'One Of Canada's Best Attractions' Is A Unique Immersive Biodome Museum For The Whole Family

Biodomes are more than just museums; they offer a convenient way to immerse yourself in nature's most stunning ecosystems. These indoor sanctuaries present diverse environments with plants and animals under one roof, so you don't have to hop on multiple flights. Whether wandering through a tropical rainforest or marveling at a rocky coast, biodomes are great for educating and inspiring visitors of all ages. For example, Biosphere 2 in Arizona, located in a quirky Arizona town where "mountains meet desert," replicates global environments while spotlighting the importance of ecological balance.

Further north, you'll find that the Montreal Biodome is truly an unforgettable experience. Forbes aptly called the city's Biodome "one of Canada's best attractions," and it's easy to see why. This family-friendly gem features five ecosystems of the Americas in one stunning building, recreating a lush tropical rainforest, the marine wonders of the Gulf of St. Lawrence, a Quebec maple forest, the rugged Labrador Coast, and chilly sub-Antarctic islands. At the Biodome, you'll spot penguins waddling in the same vicinity as capybaras in an adventure like no other. Montreal itself is a fantastic destination — think Parisian vibes with smaller crowds and lower costs.

The Montreal Biodome has a story as remarkable as the ecosystems it houses. Originally constructed as a velodrome for the 1976 Summer Olympics, the building was repurposed into a biodome in 1992. Its brutalist architecture features abstractly shaped concrete slabs, providing a striking contrast to the vibrant ecosystems inside. A layer of specially designed white fabric surrounds the enclosures, accentuating the natural light from massive skylights and creating an even more immersive experience.

Step inside, and you'll begin your journey in the Biodome's tropical rainforest — the museum's largest ecosystem with a climate boasting up to 80% humidity. Here, a caiman lounges near the water, frogs hide among dense foliage, and a sloth snoozes lazily in the trees. Next, the Laurentian Maple Forest showcases a typical Quebec landscape, complete with playful river otters, a lynx, and a curious porcupine. Meanwhile, the Gulf of St. Lawrence ecosystem showcases marine and estuary life, with shimmering fish, delicate anemones, and coastal birds. In the rocky Labrador Coast ecosystem, you'll find an energetic puffin colony. Finally, the Sub-Antarctic Islands area replicates the icy edges of South America, kept chilly for the comfort of its penguin inhabitants. It's the perfect place to cool off on a hot day with the family.

One of the newer exhibits in the Biodome's lower level, called "A Close-knit Nature," is all about sensory immersion. It offers hands-on experiences for visitors to touch furs, experience scents, and guess different animal sounds. Kids and adults alike will enjoy using the Biodome's mobile app to explore augmented reality features or dig into more information about the museum's plant and animal life. As you plan your visit, note that the Biodome is closed on Mondays.

The Montreal Biodome is part of the city's Espace pour la vie (or "Space of Life"), Canada's largest natural science museum complex. For one passport ticket, you'll have access to the whole complex, which includes the Botanical Garden, Planetarium, Insectarium, and Biosphere, in addition to the Biodome. The Biosphere, a stunning geodesic dome, is a true Montreal icon and even made a cameo in the original "Battlestar Galactica" TV series in 1979. The Planetarium offers a unique twist on stargazing, pairing a scientific show with a more poetic exploration of the cosmos in every program. It's a hit for families and astronomy lovers alike.

The Biodome and its sister attractions are located in Olympic Park, another must-see spot in Montreal. The park features the towering 540-foot Montreal Tower, offering panoramic views of the city. Wander the Esplanade for a mix of food trucks, festivals, and art installations, or snap some photos of the Olympic Stadium's unique architecture. While you're in the city, you can discover the quirkiest vintage shops and food in the youthful, vibrant neighborhood of Mile End.