food and drink Local

Brunch at the U of A Botanic Gardens

I’ve never met a brunch I didn’t like. I can assure you that brunch is the way to this girl’s heart! Did you know that you can get brunch boxes at the U of A Botanic Gardens? It’s seriously the best!

I love visiting the gardens in the summer. There’s so much space that it’s easy to socially-distance yourself from other people. It’s also a great family activity. My boys are obsessed with the Koi Fish in the Japanese Garden. They are huge and so colourful. They’d probably sit there watching them all day if I let them.

How much are brunch boxes?

Boxes are $60 for adults and $35 for kids. It includes your admission to the gardens (which is $18.75 on it’s own), locally-sourced food and a non-alcoholic beverage. The ham & gruyere croissant from Chocorrant and chocolate passionfruit choux pastry from Arno’s Fine French Pastry were unreal. There are also a few add-on’s such as a mimosa kit (a must have in my opinion), smoked salmon with cream cheese and fresh baguettes as well as picnic blankets, handmade cards and flowers if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

When are the boxes available?

Brunch boxes started this May, and are available by pre-order, Thursdays through Sundays’s from 10-2. Just head here to order yours.

Where can I eat my picnic?

Anywhere on the grounds! There are gazebos, benches and beautiful grassy fields. My top choices would be either the Japanese Garden (where we ate) or the newer Aga Khan Garden, which is stunning. Just bring a picnic blanket or some camp chairs and you’re all set.

If you’re looking for the perfect way to celebrate a special occasion or to just get out of the house and have a fun day with a friend or your family this is the perfect excuse. In a non-covid world I would find this a great day out, but in our current climate I can’t think of anything better!

Thanks so much to the U of A Botanic Gardens for hosting us, I can’t wait to visit again later this season when all of the flowers have bloomed!

For more information on the brunch boxes or too reserve on for yourself, just head to the U of A Botanic Garden website.

Cheers! Alex