The Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion, set in the northeast corner of the Jardin botanique de Montréal, highlights the importance of trees and forests in our lives and showcases the Arboretum's collections. Since July 1996, it introduces visitors to the scientific, ecological, economic, artistic and cultural dimensions of trees.
Through its outreach activities, the Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion makes people aware of the roles played by trees in different aspects of our lives, and in the ecological balance of many ecosystems. It offers a connection space which serves as a hub for various citizen activities.
The Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion is located on Rosemont Boulevard, between 28th and 29th Avenue, east of Pie-IX Boulevard.
Address for paratransit : 4500, boul. Rosemont (Please do not use as postal address).
Scientific activities in the company of trees
The Tree Pavilion guides give the opportunity to the general public and school groups to discover little-known uses of different tree species. For example, we can learn why yellow birch wood is used to make the car breaks of the Montréal metro.
In the main room, the exhibition "In the Company of Trees" highlights the rich and complex relationships that trees nurture - to one another and with other organisms. It allows us to take a new look at the tree within its community and to inspire us with a common future.
From late May to mid-October, a large collection of North American bonsai is on display in the courtyard of the Tree Pavilion (temporarily closed).
To round out your visit, take the path around the Tree Pavilion pond and explore the impressive collections of trees grouped together in the Arboretum.
An architecture showcasing wood
The architectural design is based on an interpretation of the tree shape symbolizing a pillar. In keeping with the theme of the site, wood in different forms and worked in different ways was used as the basic material.
Local wood, from species found in Québec and elsewhere in Canada, has pride of place. White pine, balsam fir, white spruce, sugar maple, yellow birch and Douglas fir were all used in the structure or finish of the building.
A warm space
The interior of the Tree Pavilion is designed to provide a calm and welcoming place where people feel right at home. They can rest, have a bite to eat, contemplate the trees of the Arboretum and its pond as well as consult a collection of various books. Moreover, its library includes works that approach the tree from literary, poetic and scientific angles.
The description of the architecture of the Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion was inspired by an article by Simon Péloquin, published in Quatre-Temps magazine, Vol. 21, No. 2.
A pond and its rich biodiversity
In 2021, the pond at the Tree Pavilion was subject to a phytotechnology restoration project. You can now see installations designed to control invasive plants.
Along the 400 m loop trail, walkers can get information about the flowers and wildlife they observe. The effects of plant invasion such as those of the common water reed (Phragmite australis) on biodiversity and the existing means to control them are addressed on interactive listening posts.
The pond is also an excellent spot to see ducks and other birds, as well as many different small animals and insects, including frogs, dragonflies, geese and sometimes a heron. It is teeming with life!
Discover the Arboretum
Over half the total area of the Jardin botanique de Montréal is devoted to the Arboretum and its impressive collections. Its 40 hectares are home to almost every species of tree capable of growing in our climate.
In this veritable forest in the heart of the city, visitors can see the way nature changes from season to season. There are species native to Quebec and many cultivars imported from all over the world. All are identified and grouped by family and genus.
Map of the Arboretum
It's easier to find your way around the Arboretum’s collections if you use the map. The trees are grouped by botanical category.
Downloadable documents
