Montreal Botanical Garden

Located just north of the city in Maisonneuve Park, the Montreal Botanical Gardens are a convenient option for a really pleasant day trip. Visit these wonderful gardens at any time of the year and you are in for a real treat. The flower buds awaken in spring, bloom iridescently in the summer, turn a beautiful copper-gold in the autumn and transform into a magical wonderland in winter. There are even facilities in place for cross-country skiing!

Founded by the pioneering botanist, Brother Marie-Victorin in 1935, the gardens are spread out over an expansive 75 hectares. Hop on the free bus tour to get a sense of the layout then, when you have decided which gardens to visit, take a guided tour or grab an audio guide and explore at your leisure.

With ten greenhouses and over 30 outdoor themed gardens, this is the perfect place for budding horticulturalists, casual botanists and anyone else who enjoys sweet scents and gorgeous blooms. Furthermore, many of the gardens are also specifically designed to educate visitors on the conservation of endangered plant species.

Make a beeline for the Arboretum which is home to over 7,000 native and exotic tree species. Here, on the central walking trail, visitors can explore the unique woodland habitat while learning about the various plants and shrubs from the informative placards.

Meander along winding paths and past pretty water features in the tranquil Chinese garden. Or, at the Japanese Garden, peer at the koi carp as they swim through glistening waterfalls. The aim is to showcase Japanese culture, so why not partake in a traditional tea ceremony while you're here?

Continue the cultural theme at the First Nations gardens which highlight the way indigenous peoples used their traditional knowledge of nature to gather food, make medicine and build houses.

View an array of potentially dangerous plants at the Toxic Plants garden before heading to the fantastic Insectarium which contains over 160,000 insects.

Finally, wrap up your evening with a cocktail and some music on the balcony and inhale the many sweet scents as they waft gently on the breeze.