Botanical Gardens

This expansive area has something for everyone. If you are looking for ideas for your own gardens, or if you just harbour a general love of all things green and flowering, wander the acres of specialized gardens, or enter the green houses: a veritable treasure trove of flora, including five hundred year old trees and plants.

In the winter, the green houses take centre stage with an amazing pointsetta and winter flower display complete with tea room and live classical concerts.

During the summer, explore the Native Canadian gardens to see what Canada looked like before the cities and to learn about the uses of indiginous plants; wander the Chinese and Japanese landscapes and enjoy a formal Japanese tea ceremony in the Japanese pavillion; or grab the train for a tour around the huge arboreum. On a hot day, bring a typical French picnic (red wine, crusty baguette and some fine cheese), as well as a light blanket to spread out, and a good book. You can while away the hours on the banks of one of many ponds under huge weeping willows.

The botanical gardens is just across the way from the Biodome and the Insectarium. Combine the three for a prime Montreal experience in direct contrast to the frenetic pace of Montreal's fantastic summer street festivals, high-end French restaurants, and patio/night club scenes.