Montreal, Butterfly Atrium

Although this was part of the Botanical Gardens, being somewhere surrounded by flying butterflies is just magical so Ella and I might have gone a bit shutter happy. There were butterflies everywhere so you really have to watch your step. If you happen to be wearing a bright color or something with a bright pattern, you would be lucky enough to have a butterfly land on you.

We had a time frame for doing things but we ended up being in the Botanical Gardens for maybe three hours, most of which spent in this atrium. Well worth it though. I've heard we have our own Butterfly Pavilion at the Smithsonian. I need to make some time to check that out.

Montreal, Botanical Gardens

Although it is the middle of winter, the Botanical Gardens of Montreal have an extensive greenhouse that keeps the plants alive and thriving. It is much larger than the botanical gardens we have in D.C. Much of the themes are the same though with a tropical area, a desert area, and having multiple beautiful orchids. Although it was freezing outside, the botanical gardens themselves were very warm.

There was a tropical plants area, ancient plants area, an area with videos about conservation, a desert plants area, an asian garden of sorts area, and lastly the butterfly exhibit. The butterfly exhibit will be on the next post because Ella and I took way too many pictures of it. Photos courtesy of Ella.

Montreal, Mont-Royal Sunrise

There were ambitious plans at first to actually climb up Mont-Royal before sunrise. By the time we even stepped foot outside the hotel, the sun was already beginning to rise. However, you can easily take a cab up to the top of Mont-Royal, which was a much easier option.

You can really see the whole city from there. Sadly, it was still the middle of winter and most of the hiking paths as well as the higher up viewing platforms were closed. After all, there was still snow and ice on the ground in some parts. Instead, Ella and I walked down Mont-Royal on the shoulder of the road. Still counts as exercise right?

Photos courtesy of Ella. I kinda just appear in them every now and then.