Montreal Insectarium
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.
More Activities Near Montreal
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
The Montreal Museum of Fine Arts welcomes families with dedicated children's programs, interactive art workshops, and galleries designed to spark young imaginations. With free admission to the permanent collection and special family-friendly exhibits throughout the year, it's an affordable way to introduce kids to world-class art in a welcoming, hands-on environment.
Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History
The Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History (Pointe-à-Callière) brings the past to life through interactive exhibits and fascinating underground archaeological vaults built on Montreal's actual birthplace. Kids can explore hands-on displays, watch multimedia presentations, and walk through authentic ruins beneath the city streets, making history tangible and exciting rather than just facts in a textbook.
Montreal Science Centre
The Montreal Science Centre offers a perfect blend of education and entertainment with interactive exhibits that encourage hands-on exploration, from building robots to understanding the human body. The IMAX theatre presents stunning nature and science films on a massive screen, while simulator rides add an extra dose of excitement to your visit. With exhibits designed to spark curiosity in children of all ages, this waterfront museum makes learning feel like pure fun.
McCord Stewart Museum
The McCord Stewart Museum brings Montreal's fascinating history to life through interactive exhibits and hands-on activities that engage young minds. With family-friendly programs designed specifically for children, kids can explore Indigenous heritage, immigration stories, and Quebec's cultural evolution through touchable artifacts, costume dress-up stations, and creative workshops that make learning about Canadian history fun and memorable.