If there's one thing Montrealers don't want to go to waste, it's their summer. That makes the news of Montreal's Botanical Gardens reopening on June 15 all the more welcome, allowing locals to get some some sun and relaxation in one of the city's most celebrated landscaping jobs.
In a press release issued today through the City of Montreal, Espace Pour La Vie is announcing the opening of the outdoor gardens following a shutdown that lasted thirteen weeks. Locals should note that while the greenhouses as well as the pavilions in the Chinese and Japanese Gardens will not be open, children aged 17 and under will be granted free admission from the above opening date to August 31. Online reservations for entry will be prioritized and the number of visitors to the Botanical gardens will be reduced. Tickets go on sale as early as June 11.
There's no opening date hyet for the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan as it has a status of being a performance venue, though "directives are expected from the Quebec Directorate of Public Health and the City of Montreal", the release reads.
Construction for the Biodôme and Insectarium are back up and kicking, and the opening date of the Biodôme is expected to be announced by the end of the summer. The Insectarium's reopening is slated for 2021.
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“I salute the work of Espace pour la vie, which has made every effort to offer a most pleasant and safe visiting experience in the present context,” said Mayor Valérie Plante.
With the news of the opening comes a lot of revised programming for the space. The health and social distancing guidelines following the outbreak caused the Botantical Gardens' summer program to shed several activities it had previously scheduled. Once open, a "lighter program" from July to August will established, according to the release. Visitors are encouraged to visit Espace pour la vie's website before arriving. Anyone who is symptomatic is asked to refrain from planning a visit.
Espace pour la vie has a few guidelines and recommendations for those hoping to sprawl out in the greenspace Masks aren't mandatory, but they're recommended; visitors will be required to answers health questions (undoubtedly similar to when you visit a Jean-Coutu); people should keep a distance of two metres from one another unless they are immediate fimaly; disinfectants and handwashing statios will be available throughout the site; and the restaurant and shop are expected to gradually open from the time of the garden's reopening.
The Botanical Gardens will be open from Sunday to Thursday, 9am to 6pm, and Friday and Saturday from 9am to 7pm. Tickets can be purchase here as of tomorrow.
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