Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs — Attraction in Calgary

The Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs in Calgary is a nice green space, but fell a bit short of impressing us after experiencing the world-class gardens in Victoria.

As a dog-friendly destination with a large, well-maintained off-leash area, the Botanical Gardens is a popular spot for local residents and their furry companions. The wide-open grassy fields and trails provide plenty of room for pups to roam and play freely. This was certainly appreciated, as we do love to give our dog the chance to stretch his legs during our travels.

However, the overall garden landscapes and horticultural displays simply didn't have the "wow" factor that we've come to expect from places like Butchart Gardens in Victoria. The plant collections, while well-kept, lacked the same level of variety, creativity, and visual impact.

That said, the Botanical Gardens still offers a pleasant, peaceful setting to stroll through, take in some nature, and let the dog burn off some energy. The grounds are clean, the pathways are accessible, and there are a few charming spots for photos. But compared to the truly spectacular botanical gardens we've experienced elsewhere, this one fell a bit short in our eyes.

Perhaps our expectations were a bit too high, having been so spoiled by the world-renowned gardens of Victoria. But while the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs is still a nice green oasis in Calgary, it didn't quite measure up as a must-see destination for us on this trip. The dog-friendly features were appreciated, but the overall experience just didn't have that same sense of...

The prodigious, ornamental garden, that was created 17 years ago by planting 7,000 trees, has spread into a 3,200 square foot area and is about 1.5 km in length.

The park has a children playground, a dedicated picnic area, plenty of benches at several places, popular tennis/pickleball courts, lush green grounds, comfortable to walk unpaved trails, a labyrinth to have a meditative walk, lots of shaded areas, numerous flowers of many kinds in 17 alluring gardens.

The botanical gardens of silver springs gets 5/5 stars for all the ravishing gardens, picnic area, tennis courts, playgrounds, and walking trails.

The downside: The biggest drawback; however, that keeps some people from visiting and enjoying the inviting place is that unleashed dogs are allowed to run freely and approach anyone, so they create panic in those who are afraid of dogs or have had bad experiences with them. In my perspective, in all public places, dogs must be allowed only if they are leashed and under control of their owners.

Also, surprisingly, the sizable park, that has a lot to offer, does not have hygienic, well-maintained washrooms. There is only one porta-potty, and most people try to avoid using such washrooms unless there is...

This place is quite possibly Calgary's best kept secret as I have been here for almost 50 years (born & raised) and just learned about it this summer! Tucked into the beautiful community of Silver Springs in the NW, this garden features a number of unique collections of flowers, plants and Alberta's only public labyrinth! With 20 featured gardens, a picnic area, a playground, and a fruit grove, there is something for everyone here! Plan to take approximately 2 hours to properly explore everything these gardens have to offer. My favorites include the Rose Garden, Shakespeare Garden, Wall Garden, LoH2O Garden, Labyrinth Garden, and the new Heart Garden (supports the needs of families impacted by congenital heart disease). The park is quiet, tranquil and peaceful (I visited on a Friday afternoon in September). Tennis courts, a baseball diamond, and a soccer field are nearby. The only thing to be aware of is dogs are allowed off leash but thankfully, I only encountered friendly pups along my walk. Run completely by volunteers, these gardens are very well maintained for a public park. Admission is free and donations...