Montreal Biodome

The Montreal Biodome was originally built as a velodrome for the 1976 Summer Olympics.  Along with its neighbor, the Olympic Stadium, the Biodome is a striking example of modern architecture.  After the Olympics, the question arose of what to do with the now abandoned building.  In 1988 renovations began and it opened to the public in 1992.

The Biodome is essentially an indoor zoo.  It is split into five ecosystems of the Americas: tropical rainforest, maple forest, Gulf of St. Lawrence, the Sub-Arctic Labrador coast, and Sub-Antarctic islands.  Each biome is filled with native plants and animals.  The bird collection is especially impressive, as are the Arctic and Antarctic areas.  An audio guide is available that gives information about all the exhibits.

This is a unique combination of zoo and museum.  It isn’t all that big, but be sure to take your time if you want to see everything.  There is a lot of information available to make the experience more compelling.  The Biodome is especially attractive in the winter as an escape from the cold.  It’s definitely worth a visit.

Location: 4777 Avenue Pierre de Coubertin, Montreal H1V 1B3

Telephone: (514) 868 3000

Website: www.biodome.qc.ca

Metro: Viau

Hours: Open 09:00-17:00; hours vary throughout the year

Admission (basic):
$16.50 Adult
$12.50 Senior (65+), Student
$8.25 Children (5-17)
$2.50 Children (2-4)