Useful Information | FAQ
Your most frequently asked questions
1. Where are Reford Gardens?
2. Is it easy to get there?
3. Are the gardens clearly identified on the highway?
4. Do I need to reserve to visit the gardens?
5. How long does it take to visit the Gardens and the Festival?
6. How long are the paths?
7. Can handicapped people and person with reduced mobility easily access the site?
8. Are there umbrellas and raincoats available onsite?
9. Do you offer guided tours?
10. Are we allowed to walk our dog through the gardens?
11. What is the blossoming time for the blue poppies?
12. Can I buy blue poppy seeds at Reford Gardens?
13. Are there places to eat at Reford Gardens?
14. What about reserving to dine at the gardens?
15. Is there a lot to do near the gardens?
16. What about accommodation?
17. Who do the Reford Gardens belong to?
18. Can I make a donation?
19. How can I obtain information on the Gardens and their history?
20. What is the International Garden Festival?
1. Where are Reford Gardens?
The Reford Gardens are located in Grand-Metis, Quebec, on the south shore of the St. Lawrence River, 350 kilometers (220 miles) east of Quebec City, equidistant between Rimouski and Matane. You can also consult the section How to Get Here on our Web Site for more information.
2. Is it easy to get there?
The gardens are easily accessible by road, airplane, train and bus. For more information, consult the section How to Get Here on our Web Site.
3. Are the gardens clearly identified on the highway?
The gardens are well identified with blue tourism road signs, indicating « Les Jardins de Métis » along Route 132. For more information, consult the section How to Get Here on our Web Site.
4. Do I need to reserve to visit the gardens?
No, you can visit the gardens during operating hours without reservations. However, groups of 15 persons and more should contact us to confirm their reservation or consult our Group Visits section for more information.
5. How long does it take to visit the Gardens and the Festival?
A visit of the gardens generally takes between 1 ½ and 3 hours. The visit of the International Garden Festival takes about one hour.
6. How long are the paths?
The paths cover 1 mile (1,6 km).
7. Can handicapped people and persons with reduced mobility easily access the site?
Yes. Wheelchairs are available at no cost. We recommend however that you reserve before your arrival by calling (418) 775-2222. The paths are easy to travel. They are covered with compacted gravel. Ramps are also present on the site to facilitate access to the buildings. The museum is located on the second story and is accessible by a staircase. Access for those with limited mobility is thus limited.
8. Are there umbrellas and raincoats available onsite?
Raincoats and umbrellas are available in limited quantities for visitors at no cost.
9. Do you offer guided tours?
Guided tours are offered to groups of 15 persons and more upon reservation only. The tour costs $25 per guide and includes the Reford Gardens and the International Garden Festival. We recommend one guide per group of 25 persons.
10. Are we allowed to walk our dog through the gardens?
Pets are permitted in the parking area and on the pathways leading to the mouth of the Mitis River. Pets are not admitted to the Historic Gardens or the site of the International Garden Festival.
11. What is the blossoming time for the blue poppies?
The blooming period of the blue poppy extends from mid-June to mid-July and reaches its peak during the first half of July.
12. Can I buy blue poppy seeds at Reford Gardens?
Yes. Seeds are accessible at the Garden Shop or online. Please consult our Online Shop for more information.
13. Are there places to eat at Reford Gardens?
The dining rooms in Estevan Lodge offers you a Table d’hote Monday to Saturday from 11:30 am to 2 pm, Gourmet evening meals on Friday as well as brunch every Sunday. The brunch is sometimes musical, watch our Calendar of Events to see our complete program. The Garden Café and the Boutique Café located at the entrance are open every day of the week and offer light meals. For more information or to view the menus, please consult the Restaurant Section.
14. What about reserving to dine at the gardens?
We suggest you make a reservation to dine in the restaurant in Estevan Lodge, however, the cafés welcome visitors every day without reservations. Groups are invited to contact us to make a reservation.
15. Is there a lot to do near the gardens?
The Métis area is one of Quebec's oldest summer resorts. A plethora of choices is available. In a 10-kilometre (6 miles) radius, there is the Mitis River Park, several art galleries and inns, fine regional cuisine, two golf courses, equestrian facilities, and a spa. The natural beauty of the region also has much to offer. You can walk along the beach, watch seals, fish for salmon or trout, or birdwatch. For more information about the region’s activities and attractions, consult the Tourism Gaspesie Web site or order a Gaspésie official tourist guide by calling 1 800 463-0323.
16. What about accommodation?
A range of accommodation is offered nearby. Please consult the section Vacation Packages for further information. To obtain a copy of the Gaspésie official tourist guide, call 1 800 463-0323 or visit the Tourism Gaspesie Web site.
17. Who do the Reford Gardens belong to?
Reford Gardens are owned and operated by Les Amis des Jardins de Métis, a not for profit corporation and charitable organization. The corporation ensures the preservation and development of the Reford Gardens. For more information, consult the section History on our Web site.
18. Can I make a donation?
Yes. There are now over 900 Friends of the Gardens. Our members help us to maintain one of the most beautiful private gardens of the province and one of the most sought after tourist attractions in Québec. For more information, consult the section Friends of The Gardens - Donate on our Web site.
19. How can I obtain information on the Gardens and their history?
Several books on the Reford Gardens have been written by Elsie Reford's great grandson and director of the gardens, Alexander Reford. The guide book Reford Gardens (Fides, 2001) describes the historical background and horticultural diversity of the gardens. Reford Gardens. Elsie's Paradise (Les Éditions de l'Homme, 2004) and Treasures of the Reford Gardens: Elsie's Floral Legacy (Les Éditions de l'Homme, 2006) provide a complete history of the gardens and their development. These publications are available at the Garden Shop and can be purchased from our Online Shop.
20. What is the International Garden Festival?
The International Garden Festival is an annual event held on a site adjacent of the Historic Gardens that is unique in North America and is widely recognized as one of the leading contemporary garden events in the world. Since 2000, the Festival has exhibited over 80 gardens by more than 200 designers from 10 countries. The Festival is open from the end of June to the closure of the Gardens in October.
An event not to be missed for all the lovers of nature and culture who can discover contemporary gardens realized by renowned designers from around the world. A program of activities (lectures, exhibitions, activities, etc.) complements the contemporary gardens.
Further information on the Festival can be obtained from the book Hybrids: Reshaping the Contemporary Garden in Metis, available for our Online Shop.
