O Canada! A Garden Celebration
This Canada Day, celebrate the spirit of community and connection in the heart of nature. Come try your hand at a nature-inspired art workshop, see what’s hanging out in the Grebe Pond during a pond catch adventure, or create your own red-and-white flower planter to take home. Unwind with a wellness experience or simply savour a tasty BBQ treat under the summer sky. Whether you're exploring with family, friends, or your favourite four-legged companion, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
- The Garden is open 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Canada Day activities run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Some activities require a fee to cover the cost of materials and instructor. While supplies last - advance booking recommended.
- Regular Garden admission applies, and can be booked in advance online or purchased at the gate.
What's happening
United Yoga Pilates in the Alpine Garden
Experience the best of yoga and Pilates in one fluid class! In a United Yoga Pilates class, participants move through centering core work and standing postures to end with restorative stretches and relaxation. You can develop strength, flexibility, proper range of motion, and core stability by linking poses together to the gentle rhythm of your breath.
Come as you are and tune into your body, breath, and the beautiful sounds of nature around you. These sessions are suitable for all levels. Variations in postures and movements will be provided to encourage you to practice at your own pace.
Please dress for the weather and bring a yoga mat (limited quantities will be available on site), a water bottle, a blanket or blocks if you’d like, and any amount of curiosity and an open mind. Once you are in the session space, please turn off your cell phone so you can enjoy tuning into the present moment surrounded by nature.
Please note: While these sessions are designed primarily for adults, older children who are interested in participating are welcome. We kindly ask that children remain under direct supervision and be accompanied by their parent or guardian during the session.
Free, but space is limited. Reserve now at the link below. Regular admission applies, online or at the gate.
Did Someone Say BBQ? - 11 a.m., to 7 p.m.
Café al Fresco, operated by the Party People Catering Co., is firing up the grills and serving up all your BBQ favourites right in the heart of the Garden. From Alberta beef brisket to saucy pork ribs, this special Canada Day menu is stacked with smoky, savoury classics made for summer memories. Bring the whole family for a beautiful day outdoors and a meal worth gathering around. Pick-up is available between 11 a.m., and 7 p.m. Only a limited number of BBQ meals will be available at the event, so we highly recommend ordering ahead of time.
Or, you can simply choose from an a la carte selection of delectable fresh-made sandwiches, salads, hot dogs, ice cream and baked goods along with coffee, cold beverages, wine and beer at the Cafe al Fresco.
Reserve your Canada Day Meal ahead directly with Cafe al Fresco. Admission to the Garden will apply, online or at the gate.
Please direct any questions about the Canada Day Meal offer to info@partypeoplecaters.ca
Make Your Own Planter - 11 a.m., to 4 p.m., while supplies last.
Nourish your green thumb and plant something special to take home. Our friendly staff will guide you in crafting your own personalized planter, perfect for adding a pop of color to your space. Choose from 3 options:
- One flower and a clay pot ($10/ea),
- Two flowers and a clay pot ($20/ea),
- Three flowers and a clay pot ($30/ea).
Whether you're a seasoned plant lover or just beginning your gardening journey, this hands-on experience is perfect for all ages.
While supplies last; price varies depending on planter contents. Regular admission applies, at the gate or online.
Canadian Forest Watercolor Workshop - 12 p.m., to 2:30 p.m.
Join artist Greg Hoosier in this 2.5 hour Canadian forest watercolour workshop. Greg will begin by leading participants on a nature walk and talk through the Garden’s forested areas. During the walk, you’ll select and photograph your own reference scene. Please ensure you bring a cellphone or another device that can take and display photos, as you’ll need it for the painting portion of the workshop.
Following the walk, Greg will guide participants through a three-step process to create an original forest painting. This workshop is recommended for older kids or adults with some painting experience. All materials and supplies will be provided.
$15 per person; space is limited book now below. Regular admission applies.
Guided Forest Therapy Session - 11:30 a.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Slow down and reconnect with nature through a 1.5-hour guided forest therapy session led by Milena from Wild Calm Forest Therapy. This experience is designed to awaken the senses and support a deeper connection to both the natural world and your own embodied presence.
Each session includes a guided meditation, a very slow-paced wander through the forested areas of the Garden, gentle sensory invitations, and concludes with a peaceful tea ceremony featuring fresh-foraged tea and individual snacks. To fully immerse yourself in the experience, participants are kindly asked to turn off phones and other devices.
This experience is suitable for all bodies and all levels, but for any mobility (including if you are unable to sit comfortably on a padded mat on the forest floor) or dietary concerns, please reach out to Milena directly at: milena@wildcalm.ca to ensure your experience is safe and welcoming.
Important to Know:
- To have the most enjoyable experience, please dress for the weather and bring some water if the weather is hot, as well as some bug spray.
- Once your spot is confirmed, each person in your group must complete a waiver before participating in the session. and on the ticket purchase page linked below.This waiver must be completed before your arrival on July 1.
- Registration closes 48 hours before the session start date on June 29.
- Older youth (14+) are welcome, but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is also registered. Waivers for both must be completed with the youth's waiver completed by their parent or guardian.
- It’s approximately a 20-minute walk to the meeting area. Directional signage will be in place to guide your way.
$55/person, which includes Garden admission.
Mini Wetland Wonders Pond Catch - 11 a.m., to 4 p.m.
Curious to see what critters cruise around in our Grebe Pond? Then join us for a mini Wetland Wonders pond catch! Grab your nets and spend some science time looking into the hidden world of aquatic creatures. One of our amazing interpreters will teach you all about wetlands and help you catch some fascinating species. Located at the Learning Dock on the Grebe Pond by the Potage Garden and Pine Pavilion.
To make sure everyone stays safe, kiddos must be accompanied by parents or adult helpers. This pond catch is drop-in style (plus the cost of general admission), so families can come and stay for as long as they would like.
Come celebrate community, summer, and the spirit of Canada at the Garden this July! We can’t wait to welcome you for a day full of fun and natural beauty.