Montreal's Botanical Garden Is Finally Reopening With Plenty To Explore This Summer

Complete with new health measures.
Staff Writer

One of the city's favourite destinations is opening its gates just in time for the summer season. The Montreal Botanical Garden is officially reopening on June 15. The outdoor gardens, not the greenhouses, will finally welcome Montrealers after weeks of shutdown due to the health crisis. 

"The Jardin Botanique is cherished by Montrealers on account of its great natural beauty," said Mayor Valérie Plante.

"I am delighted that the public will once again have access to this space, especially families, for whom children aged 17 and under will be granted free admission from June 15 to August 31, 2020."

Visitors will, of course, need to follow all the established health and safety regulations that we're all getting used to.

This includes a recommendation to wear a mask, maintaining a distance of two metres from other people, and allowing a limited number of visitors on-site. 

In accordance with the regulations, the Jardin Botanique is revising its programming and cancelling some activities. Indoor greenhouses as well as the Chinese and Japanese pavilions will be closed. 

"I salute the work of Espace pour la vie, which has made every effort to offer a most pleasant and safe visiting experience in the present context," the mayor said. 

Opening hours will also be revised, with the Garden open until 6 p.m. Sunday to Thursday and 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. 

The restaurant and gift shop will gradually reopen during the summer months. 

Great news for nature lovers! I am happy to announce that the Botanical Garden @EspacePourLaVie will open its doors starting June 15! And above all, to encourage families to visit, access will be free for young people aged 17 and under.

Upon arrival, you'll be expected to answer a series of health questions.

Jardin Botanique organizers strongly recommend that visitors purchase their tickets online before arriving.

Visitors in small groups must remain together and respect the distance between other customers. There will be markers on the pathways to help guide you. 

For those wondering if Espace pour la Vie will soon open the Biodome, the Insectarium or the Planetarium, there's no word on those just yet. 

The reopening dates for the Biodome will be announced at the end of this summer.

Online ticket sales start on June 11.

  • Teddy Elliot
  • Teddy Elliot was a Staff Writer for MTL Blog. He was born and raised in Montreal, Quebec and has a B.A. in Literature. Teddy has been a journalist for three years and was once an English teacher. His creative work has appeared in The Blasted Tree and Parenthetical Magazine. When he's not chasing scoops, Teddy can be found cheering on Aston Villa and listening to 80s power ballads. He was shortlisted for a Digital Publishing Award in 2021.

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