O Canada! A Garden Celebration
This Canada Day, celebrate in the heart of nature. Take in the sounds of the University of Alberta Department of Music Summer Band, unwind with a Guided Forest Therapy walk, or do something completely different and pet a cute baby cow. Whether you're exploring with family, friends, or your favourite four-legged companion, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Canada Day Activities At-A-Glance
10:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Guided Forest Therapy Walk with Wild Calm Therapy
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Baby Mini Cows from Ranch by the Beech
1:00 - 2:00 p.m. - University of Alberta Summer Band performance
2:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. - Guided Forest Therapy Walk with Wild Calm Therapy
2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - University of Alberta Summer Band performance
- The Garden is open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Canada Day activities are scheduled between 10:30 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
- Regular Garden admission applies, and can be booked in advance online or purchased at the gate. No admission is charged for Garden Members.
- U of A Summer Band performances are included with admission.
- Extra charge for Forest Therapy and Baby Mini Cows. While some walk-up tickets may be available, advance booking is strongly recommended as these popular activities often sell out.
- In the event of rain:
- Mini Cows will run rain or shine.
- Forest Therapy runs rain or shine.
- Summer Band may need to postpone or cancel performances.
What's happening
Guided Forest Therapy
Two sessions:
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 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:
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes before the walk starts, to get to the starting point and sign required waiver forms.
- 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.
- Walk ups are welcome (if spaces are available) - please ask at the Welcome Centre.
- 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.
$45/person + Garden admission. Garden Members do not pay admission.
Ranch by the Beech - Baby Mini Cows!
11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
These adorable little babies will make your day. Ranch by the Beech will be on hand with a collection of their sweet mini calves, ready to star in your perfect selfie. Groups of up to four can have at least 5 minutes of time with the baby cows (time might be expanded depending on how many people are in line). Children must be accompanied by a paid adult guardian on a one to one basis.
Adults $10
Children 12 and under $5
Limited spaces. Advance registration strongly recommended.
Regular admission applies, at the gate or online.
University of Alberta Department of Music Summer Band
Two performances in the Amphitheatre.
- 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- 2:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Join the University of Alberta Department of Music Summer Band, under the baton of Dr. Angela Schroeder, to celebrate their music-making community with a very special Canada Day concert. Performing medleys from musicals and movies as well as traditional and modern concert band favourites by Alfred Reed and Omar Thomas.
Performances are free; regular admission to the Garden applies.
Note: In the event of rain, the band may have to delay or cancel their performance.