Calgary Attractions
Reader Rock Garden
On a hillside at 325 25 Avenue SE, Reader Rock Garden covers 1.65 hectares of rockwork, paths and planting. Parks Canada designated it a National Historic Site in 2018.
- Address
- 325 25 Avenue SE
- Area
- 1.65 hectares
- Designation
- National Historic Site (2018)
- Features
- Rock garden, pathways, bridges, café
Testing the Prairie Climate
The garden is named for William Roland Reader, the City's Parks Superintendent from 1913 to 1942. He used the site to test the hardiness of flowers, shrubs and trees for Calgary, trying more than 4,000 species. After his death, the City opened it as a public park in 1944.
The Garden Today
A restoration completed in 2006 followed Reader's original layout and reopened the garden and cottage. Visitors will find rock pathways, small bridges, benches and a café in the house. The City lists the bloom season as mid-March to mid-November. Trails are sloped, and dogs are not allowed.