Devonian Gardens in Core Shopping Center, Calgary

You might come to the Core Shopping Centre for errands, fashion, or a last-minute souvenir—but here’s the twist: one of its best features has nothing to do with shopping at all.

Head upstairs and you’ll find the Devonian Gardens, an indoor botanical garden quietly thriving above the retail buzz. More than 500 trees grow here, joined by a living wall, gentle fountains, and winding paths that feel worlds away from escalators and checkout lines. It’s all cared for by the city’s parks department, which explains why it feels more like a greenhouse escape than a mall add-on.

This is a place made for slowing down. You can wander through the greenery, settle into a chair with a book, or claim a table for lunch that somehow feels outdoors, even though you’re still indoors. There’s a public piano waiting for anyone brave—or talented—enough to sit down and play, adding a bit of surprise soundtrack to the space. Families will notice a dedicated children’s play area, giving younger visitors room to burn off energy while adults take a breather.

Best of all, there’s no ticket, no time limit, and no pressure to buy anything. You can drop in for five minutes or stay for an hour, treat it as a shortcut or a destination. In a city known for big skies and open parks, Devonian Gardens proves that even above a shopping centre, Calgary still makes room for calm, green pauses—sometimes exactly where you least expect them.