The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary combine two very different but perfectly matched experiences in the heart of downtown: an urban shopping centre with big-name brands, and a lush indoor park filled with trees, ponds, and natural light under a glass roof. In one stop you can shop, eat, and then escape into a quiet garden without ever stepping outside.
This guide will help you plan a visit to The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary—how to get there, what to expect, where to eat, and how to enjoy the gardens in every season.
What Are The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary?
The CORE is a multi-block downtown Calgary shopping centre that connects several office towers with an indoor retail street, food courts, and access to the +15 skywalk network.
On the upper level of the complex you’ll find Devonian Gardens, a large indoor botanical garden and public park under a glass atrium:
- Walking paths among trees and tropical-style plants
- Ponds with fish and water features
- Benches and seating areas for relaxing or reading
- A children’s play area and open space for families
Together, The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary offer one of the easiest ways to mix shopping, dining, and green space in a single downtown stop.
Where Are The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary?
The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary are located in the downtown commercial core, along the 7 Avenue and 8 Avenue SW corridor.
Location snapshot
- Area: Downtown Calgary (between 2 Street SW and 4 Street SW, roughly)
- Nearby streets: 7 Ave SW (CTrain line), 8 Ave SW / Stephen Avenue pedestrian street
- Neighbourhood: Downtown Commercial Core
From The CORE, you can easily walk to:
- Stephen Avenue Walk – historic pedestrian street with patios and heritage buildings
- Calgary Tower and nearby attractions
- Many downtown offices and hotels
Devonian Gardens sits on an upper level of The CORE, accessible by escalators and elevators from the mall.
Why Visit The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary?
1. Shopping and greenery in one stop
Few downtown malls can offer what The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary do:
- Shop for clothes, shoes, and everyday essentials.
- Then walk a few steps upstairs into a quiet indoor park with trees and water.
It’s especially valuable in:
- Winter, when you want greenery without cold winds.
- Hot summer days, when air conditioning plus gardens feel perfect.
2. Super-convenient downtown base
Because of the location, The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary work well as:
- A midday break between downtown meetings.
- A rainy-day backup plan for travellers.
- A central meeting spot for friends or family before exploring nearby attractions.
3. Family- and office-worker friendly
- Office workers use the mall for quick meals, errands, and a short walk through the gardens.
- Families appreciate the indoor play space and the ability to combine shopping with a calm green environment.
Exploring The CORE Calgary
While store lineups change over time, The CORE usually includes:
Retail mix
- Fashion and footwear – everyday and workwear brands, shoes, accessories
- Beauty and skincare – cosmetic counters, skincare boutiques, and personal care shops
- Electronics and tech – mobile phone providers, gadgets, and accessories
- Gifts and specialty shops – from stationery and books to local or Canadian-themed products
Because The CORE connects multiple buildings, you can walk from one side of downtown to the other entirely indoors, browsing stores along the way.
Food and drink
Inside The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary you’ll find:
- Food court options for quick lunches and snacks
- Smaller cafés and coffee stands on different levels
- Access to restaurants and pubs just outside on Stephen Avenue and nearby streets
This makes The CORE a convenient place for:
- Office-worker lunches
- Quick snacks between sightseeing stops
- Coffee breaks before or after exploring Devonian Gardens
+15 skywalk network
The CORE is integrated with Calgary’s +15 network (elevated indoor walkways):
- You can reach other office towers, hotels, and retail areas without going outside.
- In winter, this is especially useful for staying warm while moving around downtown.
Inside Devonian Gardens: Calgary’s Indoor Park in the Sky
Devonian Gardens is the star attraction of The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary.
What you’ll see
- Mature trees and plants growing under a glass roof, creating a mini indoor forest.
- Ponds and water features with fish and reflective surfaces.
- Rockwork, planters, and seating areas arranged for peaceful corners and open spaces.
The design blends a public park feel with greenhouse-style planting.
Atmosphere
- Quiet and relaxed, even when the mall below is busy.
- Gentle natural light streaming through the glass atrium.
- People reading, working on laptops, having quiet conversations, or walking laps.
Devonian Gardens offers a rare combination: free public green space in the middle of the downtown core, open year-round.
Visiting The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary with Kids
Families often love this combo.
Why kids enjoy it
- Space to move: Paths, open seating zones, and a dedicated play area (availability may vary with maintenance and updates).
- Indoor comfort: No need to bundle up in winter or worry about sudden rain or snow.
- Visual interest: Fish in ponds, plants, and different levels to explore.
Family tips
- Plan a short shopping stop in The CORE, then promise garden or play time as a reward.
- Visit earlier in the day or on weekdays if you prefer a quieter atmosphere.
- Bring snacks or a simple lunch from the food court and eat in designated seating areas (check signs for any restrictions).
When to Visit The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary
Because they are indoors, The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary are great in any season.
Winter
- Ideal escape from cold temperatures, wind, and icy sidewalks.
- A chance to see greenery and water features when outdoor parks are snowy.
- Convenient location for a warm walk during a downtown workday.
Summer
- Air-conditioned shopping plus a bright, naturally lit garden for a break from heat.
- Combine with an outdoor stroll on Stephen Avenue or along the nearby river pathways.
Shoulder seasons (spring and autumn)
- Perfect for days when the weather changes every hour—rain, wind, sun, and maybe even snow.
- Great “backup plan” on variable-weather city-break trips.
Practical Tips for The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary
Getting there
By CTrain (LRT):
- Use any downtown 7 Avenue station (e.g., 3 Street SW or 4 Street SW) and walk a short distance south to the entrances of The CORE.
- Daytime travel within the downtown CTrain zone is often free (check current rules).
By bus:
- Multiple bus routes stop on or near 6 Avenue, 7 Avenue, 8 Avenue, and 9 Avenue SW.
By car:
- Parkades and surface lots around downtown offer paid parking.
- Check posted rates, time restrictions, and evening or weekend specials.
Because downtown parking can be expensive, many visitors prefer transit for The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary.
Accessibility
- The CORE provides elevators and escalators between levels.
- Devonian Gardens is reached via elevators or escalators, with generally flat walking surfaces once inside.
- Washrooms are located on mall levels; look for wayfinding signs or ask at information desks.
For the most detailed, up-to-date accessibility information, consult official building resources or security staff when you arrive.
Sample Itineraries: The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary
1. Quick 1–2 Hour Downtown Break
- Arrive by CTrain at a downtown station.
- Walk into The CORE and pick up a snack or drink.
- Head upstairs to Devonian Gardens and stroll the paths, then relax on a bench.
- Return to the mall for a short look through a few key stores.
Great for lunch breaks, conference free time, or bad-weather windows.
2. Half-Day Shopping and Downtown Walk
- Start with shopping in The CORE (fashion, gifts, essentials).
- Have lunch in the food court or at a nearby restaurant.
- Spend an hour in Devonian Gardens reading, people-watching, or letting kids play.
- Exit to Stephen Avenue Walk for an outdoor stroll among heritage buildings and patios.
This makes for a relaxed half-day itinerary centered on The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary.
Quick Overview of The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Main focus | Downtown shopping mall plus large indoor botanical garden |
| Location | Downtown Calgary, between 2–4 Street SW near 7–8 Avenue SW |
| Key attractions | Retail stores, food court, Devonian Gardens indoor park |
| Best for | Shoppers, office workers, families, bad-weather days, winter greenery |
| Access | Downtown CTrain stations, multiple bus routes, nearby parkades |
| Typical visit duration | 1–4 hours |
FAQ about The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary
Do I have to pay to enter Devonian Gardens?
No. As of the latest available information, Devonian Gardens is a free public space inside The CORE. You may pay for parking or transit to reach it, but entry to the indoor gardens themselves does not require a ticket.
Are The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary good for kids?
Yes. Families like Devonian Gardens for the open, climate-controlled space and the chance for kids to move around indoors. The CORE’s food court and shops add convenient options for snacks and essentials. Always supervise children near water features and in busier areas.
Can I bring food into Devonian Gardens?
Many visitors bring takeaway food from the food court and eat in designated seating areas, but rules can change over time. Look for posted signs regarding food and drink inside Devonian Gardens, and always clean up after yourself.
How long should I plan to spend at The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary?
Plan at least 1–2 hours for a basic visit (some shopping plus a walk through Devonian Gardens). If you want to shop more extensively, have a sit-down meal, or simply relax in the gardens, you can easily fill half a day.
Are The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary accessible in winter?
Absolutely. Both are fully indoors, making them ideal winter destinations. You can arrive via CTrain, walk through the +15 network, shop, and enjoy the gardens without spending much time outdoors.
Conclusion
The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary offer one of downtown’s most versatile combinations: a modern shopping centre linked directly to a peaceful indoor garden. You can run errands, browse fashion and tech, then step into a green oasis with ponds and trees—all without worrying about weather.
If you’re planning a downtown itinerary, need a reliable bad-weather plan, or simply want a quiet place to sit among plants in the middle of the city, make sure The CORE & Devonian Gardens Calgary are on your list.
