You don’t need to catch a flight to experience something straight out of a Disney movie — Montreal has its very own enchanted garden, and it looks just like a scene from Moana.
Earlier this year, Parc Jean-Drapeau unveiled a breathtaking new attraction to mark the 25th anniversary of the Mosaïcultures internationales de Montréal.
Nestled in the Jardins des Floralies on Île Notre-Dame, three giant horticultural sculptures — plus several complementary works — are now installed and open to the public, completely free of charge.
Together, these living artworks are made of nearly half a million flowers and plants, designed to blend nature, art and storytelling in one immersive experience.
The Montreal park recently unveiled three giant horticultural sculptures. Parc Jean-Drapeau
The most iconic sculpture is Mother Earth — a towering 11-metre sculpture of a peaceful-looking woman with cascading greenery for hair and a waterfall flowing gracefully from her palm. The show-stopping centrepiece originally debuted in the 2013 Mosaïcultures exhibition, where it won multiple international awards.
According to Parc Jean-Drapeau, the sculpture conveys “the cycle of life and the generosity of nature.”
With her flowing botanical hair and serene expression, Mother Earth gives off major Moana vibes, and she certainly wouldn’t feel out of place as part of an exhibit in Walt Disney World’s EPCOT.
Nearby, you’ll find The Man Who Planted Trees, a tribute to the Oscar-winning animated short film of the same name. Composed of over 100,000 plants, the sculpture portrays a shepherd planting life back into arid land.
Parc Jean-Drapeau says it “illustrates the positive impact one individual can have on their environment. It celebrates hope, perseverance and respect for nature.”
Visitors should also look out for six pairs of abstract sculptures known as the “YY,” inspired by Parc Jean-Drapeau’s logo and its Expo 67 roots. They’re spread out across Sainte-Hélène and Notre-Dame islands, and are designed to symbolize “unity, collaboration and the spirit of friendship.”
If you’re keen to experience the sculptures at their very best, you’ll have to be quick, though!
While the sculptures are viewable most of the year (the current exceptions are November and December), Parc Jean-Drapeau says the perfect time to experience the 500,000-ish flowers is right now. From late June through early September, the gardens are in full bloom, making August the sweet spot for a summer visit.
Mosaïcultures at Parc Jean-Drapeau
Price: Free
When: Open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Address: Jardins des Floralies, Île Notre-Dame, Montreal, QC
Why You Need To Go: While the sculptures are here to stay, the vibrant colours and lush greenery are at their most magical during the summer months. So, if you’ve been dreaming of an escape that feels like stepping into a fairytale — or a Moana-inspired adventure — this is your sign! Make the trip, soak in the scenery and catch the garden in all its glory before summer starts to fade.
Parc Jean-Drapeau Website
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.
