Edmonton’s John Janzen Nature Centre has reopened to the public 18 months after a burst pipe caused significant flooding inside the building.
The nature centre, which offers programs, events, and exhibits that help visitors connect with the great outdoors, has been closed since April 2025 while City crews worked to repair the extensive damage.
It officially reopened on Oct. 13.
John Janzen Nature Centre/Facebook
- You might also like:
- 5 stunning Alberta waterfalls worth a visit to this fall
- A new authentic Korean diner has opened up in Edmonton
- A nature expo with 80+ vendors coming to Edmonton is just $5 to get in
If you’re looking for a way to keep little ones busy as the weather cools, the centre is home to the Tegler Discovery Zone, an indoor play space that recreates local wildlife habitats that allow children to explore nature from an animal’s perspective. The space is designed for children up to 10 years old.
Visitors can also check out the Urban Ecology Exhibit, which brings the outdoors inside with features like Life on a Log, several live animal exhibits, and real fossils.
Additionally, the centre offers a variety of classes, as well as a composting school and a chance to get up close with its working honeybee hive, where visitors can learn about the importance of Alberta’s wild bees.
Other features, including the native plant demonstration garden and green roof, remain closed.
The John Janzen Nature Centre first opened on Oct. 6, 1976, making it Canada’s oldest municipally operated nature centre.
It was established by the late John Janzen, superintendent of Edmonton’s Parks and Recreation Department from 1966 to 1972, who played a key role in protecting river valley lands as parks.
So if you’re looking for something a little different to do with the family in Edmonton, the nature centre is worth checking out!
John Janzen Nature Centre
Address: 7000 143 St. NW