Montreal Biodome

Housed in an impressive glass-covered velodrome, the Montreal Biodome is a unique facility that recreates five individual ecosystems of the Americas. Over 500 plant and 250 animal species live in the various simulated habitats ensuring visitors can investigate myriad different facets of North American biodiversity under one roof.

The Biodome encourages self-guided tours and uses interpretive panels so you can easily tailor your visit to suit your specific interests. Conservation and preservation are key themes here and the remit is to educate and inspire. If would like to know more about a particular species, helpful guides are based at the Info-Ecosphere desk, so don’t be shy!

Start your visit at the stunning Tropical Rainforest. This is the largest ecosystem in the Biodome and is home to an astonishing array of terrestrial and aquatic species. With artificial lighting and a daytime temperature set between 25° and 28°, this is pretty close to the real thing. In this area, admire the stealthy piranha that prowl the central stream and dodge the cheeky tamarins as they swing through the trees.

The Laurentian Maple Forest showcases some of the most beautiful deciduous and coniferous trees in Québec, including sugar maples, white birches and firs. Keep your eyes peeled for beavers, porcupines and otters as they skit amid the mountainous landscape.

The Gulf of St Lawrence is an estuary habitat where starfish, sea urchins and crabs can all be found along the rocky shore. Make your way down through the underwater observatory and marvel at hundreds of species of marine life as they swim through 9.25 million litres of cold seawater.

Find enough time to visit the subarctic Labrador Coast exhibit, which is home to Atlantic puffins and black guillemots, followed by an exploration of the Sub-Antarctic Islands habitat, where a variety of friendly penguins plod lazily across their volcanic habitat.

Hail, rain or shine, the Montreal Biodome is a great place to visit – especially if you have children! So, do the whole family a favour and schedule it into your Montreal itinerary.