Calgary has a hidden 20-acre botanical garden that is entirely run by volunteers

The Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs, tucked away in northwest Calgary, are home to 30 unique gardens. It has become a beloved destination where visitors can explore everything from colourful flowers to winding pathways and peaceful green spaces.

And behind it all is a dedicated group of volunteers who help maintain and care for the garden year-round.

A community built over time

According to the Botanical Gardens of Silver Springs, the idea for the gardens first began with the BirthPlace Forest Initiative, where trees were planted along a vacant stretch of land originally intended for what is now Stoney Trail. From there, the vision expanded into something much larger, transforming the space into a collection of gardens that could be enjoyed by the entire community.

By 2025, the vision had grown into 30 distinct gardens, and the site spans over 20 acres. Today, the gardens are completely maintained by volunteers. Each year, community members dedicate countless hours to planting, weeding, pruning, and caring for the space.

The garden features a wide variety of plant life that is chosen specifically to thrive in Calgary’s dry climate. In the summer, you can expect tons of colourful blooms and carefully curated rose collections. In the fall, the garden shifts into bright orange and yellows, and there are plenty of flowers still popping up between the changing leaves. During the winter months, certain areas are decorated with festive ornaments and seasonal touches that make it feel warm and inviting even during the chilly weather.

Another amazing perk about the garden is that it’s dog-friendly, so you’ll often see people walking the paths with their furry friends.

It’s truly amazing to see how a once-empty piece of land has turned into a thriving 20-acre garden that is run entirely by a community of volunteers. Every visit here feels different, whether it’s the colours shifting, the quiet paths or the small seasonal details that make the space feel alive year-round. It’s a reminder of what can happen when a community comes together to create and care for something over time.

So if you’re looking for your next walking spot or a place to take cute Instagram photos, this is definitely one to add to your list.

When: Open year-round
Time: 5 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Where: 37 Silver Springs Dr. NW, Calgary, Alta.
Cost: Free to visit

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Kaiya Williams

Kaiya is a Calgary-based writer and content creator with a background in marketing and digital storytelling. She has a passion for community-driven stories and covering local experiences that connect people.

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