Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Photo: Google
Montreal Insectarium
★4.4(5,803 reviews)$Museum
🕑 1.5 to 2.5 hours👶 Best for ages 3-12. Preschoolers are mesmerized by the colorful butterflies and moving insects, while school-age children appreciate the interactive exhibits and detailed information about insect behavior, habitats, and importance to our ecosystem.🧡 Saved by 100+ families
About
The Montreal Insectarium offers an incredible journey into the world of bugs with live insect displays, hands-on interactive exhibits, and educational programs that captivate curious young minds. Kids can get up close with thousands of fascinating creatures, from beautiful butterflies to giant beetles, in a modern, immersive setting that makes learning about insects thrilling and memorable.
Highlights
- ✓Live butterfly greenhouse where colorful butterflies fly freely around visitors
- ✓Hands-on insect encounters with supervised touching opportunities
- ✓Massive collection of preserved insects from around the world
- ✓Interactive multimedia displays explaining insect superpowers and adaptations
- ✓Seasonal exhibitions featuring different insect species and themes
Pro Tips
- 1.The Insectarium is part of the Space for Life complex, so consider purchasing a combined ticket with the Biodome, Botanical Garden, and Planetarium for significant savings if you have extra time.
- 2.Visit on Tuesday or Wednesday mornings right at opening (9:00 AM) for the smallest crowds and the most active insects.
- 3.The museum is closed on Mondays, so plan accordingly.
- 4.Bring a camera as kids will want to capture photos of their favorite insects, especially in the stunning butterfly house.
- 5.Most signage is in French and English, but staff are bilingual and happy to help English-speaking visitors navigate the exhibits.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Tuesday through Thursday mornings between 9:00 AM and 11:00 AM for fewer crowds. Spring and fall offer comfortable temperatures for exploring the nearby Botanical Garden afterward, making it an ideal combo trip.
What to Know
Budget-friendly admission ($ price level) with family rates available. Located within the Space for Life complex with on-site parking available. Light snacks and cafeteria options on premises, though limited, so consider eating before or after your visit.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round except Mondays. The outdoor gardens adjacent to the Insectarium are most spectacular from May through October, though the indoor insect exhibits remain fascinating in all seasons. Special holiday programming occasionally offered during school breaks.
Nearby Eats
Pho Bang New York (about 1 km away) offers kid-friendly Vietnamese noodle soups and rice dishes. La Diperie, a popular local ice cream chain with a location on Rue Ontario, serves creative soft-serve treats perfect for post-museum rewards.
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