Reford Gardens — Services

Museum

A new permanent exhibition was opened in 2004 and occupies the entire second storey of Estevan Lodge. Objects that once belonged to Elsie Reford 's are exhibited alongside photographs taken by her husband Robert Wilson Reford during their summers together. The exhibition tells the story of the Villa and its occupants. The daily rituals are explored as seen through the eyes of the staff, fishing guides and gardeners. Admission to the museum is free.

Estevan Lodge

No visit to the Gardens is complete without a visit of Estevan Lodge. It was built in 1887 as a fishing lodge by Lord Mount Stephen, the founder and first president of the Canadian Pacific Railway. His niece, Elsie Reford, transformed it into a sumptuous summer home. Today, Estevan Lodge hosts cultural events and other activities. Our chef offers various culinary opportunities: the table d’hôte in Estevan Lodge at lunchtime, Gourmet evenings on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings, Sunday brunches beginning at 10 am (sometimes with music), and tea (on occasion accompanied by authors) on Sunday afternoons.

Visitor Pavilion

Located at the entrance to the gardens, a café-boutique is located in the new visitor centre. A food counter offers the best of regional cuisine. A indoor space and outdoor patio is located with views of the forest. The café-boutique is open for breakfast, lunch and snacks. On the menu: fresh breads, soup of the day, sandwiches, fresh garden salads, fresh fruit, homemade desserts and ice creams, patisseries, home-made desserts, beverages and refreshments. It is open every day until 5 p.m.

Garden Café

Located at the heart of the historic gardens, the garden café offers light meals of local produce and delicacies. An outdoor patio has been landscaped in the protected confines of a mature forest and is thus an ideal venue for visitors seeking a light lunch or a moment to snack after a visit to the gardens and the festival. The menu consists of fresh salads, soups and homemade soups, fresh and grilled sandwiches, light meals of local produce, patisseries, homemade desserts, ice creams and sorbets, beverages. The garden café is open every day until 5 p.m.

Picnic Areas

Picnic areas are located in shaded areas at the entrance to the gardens where several picnic tables are available.

Garden Shop

Located in the Visitor Pavilion, the Garden Shop offers a vast selection of garden books, in both English and French, to appeal to the avid gardener and the enthusiast. There too you will find a collection of seeds, specially selected to allow you to choose from among some of our most popular plants for your own garden. Our broad range of postcards and posters are on hand to provide you with a memento of your visit.

You can order many of these products by contacting us.

Handicrafts Shop

You can acquire hand-made goods in the Handicrafts Shop of Les Ateliers Plein Soleil. A wide range of products made by local artisans is available, including hand-woven goods and garments and gourmet items. The Handicrafts Shop is located in the Visitor Pavilion.

Raincoats and Wheelchairs

Wheelchairs, raincoats and umbrellas are available in limited quantities for visitors at no cost. Due to the demand for wheelchairs, reservations are suggested. Please reserve by phone at (418) 775-2222.

Civil Weddings and Special Events

Renowned for their beauty, Reford Gardens are the ideal site for special events. We also offer the special privilege of being permitted to perform civil wedding ceremonies on site. Receptions of other kinds can also be held on site.

Most events are held in Estevan Lodge where three rooms are available. It is also possible to hold events outdoors, on the terrace or the veranda. With our range of services, several options are available to you. If you wish to receive more information, please contact us at (418) 775-2222

Parking

Parking is free.