Montreal Botanical Garden

The Botanique Jardin of Montréal has some of the most beautiful grounds in the city. A haven with almost 200 different bird species, a family of foxes, and 22,000 species of plants, flowers, and trees, the Montreal Botanical Garden is more than just a summer tourist destination, it is a refuge for locals who need a break from urban life. It's a year-round attraction featuring some of Montreal's most popular annual events, including Butterflies Go Free and Light Gardens.

Also the gardens share space with the Montreal Insectarium, a family-friendly museum full of live scarabs, tarantulas and scorpions, as well as thousands of different arthropods. This haven is open for many holidays and has different hours depending on the season for the harried urban resident and tourist destination.

Parking is $12 for the day, less for half days and evenings. Try to find a free parking spot in the neighborhood just north of the Botanical Gardens, near the entrance to the Treehouse / arboretum on Rosemont, between Pie-IX and Viau, as on 29th Avenue, for visitors looking to save money on parking. It is however further away than parking in the designated lots: factor in a 10-to 15-minute walk to the main gardens.