Outdoor activities
Attractions
GardensSee Québec...
In full bloom!
Born of the clash between French and English traditions, and open to the world, Québec's gardens invite you to take sweet, enchanting strolls. A number of them have a reputation for quality and originality that extends far beyond our borders, so why wait? Discover them now!
A city in blossom
One of the largest gardens in the world is right here in Québec: the Montréal Botanical Garden. Covering more than 75 ha (185 acres), it has 10 greenhouses and some 30 exquisite outdoor gardens. Must-sees include the Chinese Garden (with its pagodas and superb annual lantern exhibition), the Japanese Zen Garden, the 10,000 rosebushes… and, of course, the unique Insectarium. Montréal also boasts several other floral oases, including the Parc Jean-Drapeau, which maintained its fabulous gardens following the prestigious Floralies internationales (international flower show) in 1980. Enjoy a picnic lunch in this delightful setting and take advantage of the cycling and in-line skating paths!Charming outings in Québec City
Majestic gardens abound in Québec City and are a living reminder of its past: over the centuries the city welcomed numerous dignitaries and wealthy families who built magnificent estates there. Many of the gardens and parks in the region testify to an exceptional way of life. These include the Bois-de-Coulonge and Battlefields parks, as well as Villa Bagatelle, the Domaine Maizerets and even the Jardin Roger-Van den Hende, which is part of Université Laval. For those who like a little fauna with their flora, the Parc Aquarium (aquarium park) showcases numerous fish and mammals, as well as native Québec plants by way of swamps, ponds, waterfalls, rock gardens and the tundra.Period gardens
Throughout Québec, you'll find charming gardens on the grounds of sumptuous historical homes. In Gatineau, the Mackenzie King Estate, the summer residence of Canada's prime minister at the beginning of the last century, is surrounded by magnificent gardens. In the Gaspésie, once the preferred summer destination of the English-Canadian and American upper middle class, you can visit the splendid Reford family villa, particularly well known for its exceptional English gardens, the Reford Gardens, and its bold International Garden Festival.
Activities and attractions
