Montreal Biodome (Biodome de Montreal)
4777 Pierre-de Coubertin Ave., Montreal, QC, QC H1V 1B3
See creatures, from poison dart frogs to penguins, in their native habitats in the Montreal Biodome (Biodome de Montreal). It's among the top family-friendly Montreal activities. It’s not just a zoo: The biodome recreates the plant and animal life of five ecosystems of the Americas, including the sub-Antarctic islands, tropical rainforest, Laurentian maple forest, and maritime Gulf of Saint Lawrence.
The basics
The Montreal Biodome is for exploring the natural world in an enclosed space that’s comfortable no matter the weather. Most visitors spend between 60 and 90 minutes at the Montreal Biodome, but there’s a lot to do in the surrounding area, too. It’s part of the larger Space for Life complex that also includes the Montreal Biosphere (la Biosphère), Montreal Insectarium (Insectarium de Montréal), Planetarium, and the Montreal Botanical Garden (Jardin Botanique de Montréal).
Things to know before you go
Buying tickets online is a good idea, as entries are timed, and popular slots tend to sell out. A mobile app guides visitors through exhibits; download it in advance or use the biodome’s free Wi-Fi. The Biodome is an accessible destination. Strollers and wheelchairs are available at the front desk, and special tours are designed for visitors with reduced mobility. Designated rooms for breastfeeding have microwaves for warming bottles. While food is not allowed in the biodome, an on-site cafeteria has tables for enjoying packed lunches (there’s a vegetarian restaurant, too).
How to get there
The Montreal Biodome is on Avenue Pierre-De Coubertin between Boulevard Pie-IX and Rue Viau. Paid outdoor parking is at 3000 Rue Viau, with vouchers that can be used at other Space for Life lots. The Viau metro station on the Green Line (Line 1) is a 5-minute walk away; nearby bus stops are served by the Nos. 34, 125, and 136 routes. BIXI bike stations are on the corner of Pierre-De Coubertin and Bennett Street.
When to get there
This popular Montreal destination bustles throughout the week: School groups come on weekdays, while local families tend to arrive on weekends. Time entry means it’s never too crowded, however. While the ecosystems are enclosed, they change throughout the year. The Laurentian maple forest is beautiful from late September through October, when the leaves turn a brilliant red.
Indoor things to do in Montreal with kids
Winter is a glorious time to visit Montreal with kids as the city turns into a wonderland of skating rinks, ski trails, and snowy streets. When you need to warm up, you have plenty of options. Sample local treats at the indoor Jean-Talon Market (Marché Jean-Talon), then play with hands-on, kid-friendly archeological exhibits at the Pointe-à-Callière museum. Or, head to the waterfront Montreal Science Centre (Centre des Sciences de Montréal) for interactive learning and IMAX movies.
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