
Insectarium
Discover a world of wonder at the Insectarium, featuring immersive butterfly domes, captivating ant highways, and vast specimen collections.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful

Insectarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover a world of wonder at the Insectarium, featuring immersive butterfly domes, captivating ant highways, and vast specimen collections.
"Absolutely phenomenal. This place is fully immersive, super educational, and very fun for adults."

🎟️ Book Ahead
Reserve your timed entry tickets online, especially if using a passport. Arrive on time!
🦋 Butterfly Magic
Allow ample time in the butterfly dome; it's a highlight for many visitors.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Butterfly Dome
Live Butterfly Exhibit
Wander among hundreds of free-flying butterflies in a lush, immersive environment. Pure magic!
Ant Highway
Live Ant Exhibit
Mesmerizing display of leaf-cutting ants at work. You'll be captivated by their intricate society!

Mounted Specimen Collection
Main Exhibition Halls
Explore an awe-inspiring, vast collection of preserved insects from around the globe.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit
What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
How strict is Biodome and Insectarium on ticket times?
🎟️ Book Ahead
Reserve your timed entry tickets online, especially if using a passport. Arrive on time!
🦋 Butterfly Magic
Allow ample time in the butterfly dome; it's a highlight for many visitors.
insectarium troubles
Do I have to buy time slot tickets ahead of time at the botanical garden and insectarium?
🐜 Ant Obsession
Don't miss the live ant exhibits – they're surprisingly captivating!
🤓 Engage Staff
The staff are passionate and love sharing insights about the insects.
Biodome and other attractions?
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Ahead
Reserve your timed entry tickets online, especially if using a passport. Arrive on time!
🦋 Butterfly Magic
Allow ample time in the butterfly dome; it's a highlight for many visitors.
🐜 Ant Obsession
Don't miss the live ant exhibits – they're surprisingly captivating!
🤓 Engage Staff
The staff are passionate and love sharing insights about the insects.
🚶♀️ Walk Through
The Insectarium is immersive but can feel short; savor each exhibit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Insectarium for its immersive and educational experience, highlighting the stunning butterfly dome and captivating ant exhibits. While some find the visit relatively short, the quality of the displays and the knowledgeable staff leave a lasting positive impression.
"Absolutely phenomenal. This place is fully immersive, super educational, and very fun for adults. I would recommend it to my friends and family. There are lots of things for kids to do and see, but I feel like adults will really appreciate the insects the way they deserve. The collection here is absolutely stunning and insanely large. The staff are kind and love talking about the bugs and their habits. I was in awe the whole time. The free-roam insect room is so dense with beautiful butterflies and you can see them at all life stages. My favourite part was the ant highway!"
Estella Dos Santos
"This was on my must see list. It didn’t disappoint. Lots of kids there the day I went, but I had no problem taking in all of the exhibits. My favorite part was the leaf cutting ants, but it was all great."
Mavis Negroni
"🌿 I had a Magical Experience at the Montreal Insectarium 🦋
I visited the Montreal Insectarium with my best friend and had such a wonderful time! From the moment we walked in, I felt like a curious child again. We explored so many fascinating insects, but the butterflies absolutely stole my heart. Watching them flutter around was pure magic and yes, I even played with them!
The space is thoughtfully designed, immersive, and peaceful. It’s not just educational, it’s also incredibly calming and joyful. Whether you're going with kids, friends, or on a solo adventure, it’s a unique experience that connects you to nature in the most beautiful way.
Highly recommend if you're looking for something both fun and soul-soothing in Montreal. 🐞✨"
Ms Mwebesa
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Insectarium is part of the Space for Life complex in Montreal. It's accessible by public transport, with several bus lines stopping nearby. Driving is also an option, with parking available, though it can be busy.
Yes, there is parking available at the Space for Life complex. It's a paid parking lot, and it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends and during peak season.
Absolutely! Several STM bus lines serve the Space for Life area. The closest metro stations are Pie-IX and Viau, both requiring a short bus ride or a pleasant walk to reach the Insectarium.
The Insectarium is generally accessible for wheelchairs, with ramps and elevators available. It's designed to be inclusive for all visitors.
From downtown Montreal, taking the metro to Pie-IX or Viau station and then a connecting bus is a convenient and common method. Alternatively, a taxi or rideshare service offers direct transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, and it's recommended to check the official Space for Life website for the most current pricing for the Insectarium and any combination passes.
Yes, booking timed-entry tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially if you're visiting during peak times or using a Space for Life Passport. This helps manage visitor flow.
Discounts may be available for students, seniors, and children. Look into family packages or the Space for Life Passport for potential savings if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
Insectarium hours can vary seasonally. Always check the official Space for Life website for the most up-to-date opening and closing times before your visit.
Yes, the Space for Life Passport typically includes admission to the Insectarium, Biodome, Botanical Garden, and Planetarium. It's a great value if you plan to visit multiple attractions.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The live butterfly dome and the ant highway are consistently highlighted as must-see exhibits. The vast collection of mounted specimens is also incredibly impressive.
While immersive, many visitors feel the Insectarium can be experienced relatively quickly, often within 1-2 hours. However, you can spend longer if you deeply engage with each exhibit.
Absolutely! The Insectarium is very engaging for children, with interactive displays and fascinating live creatures. The butterfly dome and ant farm are particular hits with younger visitors.
Information on guided tours can be found on the official Space for Life website. Sometimes, special presentations or keeper talks are offered, especially in the live exhibit areas.
Photography is generally permitted inside the Insectarium, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the insects. Always check for signage.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Insectarium itself may have limited snack options, the larger Space for Life complex often has cafes or restaurants where you can purchase food and beverages.
Typically, outside food and drinks are not permitted inside the exhibition halls. However, there might be designated picnic areas within the broader Space for Life grounds.
The food options within the Space for Life complex usually include casual fare like sandwiches, salads, and snacks, catering to a family audience.
📸 📸 Photography
The butterfly dome offers stunning opportunities for vibrant photos. The intricate details of the mounted specimens and the busy ant highway also make for unique shots.
Flash photography is generally discouraged or prohibited in areas with live insects, such as the butterfly dome, to avoid disturbing them. Always look for signage.
A macro lens can be excellent for capturing the intricate details of insects. For the butterfly dome, a lens with good low-light performance is beneficial.
Tripods and professional photography equipment may require special permission or be restricted during busy hours. It's best to check the Insectarium's policy beforehand.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Pro-tip for families: Encourage your children to ask questions! The staff are very friendly and happy to share interesting facts about the insects, which can make the visit even more enriching. While there are food options within the larger complex, packing some snacks for the kids might be a good idea for in-between exhibits.
🤓 Solo Explorers & Enthusiasts
Engage with the knowledgeable staff; they can offer fascinating insights and answer specific questions that might arise during your exploration. This is a place where you can truly geek out over the wonders of the insect world, appreciating the science and beauty that often goes unnoticed.
📸 Photography Buffs
Beyond the live exhibits, the mounted specimen collection provides opportunities for detailed shots of insect morphology. Experiment with different angles and lighting to highlight the textures and patterns of these fascinating creatures. The overall immersive environment also lends itself to atmospheric shots, capturing the essence of the Insectarium's unique setting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Immersive Butterfly Dome
This exhibit allows you to witness butterflies at various stages of their life cycle, adding an educational layer to the visual feast. The careful design of the habitat ensures a realistic and engaging environment. It’s a space that appeals to both children and adults, fostering a connection with nature and its delicate beauty. The experience is often described as calming and joyful, making it a memorable part of any visit.
Fascinating Live Ant Exhibits
These exhibits are not just visually interesting but also highly educational. They demonstrate the intricate organization and teamwork within an ant colony, highlighting their vital role in ecosystems. The transparency of the enclosures allows for clear observation of their tunnels and daily activities. It’s a testament to the Insectarium's ability to make even the smallest creatures a source of awe and fascination for all ages.
Educational Value and Staff Expertise
This combination of a rich collection and accessible information makes the Insectarium a valuable learning experience. Whether you're a student, a curious adult, or a parent looking to educate your children, the Insectarium offers insights that can change your perspective on the insect world. The staff's willingness to engage in conversations enhances the learning process, making it a more personal and memorable visit.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit