Garden Etiquette

To ensure the enjoyment of all our guests, preserve the beauty of the garden and protect valuable plant collections, the following must be observed by all guests.

Protecting You

  • Do not climb on trees or rocks.
  • Do not swim or wade in the water features. Rocks can be slippery — exercise common sense and caution. The University of Alberta Botanic Garden is not responsible for injuries that may occur around rocks and water features.
  • Children must be supervised at all times, to ensure their safety (and to protect plants!)

Protecting The Garden

  • Do not pick or remove any plant material from anywhere in the garden, including wilderness areas and showhouses. This includes flowers, seeds, pods and all other parts of the plant.
  • Leave the labels where you see them — it is essential to the accuracy of our plant records that labels remain in the right place. If you want to remember the name of a special plant, take a picture of the label or write it down.
  • In winter, please stick to the paths to protect plant life under the snow.

Food and Beverages

  • Outside food is not permitted, with the exception of small snacks. BBQs and cooking equipment are not permitted.
  • Food and beverages are available for purchase at the outdoor Patio Café concession, or through advance reservation with special experience packages (e.g., Twilight Picnics, Northern Light Dining)
  • Alcohol is not allowed at the Garden, with the exception of beverages purchased and consumed at the licensed on-site concession, at licensed special events, or with permits in designated private function areas.

Other Guidelines

  • No smoking: Smoking of any kind (including vaping and cannabis) is prohibited in all areas of the garden, except in designated areas in the parking lot.
  • No games: Games and sporting equipment (soccer balls, Frisbees, bikes, skateboards, etc.) are not permitted inside the garden.
  • Animals: The garden is thrilled to welcome dogs on leash during our regular opening hours this year. We know you might be curious about other pets like cats, birds, or more. In this trial year, we've chosen to start with dogs only, but we're keeping our paws crossed for a successful season which could allow us to expand to other animal companions in the future.
  • Photography: Photography guidelines must be observed.
  • No idling: Idling is not permitted. Let’s all cut down on emissions.
  • RV parking: RV parking is not available on weekends.
  • Noise levels: Minimize noise so all patrons may enjoy their experience.

The University of Alberta Botanic Garden reserves the right to ask any guest who is a danger to themselves or others, or who is disrupting the enjoyment of the garden by other guests, to leave the premises.