Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Montréal)

The Basics

The Montreal Botanical Garden is situated on the same site as the Montreal Insectarium, a family-friendly bug-themed attraction. A single ticket provides access to both. Visitors can also book package tickets, which grant entry to the botanical garden and the Space for Life museum (either the Biodome or the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium). Alternatively, choose a combined ticket to the garden and the Montreal Tower Observatory, which offers spectacular views over the city and the St. Lawrence River. Select sightseeing passes also include access to the garden.

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Montreal Botanical Garden is a must for families and gardening enthusiasts.

• A mini-train runs through the gardens in summer; visitors with reduced mobility are given priority access.

• Interpreter-led tours and activities, from bird-watching excursions to tea-tasting sessions, are regularly held throughout the gardens.

• There are drinking fountains throughout the site.

• The gardens have a wheelchair-accessible route that passes the major highlights.

How to Get There

The Montreal Botanical Garden is situated in the Olympic Park, right next to the Biodome, Insectarium, and Montreal Tower. The nearest metro stop is Pie-IX (Green Line), about 10 or 15 minutes away on foot.

When to Get There

One of the best times of the year to visit the garden is during the annual Gardens of Light event, which takes place in fall and sees the grounds lit up spectacularly. In winter, many of the outdoor gardens are covered by snow, though plants grow in the greenhouses year-round.

What Else to See at Space for Life

The Montreal Botanical Garden is one of several attractions within Montreal’s Space for Life museum district, and you can combine a visit with a trip to one of the other nearby attractions. Find out more about the wonders of the universe at the Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium, watch an ant colony at work at the Montreal Insectarium, and wander through different ecosystems at the Biodome. Though not officially part of the Space for Life site, the Olympic Stadium complex, which contains the Montreal Tower, is also right beside the garden. Ride the funicular up to the observation deck of the 541-foot (165-meter) tower for bird’s-eye views of Montreal.

Are guided tours available at the Montreal Botanical Garden?

Yes, guided tours are available at the Montreal Botanical Garden. From May to October, free guided tours are offered daily by volunteer guides, depending on availability. Additionally, groups of 15 or more can make advanced reservations for a guided tour of both the outdoor gardens and exhibition greenhouses.

What’s the best time of year to visit the Montreal Botanical Garden

The best time to visit the Montreal Botanical Garden is from late spring through fall, particularly from June to August. During this period, the garden is in bloom, with vibrant flowers, lush greenery, and various outdoor events. In fall (typically September–October), the annual Gardens of Light display illuminates the garden.

How long does it take to walk through the Montreal Botanical Garden?

The time it takes to walk through the Montreal Botanical Garden can vary, depending on your pace and how much you want to see. Usually, visitors spend about 2–3 hours exploring the garden, though it could take half a day to stroll leisurely through the full complex.

What are some must-see features of the Montreal Botanical Garden?

The Montreal Botanical Garden is full of must-see features, including 10 exhibition greenhouses showcasing diverse plant life from around the world; themed gardens like the Japanese Garden, Chinese Garden, and First Nations Garden; and the Insectarium, which provides a fascinating look at the micro world of insects.

How do I get to the Montreal Botanical Garden by public transportation?

You can get to the Montreal Botanical Garden by public transportation. From downtown Montreal, take the Green Line towards Honore-Beaugrand and get off at Pie-IX station. The station is a short walk from the garden’s entrance. Several bus routes also serve the area.

Are there any restaurants or cafés at the Montreal Botanical Garden?

Yes, dining options are available at the Montreal Botanical Garden. The Jardin Botanique Restaurant offers the widest variety of fare—beyond that, there’s The Garden lunch hop, the Terrace Café and Cremerie, and a vegetarian spot, Espace Végo. Additionally, there are several picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal outdoors.

Ways to explore

Plan at least two hours to explore the 185-acre (75-hectare) Montreal Botanical Garden, where highlights include the Japanese, Chinese, and First Nation Gardens; an impressive orchid and bromeliad collection; and gardens devoted to medicinal, alpine, edible, aquatic, and toxic plants.

The Montreal Botanical Garden is one of five attractions that make up Montreal’s Space for Life museum district, and combination tickets grant access to the Biodome, Biosphere, Insectarium, and Planetarium for a full day of nature-themed entertainment. The complex is also home to the Montreal Olympic Park and the Montreal Tower, which affords panoramic views over the city.

Accessibility

The garden is mostly accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and people with limited mobility, but there are some steep paths and inaccessible areas; free wheelchairs are available for loan; sensory kits are provided on request; there are accessible restrooms and parking.

Age limits

The botanical gardens are family-friendly, and kids often love learning about the unique and unusual plantlife; children under 13 must be supervised by an adult; reduced-rate admission tickets are available for under 18s, and family tickets are available; children under 4 can visit for free; free strollers are available for loan.

What to pack

Ticket or e-ticket, reusable water bottle, camera, wide-brimmed hat, sunscreen, sunglasses

What to wear

Weather-appropriate outdoor clothing and comfortable walking shoes

Not allowed

Pets (except for guide dogs), bikes/scooters, skateboards/skates, picking or touching plants, drones, eating and drinking in the greenhouses, picnic food or equipment outside of the dedicated picnic areas

Amenities

Mini-train shuttle service, gift shop, paid parking, restaurants, restrooms with baby changing facilities, cloakroom, storage lockers, drinking water fountains, picnic areas

Address 

The Montreal Botanical Garden is located right next door to Olympic Park, about 4 miles (6 kilometers) north of downtown Montreal. It’s easily accessible by car and public transport.

Driving

From downtown Montreal, head north along Route 138 all the way to the botanical garden, about a 20-minute drive. The closest parking lot to the garden is at 4101, rue Sherbrooke Est.

Public transportation

Take the Metro Green Line from downtown Montreal to Pie-IX station, from where it’s about a 15-minute walk to the botanical garden.

Best times to visit

Make an early start to stroll the gardens without the crowds, especially if you’re planning to visit all of the other Space for Life attractions. Stick around for a picnic in the surrounding park.

Best days to visit

The gardens are open daily from May through October, and closed on Mondays the rest of the year. Weekends are usually the busiest time to visit, while midweek is often quieter.

Best months to visit

All four seasons bring something special to the Montreal Botanical Garden, but a late spring or early summer (May–June) visit means a chance to see the cherry and crabapple blossoms, tulips, magnolias, and lilacs. Budget travelers take note: Admission to the outdoor gardens is free from November through April.

Special events

The Japanese, Chinese, and First Nations gardens get a spectacular nighttime makeover during the annual Gardens of Light (September and October) when the illuminated gardens stay open late.