Old Montreal is lovely and perhaps one of the more popular tourist areas of Canada, but a special trip to the botanical gardens is a must for any nature lover. Located at 4101 Sherbrooke Avenue, this extensive array of plant life is perhaps one of the highlights of a visit to Montreal. Located 4 miles outside of Old Montreal, a summer day would make a walk there most perfect, as the homes, shaded sidewalks and parks passed along the way are simply delightful to look at.
Admission is about $20 for adults, about $12 for children but the price is well worth it, as an entire day can be spent here. For those looking for other venues in the area as well, the Olympic Stadium of Montreal is located across the street, which allows for the best panoramic view of the city.
Montreal’s Botanical Gardens
The gardens are home to over 22 thousand species of plants and exhibits. The garden is divided into many sections therefore one can plan to see specific classifications of plants. Carefully labeled and categorized, any botanist would relish among the nature of Montreal. Some of the areas to visit include the Chinese vegetable garden, a general vegetable garden, an herb garden, and long stem perennials.
As one continues to walk to the through the several miles of gardens, an arboretum welcomes visitor with branches ready to embrace guests. There is also a large duck pond and a shaded area for reading, relaxing, and running if you have small children. This area is the perfect place for a picnic lunch, a romantic interlude, perhaps even a marriage proposal. A note about weddings, the Botanical gardens also hosts weddings for those who wish to get married amidst the beauty of Montreal’s nature.
While most of the exhibits are outdoors, there are indoor exhibits as well such as a museum and a bug exhibit that is geared to both adults and children.
Botanical Garden Café
For those who have not brought lunch along, a great place to enjoy a meal is the garden café. Located shortly past the entrance way, this café prepares their meals fresh from much of the plant life that is grown within the garden. One can’t ask for a fresher lunch than that prepared here. One recommendation is the cranberry and lentil salad; a cold side that includes green, yellow and brown lentils with a mix of dried cranberries and a vinaigrette dressing, this makes an excellent lunch when coupled with a small carton of chocolate soy milk. Be wary of the prices though, a lunch as that mentioned is at least 10$, therefore don’t come starving.
While many visitors to Montreal flock to ‘Old Montreal’ for the sights, food and shopping, the Montreal Botanical Gardens are a must see for anyone spending a few days. With its ample sights, beautiful landscape and fresh food, a day at the botanical gardens is something for anyone to enjoy.
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