open air reflecting pond area and bask in the sun while listening to the soothing sounds of gentle water fountains.
- The plants are changed 18 times every year, emphasing seasonal themes
- 1.6 km of walkways cross three levels of indoor gardens
- During fall, come & enjoy the chrysanthemums displayed in shades of autumn.
- 16,000 plants were imported from Florida for the park opening
- Lose the winter blues by visiting the bright and colourful Christmas cactus. Marvel over a sea of red poinsettias presented over the Christmas season complete with several Christmas trees beautifully decorated to celebrate the festive spirit!
