The Montreal Botanical Garden, a lush treasure spanning 75 hectares, stands as a prominent museum in the city and ranks among the world’s top botanical parks.
Mosaic Competition in Canada
Every three years, during the summer season, the Montreal Garden transforms into a dazzling stage for the mosaiculture competition.
Over 200 internationally renowned sculptors gather here to showcase their impressive topiaries crafted from sustainable materials such as recycled steel and aluminum. These works of art stand out for their monumental size and the profusion of shrubs and flowers that adorn them.
They also incorporate innovative irrigation systems and cultivation techniques to preserve the freshness of the plants for as long as possible.
A Growing Botanical Universe
The Montreal Botanical Garden houses an impressive collection of 22,000 plant species from all corners of the globe. Its vast expanse is divided into several carefully signposted areas, making it the perfect place for a leisurely evening stroll.
A 90-Year Legacy: History and Evolution
This iconic botanical garden was conceived by German architect and horticulturist Henry Teuscher and opened its doors in June 1931, thanks to the vision of Joseph Louis Conrad Kirouac, known as “Brother Marie-Victorin.”
Despite the economic challenges of the Great Depression following World War I, Marie-Victorin and Teuscher managed to persuade local authorities to bring this immense botanical paradise to life.
An Evolving Space
The Montreal Botanical Garden did not stop evolving and continued to expand during the 1970s.
The greenhouses were renovated, and the thematic gardens were reconfigured. This decade also marked the beginning of a fruitful collaboration with the University of Montreal in the field of botanical research.
The Magic of the Greenhouses
Within this green museum, you will find 10 greenhouses that house an astonishing variety of plants, from orchids and araceae to cacti and begonias.
These spaces are not only places to admire the flora but also to learn and appreciate the beauty of nature, especially if you visit with children.
Outdoor Gardens: A Walk Through Diversity
The Montreal Botanical Garden is complemented by 23 outdoor gardens, each with its distinctive charm.
Among the most prominent are the Chinese Garden, the Japanese Garden, the Arboretum, the Rose Garden, and the Garden of Native Canadians. A comfortable walking path allows you to explore the entire complex with ease and immerse yourself in the beauty of nature.
Lights and Fall Spectacle
Autumn at the Montreal Botanical Garden is a unique experience. The Gardens in Lights transform the landscape with stunning light displays. If you visit during this season, do not miss this spectacle that illuminates the thematic gardens at the end of each day.
Rates and Accessibility
The cost of admission to the Botanical Garden varies by age and residence. For adults, the price is approximately 21 Canadian dollars. Residents of Quebec enjoy a reduced rate of 16 CAD.
Children aged 5 to 17, pay 16 CAD, but if they are residents of the province, the price is reduced to 10.75 Canadian dollars. This accessibility makes the Botanical Garden an ideal place to visit in the city, where you can marvel at its lush beauty.
A Place to Return To
The Montreal Botanical Garden is a place that deserves multiple visits as it offers ever-changing natural spectacles throughout the year.
In the greenhouses, you can enjoy the free flight of hundreds of butterflies from February to April, as well as the release of monarch butterflies in August and September.
In the fall, the Gardens in Lights will astonish you with their dazzling LED display in the thematic gardens.
If you plan to visit Montreal, do not miss the opportunity to explore this botanical oasis. The Montreal Botanical Garden awaits you with its natural wonders and an experience that will captivate your senses in every season of the year. Do not miss it!
