The Gardens of Light at the Botanical Gardens

With summer coming to an end and the sun setting earlier and earlier every day, we can at least look forward to Montreal’s brightest festival. The Gardens of Light in the Botanical Gardens is one of the most awe inspiring and eco friendly events of the fall season. Starting September 5^th and running until November 2^nd, this festival illuminates the gardens in ways summer sunlight never could. The crisp fall air mixed with the incredible sculptural lanterns all over the Japanese and Chinese gardens is an event that is sure to keep visitors of all ages wide-eyed and mesmerized.

Every evening at dusk, stunning pathways appear like magic along the gardens and huge light sculptures brighten the pathways. Both the Japanese and Chinese gardens have their own distinct cultural heritages at the forefront of the lanterns and illuminated sculpture designs. Since 2008, all the lights in the gardens use the TFT LED Contactless System that makes for more effective lighting systems in poor weather and consumes ten times less energy than regular lights. This makes the Botanical Gardens festival one of the greenest festivals in the city in more ways than one!

Admission to this show is fairly reasonable (general admission is $18.75) with student rates and senior and family discounts. If you’re a Québec resident, take advantage of the reduced rate when ordering your tickets online as well. This year’s festival also includes the new Asian Tent: on the menu is traditional fare from both countries represented in the Gardens with options like miso soup, dumplings and Chinese tea.

Every year, the Botanical Gardens invites Montrealers and visitors alike to discover something new in their incredible gardens. What will you discover in the magic of the lights?

The Gardens are open all day from 9:00am to 9:00pm. For additional information, rates, and services, please consult the Botanical Gardens’ website.

4101 rue Sherbrooke Est, Montréal, QC H1X 2B2
(514) 872-1400