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Explore the Montreal Biodome: A Natural Ecosystem Experience

Joshua Liu08 mins

Five Ecosystems, One Great Family Attraction at Montreal Biodome

The Montreal Biodome is one of four facilities that comprise Space for Life, Canada’s largest natural sciences museum complex.

The Biodome building houses five ecosystems, mirroring climate and landscape, through which visitors may stroll at leisure:

  1. The Tropical Forest features lush vegetation and a steamy climate.
  2. The Laurentian Maple Forest is home to beavers, otters, and lynx. Tree leaves actually turn color and fall off the branches in autumn.
  3. The Gulf of St. Lawrence boasts 2.5 million liters of “sea water” produced on-site.
  4. The Labrador Coast represents a subarctic zone of rocky coastline, with steep cliffs, no vegetation, but a plethora of entertaining puffins.
  5. The Sub-Antarctic Islands feature a volcanic landscape with a temperature hovering between 2°C and 5°C. Four species of penguins live here.

Getting to the Montreal Biodome

Ville de Montreal

Address: 4777 Avenue Pierre de Coubertin in east end Montreal
Pay parking is available at 3000 and 3200 Viau Street, including one underground lot. A parking ticket is also valid for same-day parking at Botanical Garden/Insectarium/Planetarium parking lots.
By metro: Viau metro station

How Much Time Should You Spend at the Montreal Biodome?

One of the ecosystems recreated inside the Montreal Biodome is the Gulf of St. Lawrence.
Montréal Biodôme

Allow for about one to two hours to visit the Montreal Biodome. However, given that the Insectarium, Botanical Gardens, and Olympic Stadium are in the same vicinity, you can spend the better part of a day exploring the area.

Montreal Biodome Services

Biodome de Montreal building; Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Montreal Biodome contains the flora and fauna of North America’s four ecosystems.

The Montreal Biodome offers audioguides (at a cost), a gift shop, a restaurant, a cloakroom, and strollers (free of charge). Moreover, nature interpreters are present along the ecosystem pathway to answer questions.

The Montreal Biodome is accessible for those who require wheelchairs (available for rent) and for individuals with reduced mobility.

Montreal Biodome Hours

The hours of the Montreal Biodome change slightly throughout the year, with extended hours seven days a week during the summer months. Therefore, check the website for details.

Cost to Visit the Montreal Biodome

Biodome, tower of the Olympic Stadium, Montreal, Quebec Province, Canada, North America
The Montreal Biodome is part of Olympic Park. Guenther Schwermer / Getty Images

As of 2017, an adult admission to the Montreal Biodome was Cdn$20.25, with reduced rates for Quebec residents, children, seniors, students, and families of four. If you’re a family planning to visit the Biodome as well as the Insectarium, Botanical Garden, and Planetarium, consider purchasing an annual pass. Consequently, even if you visit each once, you may save money.

While You’re in the Area

Map of the Biodome location
The Montreal Biodome is located just outside of Montreal’s downtown core on avenue Pierre-De Coubertin, near the Olympic Stadium.

The Olympic Stadium, Planetarium, Insectarium, and Botanical Gardens make for a great trip to the Montreal Biodome, as all are in close proximity, typically within walking distance for most individuals (about 10 to 15 minutes).

The Insectarium and Botanical Garden are on the same site—beside Maisonneuve Park—approximately a 15-minute walk from the Biodome and Olympic Stadium.

Otherwise, there is limited dining in the immediate area. If you plan to have dinner or lunch close by, ensure you have a destination in mind as you won’t easily stumble upon many restaurants.

Fun Facts about the Biodome

Inside the Montreal Biodome
Variations in temperature and lighting encourage plants to become dormant in late summer and the leaves to change color in the fall in the Laurentian Forest in the Montreal Biodome.
  • Biodome comes from the Greek words bios, or life, and domos, house.
  • The Biodome building was designed by French architect Roger Taillibert as a bicycle racing venue for the Montreal Olympics, opening as the Biodome in 1992.
  • Kids can attend sleepovers on select nights throughout the year.
  • The plants in the tropical forest do not require weeding as they are self-regulating. The trees are pruned three to four times a year to prevent them from breaking through the glass roof.
  • The Biodome remains the only place in the world capable of reproducing the cycle of the seasons indoors.
  • Nearly 4,000 animals are fed daily with a diet consisting of meatloaf, fruits, vegetables in various sizes, cottage cheese, eggs, and fish.
  • All of the rocks and giant trees supporting the glass roof in the tropical forest were handmade from concrete and fiberglass.

Tips for Visiting the Montreal Biodome

Canadian Lynx at the Montreal Biodome
The Montreal Biodome houses the flora and fauna of North America’s four ecosystems.
  • While you’re visiting the Biodome, be sure to check out the Insectarium and Botanical Garden as well. Additionally, take a moment to peek inside the Olympic Stadium; you may be fortunate enough to catch a dive practice.
  • Consider an annual pass if you are a family visiting multiple museums during your stay. Even if you visit each just once, it may result in savings.
  • If you prefer not to eat at the Biodome, identify a restaurant beforehand. The neighborhood is not saturated with dining options, so having a plan is advisable.
  • If you’re visiting the Insectarium or Botanical Garden with young children, it is best to bring a stroller, as there is considerable walking involved between buildings.

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