A beautiful layout and well groomed plots is what you will find when you visit the Botanical Gardens. One of the largest gardens in the world, it is truly a spectacular sight! I especially recommend the rose garden, Chinese Garden and the area surrounding the lilacs and pond.

A free train/shuttle goes through the garden dropping off and picking up people at designated points which is very helpful to provide an overview of the gardens without all the walking. it also lets those with a limited space of time to decide which areas they would like to see more of. I highly recommend visiting the gardens.

Hello Fellow Travellers
We were lucky enough to be visiting Montreal Quebec when the Botanical Gardens were hosting the "Chinese Lantern Light Show". What a delightful experience it was. The show was held in the latter half of October, 2007.
The evening that we went to see the show it was a beautiful fall night. The Lantern show was spectacular to say the least. The pathways were all lit up with brightly colored lanterns of many different colors . The ponds along the route with their dragons and boats on them were lit up giving a beautiful reflection upon the water. There were brightly colored birds in the small Chinese gardens along the route. The walkways up to the pagoda were also lit with colorful lanterns. When you sat in the Pagoda you were high enough to see the most wonderful view of the lights upon the water from the many lanterns, dragons, birds etc.ranging in colors of bright reds, golds, blacks, blues and pinks to name a few .
There was also a souvenier shop with many articles for sale ranging from the beautiful Chinese dresses and tops to necklaces and art work of all kinds. Childrens Chinese pjamas and komonos all of beautiful designs and wonderful warm colors royal blues, reds, golds and pinks and blacks.
Outside, to take off the nip of the cool night air they were serving for a small cost green tea and pastries, which were absolutely delicious even though the pastries were quite sweet.
One of the buildings in the Botanical Garden set up a Halloween maize inside of the building for both adults and children to enjoy. There was also a display of decorated carved pumpkins that were done by both children and adults of all ages. Quite impressive. The souvenier shop within the building was doing a rather good business as well.
The show had been running for the last half of October and the night we attended unfortunatey was the second last night for this spectaular event. I must say though it was extremely well attended with people of all ages moms, dads, babys in strollers as well as many children of various ages were there to enjoy the esquisite show.
It was a very short walk from the grounds of the Botanical Garden to the nearest Metro and buses to return to downtown Montreal or where ever you plan to go.
I don't do the show justice in my review. But really if you have never been to see this wonderful display in Montreal Botanical Gardens I would heartily recommend it. I would very much like to go back to Montreal next October and revisit the "Chinese Lantern Light Show " also Montreal offers many other great places to visit such as the Cathederals especially the Light Show at the Notre Dame Cathedral in old Montreal, the Biodome, the many restaurants especially two or three that we enjoyed most. Nickels on 710 Ste. Catherine West great food fantastic price, A little Russian restaurant named KreMoin on 1015 Beaver Hall (Corner Viger) They don't speak much English but the food is fantastic. Bing along your appetite because the portions are huge. Prices there are very reasonable.
Last but by no means least is the "la brioche Lyonnaise " restaurant on 1593 St. Denis. This little gem with it's wonderful quiche and other great food is in the Latin Quarter of Montreal. Prices again are reasonable.

Come and enjoy Montreal where the people are friendly and language is not a problem if you do not speak French.

Happy travels my friends.

Squirrelishone
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada

I just had a 4 day vacation to the lovely and rommantic city of Montréal, Quebec. First off, I'd like to say that Montréal is a very inviting francophone city and has a lot to offer. The botanical is fantastic. I know a lot of us when we go places, don't want to do the touristy thing and want to kind of just blend in. At least this was how I felt. Let me tell you that the Montréal Botanical Gardens are well wortht it. They have a Resturant that serves Panini Sandwiches and an Ice Cream shop. Not to mention thee most amazing collection of Flora and Fauna I've ever seen up close and in person. Their collection of Cacti alone is worth the visit. Not to mention I've never seen an Orchid that bright and robust with color and definition! If you love natural beauty and want a taste of plant life from around the world. Come and see the Montréal Botanical Garden.
Second off, I like to say I'm going back to Montréal when opportunity arises.

The Montreal Botanical Garden is supposed to be the second largest botanical garden after Kew Garden in London.

There is a lot to see in it and there are really many, many highlights: the quiet Japanese Garden, the Chinese Garden with its beautiful view, the enourmous greenhouse with the very rare Wollemi Pine (behind bars!), the bonsai garden, and so on.

Remember to take a guided tour in the Japanes Garden to learn a lot about the tea ceremony!

It costs 16 can dollars for an adult to enter the garden (children 5 to 17 pay 8 can. dollars and 2-4 year old children pay 2.5 can. dollars).

It is possible to buy a combined ticket to see the Botanic Garden, the Insectarium and the Biodome for 27 can dollars for an adult while a child 5 to 17 pays 13.50 can dollars and just 4.25 for a child from 2 to 4 years old. You can come another day and visit the Biodome but you have to visit the Insectarium the same day you visit the Botanic Garden if you buy this ticket with the 3 attractions.

There is an ok cafeteria and a good souvenir shop.

If you love gardens and flowers you are going to spend many, many hours here! Or maybe a couple of days. Fantastic day out!

Best regards :-)
Oscar from Denmark