Given that Gardens of Light has attracted record numbers of visitors in recent years, Espace pour la vie has announced that tickets for the event will now be sold for specific times. Starting today, visitors can already purchase tickets online for the “highlight” of the autumn season in Montréal, to be held this year from September 7 to October 31 at the Jardin botanique.
An outstanding experience for an outstanding event
Espace pour la vie settled on this solution because it wanted to make sure all visitors could get the most out of its headline event. “Espace pour la vie offers experiences that bring people closer to nature in a setting suited to this kind of connection. The Gardens of Light route leads through three unique cultural gardens, each with a different perspective on the natural splendours that are illuminated. But on some evenings the crowds have been so large that we are unable to offer the intended experience,” explains René Pronovost, Director at Jardin botanique. “We believe that this new approach will let visitors get more out of their evening. It’s important for us that people have the time to enjoy some peaceful contemplation without feeling rushed, even if it means selling fewer tickets.”
Like going to the theatre
This new process means that people will have to reserve a time for their visit – just as they would for a play or other events with outdoor screenings. Tickets are available at espacepourlavie.ca. Given the popularity of the event, it is strongly recommended that visitors purchase their tickets ahead of time, so that they can get the time slot they want. Access to the illuminated tour will be controlled to ensure that visitors comply with the start time on their tickets. It will not be possible to visit Gardens of Light without a reservation. Tickets for the event will include admission to the Jardin botanique and the Insectarium, which can be visited at any time on the same day.
A success from the very start
The Magic of Lanterns, inspired by a timeless Chinese tradition, was first held in the Chinese Garden 26 years ago. It proved so successful that Espace pour la vie enhanced the experience by lighting up the Japanese Garden in 2012, and the First Nations Garden last fall. In 2017, over 324,000 visitors turned out for the event between September 8 and October 31, breaking the attendance record set in 2016!
And when it comes time to celebrate Halloween and squash season, the Great Pumpkin Ball, the Little Monsters Courtyard and the storytelling sessions at the Jardin botanique and the Insectarium are always great family favourites.
Timed tickets for Gardens of Light go on sale on espacepourlavie.ca today!
Visual: bit.ly/GardensofLight2018
Montréal Space for Life is made up of four attractions on the same site: the Jardin botanique, Biodôme, Insectarium and Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan. These four prestigious municipal institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, urging everyone to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.
