The John Janzen Nature Centre, located in the heart of Edmonton's River Valley, provides programs, events and exhibits to help visitors connect with nature and learn about urban wildlife and their habitats.
Tegler Discovery Zone
This indoor play space re-creates local wildlife habitat in a way that children can learn about nature from the perspective of an animal. Crawling and climbing structures are designed for children up to age 10, although all ages are welcome to explore the rest of the Tegler Discovery Zone.
Honeybee Hive
Have you ever seen a honey bee up close? Inside the Tegler Discovery Zone, we have a working bee hive that has been busy all year long. Try to find the queen bee and her attendant bees, and while you’re there, learn a little bit about the importance of Alberta’s local wild bees!
This exhibit is a must-see for the whole family. Here at the John Janzen Nature Centre, we have brought the outdoors inside, so you can play and learn all year ‘round! Check out the Life on a Log, several live animal exhibits, and touch a real fossil!
Stroll by the beautiful native wildflowers and seek out important local pollinators in action in the spring, summer, and fall months. This garden is maintained by the Edmonton Naturalization Group.
This outdoor exhibit demonstrates how you can incorporate composting into your waste disposal routine. Learn the composting process and sample composting units designed for large and small yards.
Stroll by the beautiful native wildflowers and seek out important local pollinators in action in the spring, summer, and fall months. This garden is maintained by the Edmonton Naturalization Group.
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Transit
Taking transit to the John Janzen Nature Centre is a cost-effective mode of transportation. In addition to regular Transit service, On Demand Transit is available.
Please note: The main building is an approximate 5-minute walk from the closest bus stops.
Driving Directions
We are located at 7000 143 Street. Access is via Fox Drive, just east of the Whitemud.
The John Janzen Nature Centre shares a parking lot with Fort Edmonton Park.
Parking
The Nature Centre provides free, paved parking.
History of the Nature Centre
The John Janzen Nature Centre, Canada’s oldest municipally-operated nature centre, officially opened its doors on October 6, 1976. It was the project of the late John Janzen, Superintendent of Edmonton’s Parks and Recreation Department from 1966-1972, who played a key role in the protection of river valley lands as parks.
When it opened, the John Janzen Nature Centre offered courses and workshops, Sunday walks, junior naturalist activities and an exhibit room featuring touch tables and living displays, with programs run mainly by volunteers.
By 1988, the centre occupied a unique educational niche, focusing its programming specifically on nature appreciation in Edmonton and the surrounding area.
Edmonton Nature Centres Foundation
The Edmonton Nature Centres Foundation (ENCF) was formed in 1979 as a non-profit organization to support the John Janzen Nature Centre.
The ENCF is responsible for developing a vision for the nature centre, then planning and implementing projects to carry out that vision.
Some examples of the ENCF’s projects have been the redevelopment of the pond, maintenance of the compost display, maintenance of the nature trails, development of a native plant garden, and the current expansion of the nature centre facilities.
Visitors interested in donating to the ENCF can do so at the John Janzen Nature Centre or by contacting the ENCF directly.
Contact Us
John Janzen Nature Centre
7000-143 Street
Whitemud Drive and Fox Drive
Shared parking lot with Fort Edmonton Park
Email artsattractionsbookings@edmonton.ca
Phone 311 | Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311