Between the free-to-the-public parts of the gardens (which is everything outdoors in the warm summer evenings) and the expanse of Parc Maisonneuve across the street there are huge areas to explore in this area on the cheap if you're not up for the entrance fee. The metro lets you out half a block away and you get a great view of the big O from the walk up. The sculptures alone are worth a mosey and think, not to mention the hundreds of kinds of (ahhhhhh) green.