We explored the Devonian Gardens in Calgary and we never wanted to leave! Here’s why.
Some days, I get so fed up with work and staring at my laptop that I start craving the outdoors. It’s like I need to be surrounded by nature to breathe and calm down.
Alas, it’s not always easy to schedule an impromptu hike with friends. We can’t all just leave our responsibilities and pack up for the mountains.
So when I discovered the gem that is Devonian Gardens, I never looked back. I go here all the time just to watch the koi, listen to the flowing water, or sometimes, even sketch the plants.
And the best thing about it? It’s right here in the city.
It’s been such a lifesaver for me that I think it’s time to share it with other people who might enjoy it as well. Use this as your handy guide to making the most out of a visit to Devonian Gardens.
Where is Devonian Gardens?
Devonian Gardens is situated inside the Core Shopping Center on 8th Ave S.W., bounded by 2nd and 3rd Street. This glass-enclosed area, spanning around 2.5 acres, can be found on the topmost floor.
How to Get to Devonian Gardens
Via Light Rail: You can take light rail lines 201 and 202 to get to Devonian Gardens. The nearest stop is Wb 4 Street SW Station, which is about a 5-minute walk away.
Via Bus: Bus lines 1, 6, 22, 300, and 304 all pass by Devonian Gardens. The closest stop is a 3-minute walk away, at 199 Street & Christian Assembly Driveway.
Via Private Car: You can get to Devonian Gardens via car by driving to 400, 317 7
Ave SW. Upon arrival, you can park in one of the spaces provided by the CORE Shopping Center, and then head to the 4th floor.
What to Do in Devonian Gardens
Appreciate the scenery
– Media credit: downtowncalgary
With Devonian Gardens being almost as long as a full block, it has many areas for you to unwind. There are plenty of comfortable chairs and tables where you can sit and rest.
Our favorite place to stay is the South Garden, which is close to the food court. Here, you can enjoy a meal surrounded by plants.
On the other hand, the Circle Garden is much more quiet and secluded. When it’s not being used for an event, it’s a great place to read a book.
Or if you feel like it, you can also just observe and gaze at the plants. No one’s going to judge you for not doing anything.
At the end of the day, we’re all just here to escape the chaos of the city so feel free to relax however way you want.
Bring the kids
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One of the best things about the gardens is how much fun it provides kids without the use of screens. It’s a pleasant way for young children to reconnect with nature while still being in the city.
Devonian Gardens has a vibrant playground with plenty of equipment that’ll help their imaginations soar. There’s even a climbing wall that can test their physical abilities. Below it is a soft landing pad to ensure that parents don’t have to worry.
The koi pond is also a great source of entertainment for kids. It’s not uncommon to see them beside it for so long, just watching the fish swim around and naming each one.
Honestly, the possibilities here are endless. Your children will never have a boring moment here in the gardens.
Host an event
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The Devonian Gardens is a very popular place for events. It has a variety of spaces for different party sizes.
Lots of people hold weddings, family gatherings, and birthdays here. Guests always love having all the greenery as the backdrop for their pictures.
But it doesn’t have to be all fun and games though. You can reserve the gardens for work as well.
Studies show that employees perform better in a good environment. Well, what better way to motivate them than to have them surrounded by nature while still being in a climate-controlled building?
We double-checked with them and they seem to have all the bases covered. Conference tables, screens, free wifi, and great views — sounds like all the makings of a productive day.
Have a photoshoot
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Whether you’re an aspiring model or just want new pictures to frame for your home, Devonian Gardens is a treasure trove of good backdrops. As long as you have a good eye, you can turn any of its corners and spaces into something more magical.
Casual photography is allowed so you can just snap away for any of your social media accounts. However, professional photoshoots require a photography permit that you have to pay for by the hour.
As an amateur photographer, my favorite selfie spot is by the living wall. With its entirety being covered in plants (all 900 vertical square feet!), you can hit any pose without worrying too much about the picture’s composition.
Where to Eat near Devonian Gardens
Ten Foot Henry
– Media credit: tenfoothenry
Address: 1209 1 St SW
Phone: +1 403 475 5537
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM
Named after a classic Calgary character, Ten Foot Henry (the restaurant) has become iconic in its own way. In its 40 years of existence, the place has become so popular that even celebrities line up for it whenever they visit the city.
The menu is mostly veggie-based but it’s not at all what most people assume. Most of their dishes strike the perfect balance of being healthy, all while tasting like a guilty pleasure instead.
Don’t believe us? Try any of their beet dishes, whether it’s the marinated beets or the beet salad, and prepare to have your mind blown.
Whichever you go with, just make sure to end your meal with the butterscotch pudding. It’s so good that it might just become your favorite memory of Calgary.
Cactus Club Cafe Stephen Ave
– Media credit: cactusclubcafe
Address: Stephen Ave, 178 – 317 7th Avenue Southwest, 3 St SW
Phone: +1 403 454 9399
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday – 11:00 AM to 12:00 AM
- Friday – 11:00 AM to 1:00 AM
- Saturday – 11:30 AM to 1:00 AM
- Sunday – 11:30 AM to 12:00 AM
It’s quite common to see people spending birthdays, anniversaries, and big get-togethers at Cactus Club Cafe. Their food truly feels like the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion.
The atmosphere is always lively, thanks to the bright decor and the attentive waitstaff. Even when it’s busy, the servers are great at making every guest feel like a VIP.
After years of coming back here, I’ve learned that the best time to visit is during happy hour. Because having just one Bellini is never enough.
And although it’s worth trying all their dishes, their seafood plates might be the best. Having the Tuna Stack as an appetizer, followed by the Prawn Crunch Roll is our go-to recipe for a perfect night.
Where to Stay near Devonian Gardens
Le Germain Hotel Calgary
– Media credit: legermainhotels
Address: 899 Centre St S
Phone: +1 403 264 8990
Pricing: $$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
Le Germain Hotel is the place to stay to be immersed in Calgarian culture. It’s located right in the heart of downtown, meaning you’ll be near all the attractions and the best shopping centers.
But inside the building is a whole ‘nother world. It’s peaceful and quiet, and it’ll have you wondering if you’ve been transported to the Rockies instead.
The rooms are spacious and comfortable, but we have a feeling that you’ll be spending just as much time in the bathroom. No guest has ever been able to resist the call of the rain shower head, which will give you the most luxurious shower experience of your life.
Before leaving each day, you get a taste of that signature Calgary hospitality from all members of their staff. The front desk will answer all of your questions and requests, and the doorman will never forget to greet you when he sees you.
Fairmont Palliser
– Media credit: fairmontpalliser
Address: 133 9 Ave SW
Phone: +1 403 262 1234
Pricing: $$$
Operating Hours:
- 24-hour front desk
The Fairmont Palliser has been in Calgary for over 110 years and we have no doubts that it’ll be around for much longer. With their exceptional service and beautiful decor, everyone should experience a stay here at least once in their lifetime.
Just from the high ceilings of its magnificent lobby, it’s clear that the place is grand and opulent. And we expect no less from a hotel that once served as Queen Elizabeth II’s home here in the city.
The hardest choice you’ll have to make here is deciding where to get pampered first. There’s the exquisite spa, the relaxing hot tub, the first-class indoor pool, or the state-of-the-art fitness center.
Your stay won’t be complete without trying their signature high tea experience at the Hawthorne restaurant. The moment you get a bite of their decadent desserts is also the moment you’ll be planning your next stay here as soon as possible.