The Top of Your Summer Bucket List

The Top of Your Summer Bucket List

Travel

August 15, 2021

Words by: Jessica Laccetti, PH.D

Sunsets, Seclusion, & Sips from the U of A Botanic Garden.

Think flowing fountains, still pools, sunken flower beds and โ€œbreathtaking vistas.โ€

This is the time to whip out your summer bucket list and add the 240 acres of the University of Albertaโ€™s Botanic Garden to the top. This must-see award-winning plant paradise features tree-covered paths, exotic butterflies, the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, the Aga Khan Garden, the Indigenous Peoplesโ€™ Garden, waterfalls, and more.

Dating back to 1959, this living laboratory is the perfect escape from busy work days and city life. For new visitors, consider exploring the award-winning, 4.8 hectar Mughal-inspired garden โ€“ the Aga Khan Garden โ€“ gifted by His Highness the Aga Khan. Kerry Mulholland, Communications & Marketing Coordinator for the University of Alberta Botanic Garden refers to it as โ€œan 11-acre jewel that is a contemporary interpretation of historic Mughal design, and the northernmost Islamic garden in the world.โ€ Think flowing fountains, still pools, sunken flower beds and โ€œbreathtaking vistas.โ€

Ready for more adventure? How about the Indigenous Peoplesโ€™ Garden that was created in 1980 and features plants that have deep traditional ties to the Indigenous. Mulholland notes too, there is an โ€œextensive Collections areaโ€ for visitors to delve into. Two little known spots that even #yeggers might not be aware of: in the beloved local botanical gardens are Johnโ€™s Folly โ€“ a โ€œcastleโ€ with views of the rose garden and Connieโ€™s Secret Pond which resides in the North Alpine Garden.

This must-see award-winning plant paradise features tree-covered paths, exotic butterflies, the Kurimoto Japanese Garden, the Aga Khan Garden, the Indigenous Peoplesโ€™ Garden, waterfalls, and more.

Of course, after all that adventuring, appetites are whetted and the U of A Botanic Garden has just the thing to help you โ€œrelax and rejuvenateโ€ โ€“ picnic boxes! In fact, booking is live on the website to pick a time for a Twilight Picnic or choose a brunch box. Both options come with fantastic local food but the Twilight Picnic provides live music and amazing sunset views. Plus, as Mulholland explains, โ€œnew licensing rules mean guests can sip a glass of wine or local craft beer anywhere in the Garden while they stroll.โ€ This sounds like the perfect way to disconnect from your everyday life. Hereโ€™s to ticking off that summer bucket list and making memories.

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