
Reford Gardens / Jardins de Métis
Canada's northernmost horticultural gem, blending Elsie Reford's legacy with contemporary garden art.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Reford Gardens / Jardins de Métis
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Canada's northernmost horticultural gem, blending Elsie Reford's legacy with contemporary garden art.
"Definitely worth a few hours of your time; it will increase your quality of life."

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are expansive with many paths; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the beauty and exhibits.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stream Garden (Jardin du Ruisseau)
Central garden area
A tranquil, cascading water feature winding through lush greenery, offering a serene escape.

Elsie Reford's Villa
Main building
Explore the history of the gardens' visionary founder and her remarkable life.

International Garden Festival
Various garden plots
Experience innovative and contemporary landscape art installations by international designers.

Native and Exotic Plant Collections
Throughout the gardens
Wander through diverse themed gardens showcasing over 3,000 varieties of plants.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan Your Visit to Reford Gardens
Best Time to Experience the Gardens
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are expansive with many paths; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the beauty and exhibits.
🍽️ Dining Options Available
Enjoy a meal at the gourmet restaurant or grab a snack at the coffee spots.
🖼️ Discover Art Installations
Don't miss the contemporary landscape art, especially during the festival.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The gardens are expansive with many paths; comfortable footwear is a must for exploring!
⏳ Allow Ample Time
Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully appreciate the beauty and exhibits.
🍽️ Dining Options Available
Enjoy a meal at the gourmet restaurant or grab a snack at the coffee spots.
🖼️ Discover Art Installations
Don't miss the contemporary landscape art, especially during the festival.
💡 Learn Elsie's Story
Visit the villa to understand the inspiring history of the gardens' founder.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Reford Gardens for its immaculate maintenance, stunning beauty, and tranquil atmosphere. Many highlight the diverse plant collections, the charming Stream Garden, and the insightful history of Elsie Reford. While the admission price is noted, most feel it's well worth the experience for a few hours of peaceful enjoyment.
"Highly recommend, we go every year, immaculately maintained large, sprawling gardens and paths with a pond, villa with exhibits, a gourmet restaurant and some snack and coffee spots, and even modern landscape festival. Spent a couple of hours on a beautiful day, enjoying the quiet and the beautiful smells. Hundreds of species of trees and flowers. A babbling brook flowing throughout. Definitely worth a few hours of your time; it will increase your quality of life."
julie fine
"Sooooo pretty !!!!! We spent the entire afternoon being amazed ! And there's a museum too! And a restaurant!!! Very nice place 👌"
Marlène Robert
"Incredible experience. Little you know about Elsie W The woman who made the garden and was such an emblantic figure. Go visit!"
leto BG
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Reford Gardens are located in Grand-Métis, Quebec. The easiest way to reach them is by car, as they are situated in a more rural area. They are approximately a 3.5-hour drive from Quebec City and a 7-hour drive from Montreal. Public transport options are limited, so driving is highly recommended for flexibility.
Yes, ample parking is available for visitors at the Reford Gardens. It's conveniently located near the entrance, making it easy to access the gardens and facilities.
Absolutely! Reford Gardens make for a fantastic day trip, especially if you're traveling along the scenic Route 132 in the Bas-Saint-Laurent region. You can easily spend 2-3 hours exploring the grounds.
Many visitors combine a trip to Reford Gardens with exploring the Gaspesie Peninsula, including Gaspesie National Park. The gardens are also part of a network of attractions offering discounts with your admission.
The most common route is via Highway 20 East, then taking Route 132 East along the St. Lawrence River. This scenic route offers beautiful views of the coastline.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Reford Gardens are typically open daily from late May to mid-October. Hours can vary slightly by season, so it's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission prices are around $25 per person. This fee grants you access to all garden areas, exhibitions, and the villa.
It is highly recommended to purchase your tickets online in advance, especially during peak season or for special events. This helps to secure your entry and can sometimes offer a slight discount.
Yes, your admission armband may offer a 15% discount at select other attractions on the peninsula. Check with the ticket office for current partnership details.
While beautiful year-round, the gardens are at their peak bloom from June to September. Weekday mornings offer a more serene experience with fewer visitors.
🎫 🌿 Onsite Experience
Reford Gardens offers a diverse experience, including exploring themed gardens with over 3,000 plant varieties, viewing contemporary art installations during the International Garden Festival, visiting Elsie Reford's historic villa, and enjoying the tranquil stream garden.
Most visitors spend between 1 to 3 hours exploring the gardens, depending on their pace and interest in reading the informational displays.
While not always explicitly advertised, guided tours may be available, especially for groups. It's advisable to inquire at the visitor center upon arrival or check the official website for any scheduled tours.
Yes, Reford Gardens can be enjoyable for children, especially during the International Garden Festival with its interactive installations. The open spaces and natural beauty offer a pleasant experience for families.
The gardens feature restrooms, a gourmet restaurant, a snack bar, a boutique selling horticultural items and souvenirs, and the historic villa which houses exhibits.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Reford Gardens has a gourmet restaurant offering a delightful dining experience, as well as a snack and coffee spot for lighter fare.
The restaurant typically features locally sourced ingredients and offers a menu inspired by the region's culinary traditions, often with a focus on fresh, seasonal produce.
While there are dining facilities, it's generally best to check the official policy regarding outside food. Picnicking might be permitted in designated areas, but it's not widely advertised.
The gourmet restaurant is likely to be mid-range to high-end, reflecting the quality of the food and the beautiful setting. The snack bar offers more budget-friendly options.
It's advisable to contact the restaurant directly or check their menu online for specific dietary options. Many restaurants in Quebec are increasingly accommodating to vegetarian and vegan diets.
📸 📸 Photography
The Stream Garden, the various themed flower beds, the historic villa, and the contemporary art installations all offer stunning photographic opportunities. The diverse plant life provides endless colorful backdrops.
Photography is generally permitted throughout the gardens for personal use. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
The 'golden hours' – early morning and late afternoon – offer the most beautiful, soft light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors.
Drone usage is typically restricted in public gardens and parks to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all visitors. It's best to check the Reford Gardens' official policy on drone usage.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is great for capturing landscapes and details. A macro lens can be useful for close-ups of flowers. Don't forget a wide-angle lens for expansive garden views.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, though there are dining options available. The villa provides a glimpse into history, which can be made more engaging for kids by focusing on Elsie's adventurous spirit. Allow ample time for little legs to wander, and perhaps bring a small notebook for them to sketch their favorite flowers or installations.
📸 Photographers
The International Garden Festival installations are often visually striking and offer unique angles and perspectives. The historic Elsie Reford Villa also provides charming architectural details and historical context for your shots. Remember to visit during the golden hours for the best natural light.
🌿 Garden Enthusiasts
The International Garden Festival is a must-see, showcasing innovative design and pushing horticultural boundaries. Take time to read the plant labels and learn about the specific species. The well-maintained paths and clear organization of the gardens make for an immersive and educational experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Visionary Elsie Reford
Elsie's legacy is not just in the plants she grew, but in the creation of a space that blends natural beauty with artistic expression. Her personal villa, which visitors can explore, offers a glimpse into her life and the genesis of this horticultural masterpiece. The gardens continue to evolve, honoring her pioneering spirit while embracing contemporary design.
Today, the gardens are recognized as one of Canada's finest horticultural attractions, drawing visitors from far and wide. The story of Elsie Reford is central to the experience, adding a layer of historical depth and personal connection to the stunning landscapes.
The International Garden Festival
The festival is a key attraction, offering a dynamic contrast to the historical gardens. Visitors can wander through these unique, temporary landscapes, each with its own theme and narrative. The installations often incorporate interactive elements and push the boundaries of traditional garden design, making for a thought-provoking and visually stimulating experience.
This annual event highlights the Reford Gardens' commitment to horticultural innovation and artistic expression. It provides a fresh perspective on the possibilities of garden spaces and adds a modern, evolving dimension to the visitor experience, making each visit potentially different from the last.
Exploring the Diverse Plant Collections
Visitors can marvel at the resilience of plants that thrive in this northern climate, a testament to Elsie Reford's horticultural prowess. The gardens feature a wide range of species, including numerous trees, shrubs, and perennials, many of which are rare or unusual. Informational signage helps visitors identify and learn about the diverse plant life.
The sheer scale and variety of the plant collections ensure that there is something to captivate every visitor. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or simply appreciate natural beauty, the meticulously maintained grounds offer a rich and rewarding sensory experience.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit