a garden full of life

Since its re-creation in 2000, the Governor’s Garden has offered a host of activities: guided tours, historical animations, traditional music and craft demonstrations alternate throughout summer. Artists can be found painting in this enchanting setting when the warm weather rolls around. You can watch them from your perch above the garden in the outdoor café, the Café du Château. Finally, you might find a unique souvenir at our gift shop, the Boutique Marie-Charlotte.

From June 1 until Thanksgiving (in October in Canada), gardeners in costume await you in the garden to give you a free tour. For gardening amateurs and professionals, a more detailed visit is available upon reservation.

Every weekend, from St-Jean-Baptiste Day (June 24) until Labour Day (early September), you can partake in our historical animation programme, free of charge. Come listen to traditional music, watch a spinster, or participate in craft workshops through which you can discover the days of yore. Handmade paper, beeswax candles, soap or vegetable dyes shall enchant old and young alike.

Finally, from June 28 until August 18, youngsters age 6 to 12 years can experience an unforgettable morning by participating in the special activities offered for day camps. In costume, they shall discover New France and live the history of Montréal and Québec through a programme of outdoor interactive activities. Among other things, they shall make old-style butter and eat bannock, write with a quill pen, try on period costumes, and learn the secrets of the garden.

The Governor’s Garden is there even in winter. Come admire it through the snow, follow the interpretive path leading you to the winter plants, or participate in special activities such as snowshoeing in December (snowshoes supplied by the Museum).