Did you know that you can enjoy the beauty of the University of Alberta Botanic Garden year-round? While the word “garden” typically evokes thoughts of Spring and Summer, this outdoor destination offers the perfect escape to nature in all four seasons! Set your loved ones’ sights on the Gardens this winter with the gift of a Garden Pass. It is an easy way to share a love of nature, offering incredible savings and access to all the University of Alberta Botanic Garden has to offer!

Relaxation, rejuvenation, and enjoyment can be found in the Botanic Garden just 15 minutes Southwest of Edmonton. Inside this 240-acre natural oasis outside Devon, you will discover 80 walkable acres of cultivated gardens, indoor showhouses, and extensive natural areas. Discover awe and wonder in the impressive limestone and granite reflecting pools of the Aga Khan Garden, and find your serenity as you stroll around the koi-filled pond in the Kurimoto Japanese Garden. Plus there is a tropical greenhouse and arid plant house to discover, alpine and Indigenous gardens to explore, and a herb and sensory garden to tickle your senses.

The University of Alberta Botanic Garden makes a wonderful escape for all ages, offering a new and changing experience each time you visit! A Garden Pass will let you explore the Garden in all seasons, from the first sprouts of spring and the full bloom of summer, to the changing leaves of fall and the quiet blanket of snow in the winter. The whole family will love exploring the meandering pathways and gardens, with plenty of open space for the kids to run and play along the way. Plus you can add to the experience throughout the year with several events and unique experiences including Twilight Picnics, the Luminaria Winter Light Festival, and Northern Lights Dining Experience.

Garden Passes

The University of Alberta Botanic Garden offers the choices of three convenient Garden Passes:

  • The “Basic” Summer Pass is the perfect for those wanting to visit the Garden often during the spring, summer and fall. It will grant unlimited regular admission from May through October, and comes with the option to add on a Free Friends of the Garden membership.
  • The “Extra” Year-Round Pass lets you access the Garden through all seasons with the addition of the new winter hours. It also comes with a few added perks including two free guest admission passes (of the same type), 10% off concession purchases and dining experiences, passholder pricing on most events and activities, first-in-line opportunities for select Garden events, and the option to add on a Free Friends of the Garden membership.
  • The “Ultimate” Garden Experience Pass lets you enjoy all the events and activities the Garden has to offer! Receive unlimited regular admissions year-round, two free adult guest admission passes, two free Luminaria tickets, and special pricing plus first-in-line opportunities for most garden events throughout the year. Use your card to purchase a deeply discounted Twilight Picnic or Northern Lights Dining Experience for Two, receive 10% off additional dining experiences, and show it at the concession each visit to enjoy a free ice cream or coffee, plus additional 10% off all other purchases. As with all passes, you will also have the option to add on a Free Friends of the Garden membership.

Garden Passes vary in price according to pass type and level. Gifting is made easy with the choice of adult, senior, youth/student, child, and family options.  Garden Passes are quick and convenient to purchase online through the University of Alberta Botanic Garden website, including a “gift” option where they can mail the pass directly to your gift recipient.

Time spent in nature releases “happy hormones” and increases your overall sense of well-being. This holiday season it is easy to give all your favorite people a full year of happy memories in nature with the gift of a Garden Pass from University of Alberta Garden!

Family Fun wants to help you make more memories and gift less “stuff” this holiday season! We are looking beyond the store shelves to find the best experience gifts to wrap up and stuff those stockings with. Give your loved ones the opportunity to try a new activity, find new passions, and discover joy through the gift of interesting new experiences. Your non-conventional gift could be the perfect way to encourage time together during the holidays and bring added closeness throughout the year!

University of Alberta Botanic Garden:

Address: 51227 AB-60, Parkland County
Website: www.ualberta.ca/botanic-garden