Explore one of Montréal’s largest green spaces, home to expansive themed gardens, thousands of plant species and year-round botanical experiences.
Located in Montréal’s Olympic District, the Jardin botanique de Montréal, or Montréal Botanical Garden, spans approximately 185 acres and features a collection of more than 22,000 plant species and cultivars. As part of Space for Life, Montréal’s natural sciences museum complex, the Garden combines horticulture, conservation, education and cultural traditions across its outdoor gardens and exhibition greenhouses.
Visitors can explore themed spaces including the Chinese Garden, Japanese Garden, First Nations Garden, Rose Garden and Alpine Garden, as well as the arboretum and numerous seasonal plant collections. The Garden’s greenhouse complex provides an opportunity to experience tropical and other plant environments throughout the year.
The Montréal Botanical Garden was founded in 1931 during the Great Depression, when botanist Brother Marie-Victorin and landscape architect Henry Teuscher developed plans for a major botanical garden in the city. Construction began in 1936, and the Garden officially opened to the public in 1939.
Over the decades, the Garden expanded its collections and added distinctive cultural and thematic gardens. Today, it is recognized as one of the world’s major botanical gardens and continues to support plant research, conservation and public education.
The Garden’s extensive grounds offer something to see throughout the growing season. The Chinese Garden features traditional landscape elements including water, stones and architectural structures, while the Japanese Garden includes a tea pavilion, bonsai collection and carefully designed landscapes.
The First Nations Garden explores relationships between Indigenous peoples and the natural environment, while the Rose Garden showcases thousands of roses during the summer season. Visitors can also explore the arboretum, alpine collections, aquatic plants and exhibition greenhouses.
The Garden hosts seasonal programming and special events throughout the year. One of its best-known events is Gardens of Light, a nighttime experience that illuminates the Chinese, Japanese and First Nations gardens during the fall. Check the official Space for Life website for current event dates and programming.
Admission
Admission varies by season, age and residency. The Montréal Botanical Garden is part of Montréal’s Space for Life network, which also includes the Biodôme, Insectarium and Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan.
Check the official Space for Life website for current admission prices and ticket options.
514-868-3000
1-855-518-4506
Hours vary by season. The Garden generally operates daily during the warmer months, with reduced schedules during portions of the fall and winter. Visitors should check the official Space for Life website for current hours before visiting.
Take Amtrak’s Adirondack from New York to Montréal Central Station, located at 895 de la Gauchetière West in downtown Montréal. The Adirondack connects Montréal with stations including Plattsburgh, Saratoga Springs and Albany-Rensselaer before continuing to New York City.
From Montréal Central Station, continue to the Botanical Garden using Montréal’s public transportation system. The Garden is located near the Pie-IX métro station and is also served by city bus routes.
Once there, plan to spend several hours exploring the Garden’s outdoor landscapes, cultural gardens and greenhouses. Its location within Montréal’s Olympic District also makes it easy to combine a visit with nearby attractions such as the Biodôme and Insectarium.
Don’t forget to use Amtrak’s See New York and Save 15% discount!
