From September 29 to October 31, Halloween takes over Espace pour la vie, blurring the boundaries between fantasy and reality. The Sorcerer Kalbacius will seize the opportunity to take control of the Jardin botanique's Main Greenhouse, along with his fantastic creatures and—surprise!—his apprentice, Petiole, who will soon obtain his bewitchment diploma.
Children and their parents are invited to come to help Petiole learn new skills and practice their own sorcery technique! There'll be a wand handling class, potions workshop, the power of squash revealed, and Magic Steps Circuit—everything is set to wow Kalbacius! Visitors will also be able to see a play featuring none other than Frisson l'écureuil (Scaredy Squirrel), a much-loved children's book character created by author Mélanie Watt. A fun, bewitching time awaits you!
Sorcerer's Haven
Main Greenhouse – Daily, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Guided activity between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on weekdays and between 10 a.m. and 4:15 p.m. on weekends
The sorcerer's haven is home to a menagerie of strange creatures. As the harvest season comes to a close at the Jardin Botanique, Kalbacius has gathered a wide variety of squashes to exercise his powers.
You can see Batterfluff, bizarre gourds, and cat-spiders; discover a strange vegetable garden and a chilling tunnel; keep an eye out for bewitched creatures and meet Kalbacius (who's always busy studying our world) and his apprentice Petiole, who's curious to learn sorcery skills! Classes are in session!
Main Greenhouse Classes are offered daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wand handling Learn how to wield a magic wand and master its unsuspected powers!
The power of squash revealed The large cucurbits family has much to reveal at Halloween. Learn about the different types of squash and their secret powers to help you hone your witchcraft skills!
PULL OUT YOUR BOOK OF SPELLS and join in the fun!
Potions Workshop
Hospitality Greenhouse – Daily, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Here, it's all about experimenting! To become a sorcerer, you must first master the art of potion-making. The plant witchery class is a program requirement for all apprentices. This potions workshop focuses on plants and the power of the imagination!
Illustration: Mélanie Watt Frisson l'écureuil et la course aux bonbons Play for children aged 4 to 8
Frisson l'écureuil (Scaredy Squirrel), a character created by author Mélanie Watt, is worried: How do you prepare for the scariest day of the year when you're afraid of everything? Will he be ready to go trick-or-treating?
Auditorium – In French only Sept. 29 to Oct. 6, Oct. 10 to 13, and Oct. 31 at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 7, 8, 9, and Oct. 14 to 30: at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Space limited. Specific tickets (free) can be reserved online. Valid upon presentation of a Jardin botanique or Gardens of Light admission ticket for the same date. Passes are also available at the Welcome Desk, subject to availability. Reservations are recommended for groups (514-868-3000).
Outdoor activities
Magic Steps Circuit From 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. With guided activities Sunday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday and Saturday (and Sunday, October 8), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Have fun exploring and searching the garden for creatures that have escaped from Kalbacius's clutches and run away. A fun activity for the whole family!
KOWAI! Des histoires à faire peur…– for children aged 4 to 8
Japanese Pavilion — Monday to Friday, at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, at 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.
Japanese folklore teems with spooky characters: ogres, witches, spirits, and demons. Are you brave enough to listen to tales of their evil deeds? Yield to the charm and power of kamishibai—Japanese paper theatre. Your imagination will take care of the rest!
We are grateful to the Friends of the Garden for their financial support for the Halloween Shivers activities.
Espace pour la vie comprises five major attractions: the Biodôme, the Biosphère, the Insectarium, the Jardin botanique, and the Planétarium. These prestigious municipal institutions form Canada's largest natural science museum complex. Together, they are launching a daring, creative urban movement, encouraging us to rethink the connection between humankind and nature and cultivate a new way of living.