The biodôme is the perfect outing in Montreal, rain or shine. In this former velodrome you can discover the 5 most diverse ecosystems in Canada.
From maple forests to sub-Antarctic islands and tropical rainforests, the Montréal biodôme represents these magnificent ecosystems without a single living animal or plant. The House of Life takes you on a journey through these representations into unknown worlds, rarely visited by man. Don't forget your coat! To reproduce the real conditions of natural habitats, some galleries are around 5°C all year round. The biodôme is the perfect opportunity to get away from it all and learn more about Canada's flora and fauna, right in the heart of Montreal.
After your visit, don't forget to visit the Montréal Botanical Garden, just next door.
The name "Bio dome" means "house for life".
A biodome is a dome-shaped museum that displays representations of ecosystems. There are no live animals or plants. Montreal's biodome is built in a former Olympic velodrome. This enormous space has been transformed into a museum for life and now houses 5 different ecosystems. Summer and winter alike, it's a very popular activity with Montrealers and tourists alike.
After hosting the 1976 Olympic Games, the Olympic Velodrome was transformed into a biodome on the initiative of Pierre Bourque, the director of the Botanical Gardens at the time. The biodome was an innovative project, inaugurated in 1992.
The biodôme is Montreal's former Olympic velodrome.
- © Adwo123 / 123RFThe biodome represents 5 of the most widespread ecosystems on the American continent. These representations are complex and extremely faithful to the original flora and fauna.
The rainforest, an immersive experienceThe Montreal biodôme's rainforest filters through the air at 28°C all year round. So it's the ideal activity for rainy days or the particularly cold temperatures of the far north.
What's more, the forest maintains humidity levels of up to 80%, so you'll feel like you're in the middle of the Amazon! During this guided tour, you'll discover parrots, catfish, plants, each more impressive than the last, and even sloths, clinging to the branches of the gallery.
The Gulf of St. Lawrence, marine animals and birdsThe Gulf of St. Lawrence gallery at the biodôme de Montréal is an immersion in the maritime life of Quebec's most popular river. In the heart of the river, you'll discover marine animals such as stingrays and various species of fish. Lulled by the songs of seagulls and the smell of iodised air, you'll learn more about coastal habitats and the invertebrates that live there. An exotic journey.
The Laurentian sugar bush, a typically Canadian ecosystemImmerse yourself in a visit to a typically Quebecois forest in the Laurentian sugar bush. Home to lynx, porcupine and beaver, the Laurentians are a mountain range north of Quebec City. It is bursting with all the authenticity of Canada and protects native species in the heart of its wildlife reserve. As you stroll along, you'll be delighted by streams, sunshine and autumn colours. Young and old alike will marvel at the verisimilitude of this representation. The maple forest is one of the ecosystems of the Montréal biodome.
A fox calming its lair in its Canadian-type ecosystem.
- © Wirestock Creators / ShutterstockThe coasts of Labrador, northern Canada The Labrador region lies to the north-east of Quebec, along the Atlantic Ocean. It's an incredible ecosystem, naturally protected by the region's small populations. Here you can discover birds such as puffins, small, fast and agile birds native to the region. In this gallery, you even come face to face with a real wall of ice, to make the experience even more real.
The Subantarctic Islands, meet the penguins For the last gallery in the Montréal biodôme, we're heading south to discover the Subantarctic Islands. These volcanic islands are home to a rich ecosystem. To give visitors an incredible experience, the temperature is around 5°C all year round. Along the way, you can observe various species of penguin in their natural habitat.
Opening times and days
The biodome is open from 9.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. every day for visits. Opening times may vary according to the season.
Where is the Montréal biodôme?
The biodôme is located in Maisonneuve Park, where the Montréal Botanical Garden is also located. You can visit both on the same day.
How do I get there?
You have two options for visiting the former velodrome.
Discover marine ecosystems at the Biodôme de Montréal
👉 By metro, take line 1 to Honoré-Beaugrand station. From Montreal's historic district, it's an 11-minute journey. You'll arrive right next to the Biodôme
👉 By bus: bus line 185 takes you from the centre of Montreal to the Biodôme in 30 minutes. The stop is Sherbrooke / No 4751.
How much does admission cost?
Admission to the Biodôme costs $22 for adults. Children's tickets cost $11. 👉 Other rates are available for students and seniors. 👉 Children under 4 are free.
You can reserve your tickets on the Espace pour la vie de Montréal website.
As the number of places is limited, you must reserve your time slot and the day of your visit.
How long can I stay?
If you're a family with children, we recommend that you spend at least half a day at the biodome. That way, you can visit the ecosystems without having to rush.
