Gardens of Light continues to illuminate the Botanical Garden through October 31, 2024

Gardens of light

Enter a world of dreams and wonder

Espace pour la vie invites you to discover the 12th edition of Gardens of Light until October 31. Each year, the key event of fall allows visitors to (re)discover the Jardin botanique’s three cultural gardens from an exceptional perspective that invites strolling and daydreaming.

Espace pour la vie | Photo: @jfsava

This year, the Jardin botanique’s team has worked tirelessly to completely rethink the lighting layout of the Japanese Garden and to offer The Legend of the Butterfly Lovers in a magical multimedia version in the Chinese Garden. The 2024 edition of Gardens of Light will enchant you with its delicate poetry, musical rhythms, and multicolored lanterns scattered along the garden paths.

At the Japanese Garden – Refinement and Sensibility
Presented for the first time, Yûgen*—Japanese Universe is a true homage to the islands and mountains of Japan, sometimes recreated, sometimes evoked. A monumental projection using iconic elements of Japanese culture, such as the seven herbs of fall symbolizing the fleeting beauty of the season, the koi carp representing strength and determination, and the harvest moon celebrated each year. The result is both spectacular and refined.
*Yûgen can be translated as a profound and mysterious beauty, almost supernatural.

Espace pour la vie | Photo: Claude Lafond

At the First Nations Garden – The Rhythm of Life
At the heart of the circle, where the seasons of life succeed one another in perpetual motion, the Moon marks time and sets the rhythm of life. Embracing these great principles shared by Indigenous peoples, and carried by the words of Innu poet Joséphine Bacon and the singing of Moe Clark, the illuminated path through the First Nations Garden offers an immersive and poetic journey into the heart of the circle of life.

At the Chinese Garden – The Legend of the Butterfly Lovers Revisited
In the middle of the Lake of Dreams, the two most famous butterflies in Chinese culture, Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai, the Chinese butterfly lovers, alight. This touching legend, one of the most well-known in Chinese culture, comes to life before our eyes through a brand-new multimedia version featuring projections, volumetric effects, a giant water screen, and more. A delicate, poetic experience in keeping with the story of China’s most famous lovers.

To purchase your timed tickets, visit: https://espacepourlavie.ca/en/ticketing