An ever-evolving open-air museum
Nature’s
Delights
Gardens | Art, Design & History | Local cuisine
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Few gardens have been built under such adverse atmospheric conditions. Located 300 km North-East of Quebec City, the gardens created by Elsie Reford are amongst the most northern in North America.
Few gardens have been built under such adverse atmospheric conditions. Located 300 km North-East of Quebec City, the gardens created by Elsie Reford are amongst the most northern in North America.
REMARKABLE
GARDENS
Built from 1926 to 1958 by a forward-thinking horticulturist called Elsie Reford, the Reford Gardens are one of Canada’s national historic sites. Some 3000 species and plant varieties, including the famous Himalayan blue poppy, are spread out over 15 gardens.
Explore our gardens
A FASCINATING
HISTORY
It’s in the summer of 1926 that Elsie Reford (1872-1967) began transforming her fishing camp on the Metis River into a garden. Located hundreds of kilometers away from the nearest nursery, she faced challenges that are difficult to conceive of today. Where experienced specialists had failed, she succeeded in turning her spruce forest into a gigantic garden that would become one of the largest plant collections of its time. Elsie hired and trained people from the region like farmers and fishing guides in order to turn them into master gardeners. Over three decades, they’ve built a magnificent garden together.
ART
EVERYWHERE
An innovative cultural space, the Reford Gardens welcome a large number of artists each year and present an array of exhibitions scattered throughout the gardens and beyond its grounds.
Browse our exhibits
THE
COLLECTION
The Amis des Jardins collection is based on memories and physical traces gathered by the estate owners throughout their lives, as well as on the development of a collection of contemporary works related to the historic and contemporary gardens.
WHAT’S
ON
Deeply rooted in its community, the Reford Gardens are one the region’s inescapable cultural poles. Literary tea parties, outdoor concerts, conferences, training, happy hour, culinary events, outdoor hikes and environmental chores… there truly is something for everyone.
OUR
RESTAURANTS
Rooted in its history yet looking to the future, the Garden’s restaurant, bar, and café serve as a showcase for creative local cuisine. Chef Frédérick and his crew work with our gardeners to develop innovative dishes that adapt and evolve alongside the harvest.
Discover our restaurants
THE NUMBERS
THE GARDENS
SINCE 1962
550+
outdoor
installations
3500+
plant varieties
and species
30+
historic and
contemporary gardens
5M+
million
visitors
Blooming Chart
Beginning of July
Primevere – Primrose
Oeillet – Pink
Primevere – Primrose
Rosier arbustif – Shrub Rose
Air dore – Yellow Garlic
Pivoine – Peony
Geranium vivace – Cranesbill
Rosier Hybride – Hybrid Rose
Seringat – Philadelphus
Veronique – Speedwell
Weigela – Weigela
Lys martagon – Martagon Lily
Pavot bleu – Blue Poppy
Click on picture to enlarge
