Magic and Mystery at the Space for Life

Last chance to see the Gardens of Light, The Great Pumpkin Ball and Spiders Unmasked

MONTREAL, Oct. 22, 2012 /CNW Telbec/ - This fall, the Montréal Space for Life is inviting visitors of all ages to have fun exploring the Botanical Garden and Insectarium, by day or night. On the menu, all kinds of activities at The Great Pumpkin Ball, Spiders Unmasked and the glittering magic of Gardens of Light. The Biodôme is also joining the festivities, with Pumpkin Treats, a special Halloween-flavoured weekend featuring the most popular animals in the tropical, temperate and polar habitats.

Gardens of Light (until November 4)
This year, the Botanical Garden is celebrating the 20^th anniversary of The Magic of Lanterns in the Chinese Garden and extending the enchantment in the Japanese Garden, which is all lit up starting at dusk. Relive the magic of a tradition over 2,200 years old in the Chinese Garden, where you can enjoy nearly 1,000 brightly coloured lanterns on a rich and inspiring theme: the Feast of Peaches. Then stroll through the vast tableau of shadows and light in the Japanese Garden, where the refined, subtle lighting emphasizes the loveliest parts of the garden, from the cascade to the pond, bridges, plants and pavilions.

The Great Pumpkin Ball (until October 31)
All October long, you'll find thrills and chills at the Botanical Garden, as it celebrates all things Cucurbitaceae at the 27^th edition of its Great Pumpkin Ball. Over 700 pumpkins decorated by children, families and adults are on display in the Main Exhibition Greenhouse until Halloween. Meet Esmeralda the friendly witch and take a picture next to one of the world's ten largest pumpkins (1,630 lbs). Youngsters will adore the play, Il était un petit Pépo, and have great fun playing in the Little Monsters Courtyard. Top off your visit with a Halloween-themed origami workshop, pick up some pumpkin-carving tips and visit the squash and UPA kiosks.

Spiders Unmasked (until October 31)
When Halloween rolls around, arachnids and insects love to dress up as superheroes and come out of their vivariums at the Insectarium to meet you. Give them a friendly "leg shake"! Learn to identify them thanks to some unusual presentations, including Acrobatic Spiders, a unique, dizzying experience! And while you're at the Insectarium, don't forget to check out the new ant nest in the Busy Bodies exhibition.

Pumpkin Treats (October 27 and 28)
The animals at the Biodôme will also be celebrating Halloween in their own way. From mammals to birds and fish, they'll all have to find the trick to opening the pumpkins turned into special containers full of their favourite food (fruit, insects, etc.) Don't miss this fun-to-watch enrichment activity that keeps the animals alert and curious, just as they are in the wild.

Information: montrealspaceforlife.ca

 

SOURCE: Espace pour la vie

For further information:

Karine Jalbert, Communications Co-ordinator
514 872-1453/ 514 250-3230
[e-mail]

Nadine Fortin, Communications Co-ordinator
514 868-3053/ 514 250-7753
[e-mail]