Every season at the Jardin Botanique de Montréal (Montréal Botanical Gardens), you'll be captivated by the colors and fragrances of flowers and plants as you move from garden to garden, many inspired by different parts of the world. Explore the Sonoran desert, wander into the Chinese or French Garden, and finally relax in the tranquility of the Japanese Garden. The Montreal Botanical Garden contains about 12,000 plant species and cultivators, ten exhibition greenhouses, about 30 thematic gardens and a large arboretum.
Montréal Insectarium is an interpretative nature center and museum, the only one of its kind in North America that presents both preserved insect collections and live insects for viewing by the general public. They also have a spectacular live butterfly garden in the summer. For those with an adventurous spirit, try the insect tasting events held twice a year with a local chef preparing recipes that feature insects.
Created in 1869, as home to the 65th Regiment of the Canadian Army, the Les Fusiliers Mont-Royal is one of the oldest units still standing. Located on Henri-Julien Avenue, the site now functions as a museum that archives medals, artifacts, documents, photographs and various other ephemera associated with the unit. The museum offers regular tours and is open to public on Tuesdays from 6.30p to 9p and Mondays through Fridays by appointment alone.
The Montreal Biodome is a science center and ecological zoo that recreates four of the Americas' ecosystems at the city's Olympic Park. Originally constructed as a velodrome for the 1976 Olympics, the building was renovated and repurposed to accommodate replicas of a lush Tropical Forest, the temperate Laurentian Forest, the Saint Lawrence Marine Ecosystem, and the Sub-Polar Region. Each habitat is a realistic depiction of their counterparts in the real world, complete with wildlife that is native to the regions they represent. While the Tropical Forest brings to life the rainforests of South America and the Laurentian Forest is a slice of the North American Wilderness, the Saint Lawrence Marine Ecosystem encapsulates the estuarian habitat of the eponymous gulf and the Sub-Polar Region recreates the environments of the Arctic and Antarctic regions. A tour of the Montreal Biodome is a rare experience indeed; a chance to get a taste of the varied habitats of the Americas under a single roof.
The Grande Bibliothèque is also known as the National Library which contains the Quebec archives. It was in the early 1900s that these archives were first found. Today, they have been made open to the public as a part of a democratic system of distributing knowledge. With a huge collection of books and archival material, this library sees more than 50,000 visitors on a weekly basis. Magazines, journals and e-books are now also available here.
Maison Saint-Gabriel in Pointe-Saint-Charles was established as a home to members of the Royal family more than 300 years ago. A recognized national monument as of 1965, and a designated National Historic Site of Canada since 2007, the Maison Saint-Gabriel was deemed a museum from 1966. Featuring over 10,000 artifacts and various objects ranging from clothing, furniture, tools, equipment, art and other ephemera since the early 1700s, it is one of the oldest remaining buildings in the city.
Located within the city of Longueuil is Parc Michel-Chartran. It is one of the primary recreation hub of the city. It provides various hiking and biking trails, and is a popular spot for cross country skiing. The park has a playground for children, artificial lakes, garden and several picnic spots. A perfect place to relax and unwind with family.
The Grande Bibliothèque is also known as the National Library which contains the Quebec archives. It was in the early 1900s that these archives were first found. Today, they have been made open to the public as a part of a democratic system of distributing knowledge. With a huge collection of books and archival material, this library sees more than 50,000 visitors on a weekly basis. Magazines, journals and e-books are now also available here.
This beautifully restored home honors the memory of George-Étienne Cartier, a prominent Montreal lawyer, father of Confederation and former Canadian Prime Minister. It is inhabited by a cast of tour guides dressed in period costume who are all versed in the history of the house and the era. All manner of educational activities should keep the kids busy: these include The Etiquette Game, which teaches children about 19th-century society; and What's Up, Mr Cartier? which focuses on the man and the house. Call +1 888 773 8888 toll free.
Every season at the Jardin Botanique de Montréal (Montréal Botanical Gardens), you'll be captivated by the colors and fragrances of flowers and plants as you move from garden to garden, many inspired by different parts of the world. Explore the Sonoran desert, wander into the Chinese or French Garden, and finally relax in the tranquility of the Japanese Garden. The Montreal Botanical Garden contains about 12,000 plant species and cultivators, ten exhibition greenhouses, about 30 thematic gardens and a large arboretum.