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Montreal Science Centre

4.4
·7k reviews·Montréal, Canada

Interactive science and technology exhibits for all ages, plus an immersive IMAX theatre in Montreal's Old Port.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
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Expo Explore

Montreal Science Centre

Best Time

Weekdays, mornings

Fewer school groups

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Interactive science and technology exhibits for all ages, plus an immersive IMAX theatre in Montreal's Old Port.

4.4
(7k reviews)

"A great place for kids to learn and burn off some energy!"

Vertical photo
TIP

⏳ Allow ample time

Plan for 3-4 hours to truly explore all exhibits and catch an IMAX show. Time flies here!

🎟️ Book IMAX tickets early

IMAX shows are popular; secure your seats in advance online to avoid disappointment.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Interactive Science Exhibits

Interactive Science Exhibits

Throughout the Centre

Hands-on displays teaching physics and more, sparking curiosity for all ages. Fun and educational!

Mini Mondo

Mini Mondo

For younger children

A fantastic space for little ones with pretend stores and engaging hands-on play.

IMAX Theatre

IMAX Theatre

IMAX TELUS

Experience captivating films on a massive screen. A highly recommended attraction!

Indigenous Population Exhibit

Indigenous Population Exhibit

Special Exhibition Area

An engaging and interactive room with hints to discover, offering a deep dive into native culture.

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Planning Your Visit

Plan Your Visit: Timing is Key

To avoid crowds, especially during school field trips, aim for weekdays outside of school holidays. Weekends can get busy, so consider arriving early. Allow 3-4 hours to fully enjoy the interactive exhibits and IMAX films.

Tickets & IMAX: Book Ahead

While walk-ins are possible, booking your Montreal Science Centre tickets online in advance is recommended, especially for IMAX shows. Check for potential discounts or membership options if you plan multiple visits.

Best Times

When
Weekdays, mornings
Why
Fewer school groups
Crowd
Low
When
Weekends, early afternoon
Why
Avoids peak morning rush
Crowd
Medium
When
During special events
Why
Unique programming
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

reddit.com

Should I take my 3 year old to the Biodome or Science Center to tire him out before our long drive back home?

⏳ Allow ample time

Plan for 3-4 hours to truly explore all exhibits and catch an IMAX show. Time flies here! Reddit

🎟️ Book IMAX tickets early

IMAX shows are popular; secure your seats in advance online to avoid disappointment. Reddit

reddit.com

Montreal Science Center and a rant about Montreal's IMAX scene

reddit.com

Visiting Montreal, Two Kids, Advice on Itinerary

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for kids

Mini Mondo is perfect for toddlers, while older kids love the interactive physics displays. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Navigate crowds

It can get crowded, especially with school trips. Be patient and take turns at exhibits. Reddit

reddit.com

Not sure what to do on vacation

Tips

from all over the internet

⏳ Allow ample time

Plan for 3-4 hours to truly explore all exhibits and catch an IMAX show. Time flies here! Reddit

🎟️ Book IMAX tickets early

IMAX shows are popular; secure your seats in advance online to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Great for kids

Mini Mondo is perfect for toddlers, while older kids love the interactive physics displays. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Navigate crowds

It can get crowded, especially with school trips. Be patient and take turns at exhibits. Reddit

☕ On-site amenities

Vending machines and a coffee shop are available near the IMAX theatre. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(7k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Montreal Science Centre for its engaging and interactive exhibits that make learning fun for all ages, especially highlighting Mini Mondo for younger children and the captivating IMAX theatre. While it can get crowded, particularly with school groups, the overall experience is highly recommended for its educational value and entertainment.

"We have the ASTC passport and saw that this museum was on the list, so we decided to check it out. Met up with a couple friends to explore. Its great that as soon as you enter the hallway the interactive displays start up immediately. They have a few fun human related displays, included an audible fart, to get the kids excited and started. A lot of different audio and visual displays. Several displays that involves teaching different basic physics. A good mix between educational and some just fun displays. It can be pretty crowded, but for the most part it seemed like the kids and parents were doing really well at making sure to take turns. We had a great time."

Nathan Delaney

"For the past 5 years We go there a few times a year. Recently they add one interactive room on native population. IT IS JUST GREAT. We can spend 1 hour just to find the hints. They really work hard to make each visit a very special one. If you want to go there and enjoy every activity, be aware that you'll need 3-4 hours. Science have no respect for time 😀😀 , so dont be in a rush or plan other activities after that.
Enjoy !"

Daphnée Alexandre

"Happened to visit during a school field trip — three full school buses, so it was quite crowded! The museum has a large space with lots of fun science experiments to explore. Mini Mondo is great for little kids, with pretend stores and hands-on play. A wonderful place for children to learn and burn off some energy!"

Crystal Y

What People Like

Interactive exhibits
Mini Mondo for kids
IMAX theatre experience

What People Dislike

Can be crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Montreal Science Centre is located at 2 de la Commune Street West in the Old Port of Montreal. You can easily reach it by public transport, including buses and the Metro (Champ-de-Mars or Place-d'Armes stations are a short walk away). Driving is also an option, with several parking lots nearby in the Old Port area. Reddit

Yes, there are several parking options available in the Old Port of Montreal, close to the Science Centre. Some are paid lots. Consider public transport to avoid parking hassles. Reddit

Absolutely! The Montreal Science Centre is situated in the heart of the Old Port, making it a pleasant walk from many attractions in Old Montreal. Reddit

For toddlers, public transport or a taxi might be less stressful than driving and parking. The Centre itself is very engaging for young children. Reddit

Yes, the Science Centre is well-served by public transit. Several bus routes stop nearby, and it's within walking distance of the Champ-de-Mars and Place-d'Armes Metro stations. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices vary depending on whether you're purchasing for general admission, IMAX, or special exhibitions. It's best to check the official Montreal Science Centre website for the most up-to-date pricing and package deals. Reddit

Yes, you can typically buy tickets at the door, but it's highly recommended to book your Montreal Science Centre tickets online in advance, especially for IMAX shows, to guarantee your spot and potentially save time. Reddit

Look out for potential discounts on the official website, especially during off-peak times or for special promotions. Membership options might also offer savings for frequent visitors. Reddit

Operating hours can vary seasonally and by day of the week. Always check the official Montreal Science Centre website for the most current hours of operation before your visit. Reddit

Yes, IMAX tickets are usually sold separately from general admission. It's advisable to book them in advance as shows can sell out. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the interactive science exhibits that teach basic physics, the engaging Mini Mondo for younger kids, and the highly recommended IMAX films. The new Indigenous population exhibit is also a highlight. Reddit

Yes, the Mini Mondo area is specifically designed for toddlers and young children with pretend stores and hands-on play. The general exhibits also have elements that can engage younger visitors. Reddit

To fully enjoy the interactive exhibits and potentially an IMAX movie, plan for at least 3-4 hours. Some visitors find they can spend even longer if they immerse themselves in every activity. Reddit

It can get quite crowded, especially during school field trips and on weekends. Arriving early or visiting on a weekday can help you avoid the largest crowds. Reddit

The IMAX theatre offers a large-screen cinematic experience with captivating films. It's a popular attraction and highly recommended by visitors. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there are small self-vending machines and a coffee shop connected to the IMAX theatre area, offering snacks and beverages. Reddit

While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or before entering the main exhibition halls. Check their policy if you have specific needs. Reddit

Being located in the Old Port, there are numerous restaurants and cafes within walking distance of the Science Centre, offering a variety of dining options. Reddit

The onsite options are typically snacks and beverages from vending machines and a coffee shop. For full meals, you'll find more variety in the surrounding Old Port area. Reddit

Onsite food options are usually priced for convenience. Dining in the Old Port can range from casual to more upscale, so there are options for different budgets. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography for personal use is allowed in most areas of the Montreal Science Centre. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect them. Always look for signage. Reddit

The interactive exhibits themselves can make for fun and dynamic photos. The exterior views of the Old Port from the Centre are also quite picturesque. Reddit

The interactive displays offer unique photo ops. The area around the IMAX theatre and any exhibits with interesting visual elements are good places to capture memories. Reddit

For professional or commercial photography, you'll likely need to contact the Montreal Science Centre in advance to obtain permission and potentially a permit. Reddit

No, photography and videography are strictly prohibited during IMAX film screenings for copyright and audience experience reasons. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Montreal Science Centre is a fantastic destination for families. Mini Mondo is a dedicated play area perfect for toddlers and preschoolers, featuring pretend stores and hands-on activities. Reddit Older children will be captivated by the interactive science exhibits that make learning physics and other concepts fun and engaging. Don't forget to consider an IMAX movie, which offers a thrilling visual experience for all ages. Reddit

To make the most of your visit, aim for weekdays to avoid large school groups. Allow at least 3-4 hours to explore everything. The Centre is generally well-equipped to handle families, with amenities like vending machines and a coffee shop available. Reddit

🧑‍🎓 Solo Travelers & Adults

While often perceived as a family attraction, the Montreal Science Centre can still be enjoyable for solo travelers or adults without children. The interactive exhibits offer a chance to reconnect with curiosity and learn something new in a playful environment. Reddit The IMAX theatre provides a high-quality cinematic experience that appeals to all ages. Reddit

Consider visiting during off-peak hours or weekdays to have a more relaxed experience. You might find yourself appreciating the ingenuity of the displays and the educational content from a different perspective. The new Indigenous population exhibit is also a compelling draw for adults interested in cultural learning. Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors

To make your visit more budget-friendly, look for Montreal Science Centre discount opportunities or consider purchasing a membership if you plan to visit multiple times. Reddit While onsite food options are limited to snacks and drinks, exploring the Old Port area can offer a wider range of dining choices at various price points. Reddit

Prioritize which exhibits or IMAX shows are most important to you. Sometimes, general admission tickets offer great value, and you can supplement with a single IMAX ticket if desired. Checking the official website for any Montreal Science Centre coupon codes or special offers before you go is always a good strategy. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Exploring the Interactive Exhibits

The Montreal Science Centre is renowned for its interactive science exhibits that make learning fun for all ages. These displays go beyond passive observation, inviting visitors to touch, experiment, and discover scientific principles firsthand. You'll find a good mix of educational content, covering basic physics and human biology, alongside purely fun elements that spark joy and curiosity. Many exhibits are designed to encourage collaboration, making it a great place for families and friends to engage together. Reddit

Recent additions, like the interactive room on native populations, showcase the Centre's commitment to diverse and engaging content. These exhibits are often designed with a puzzle-like element, encouraging visitors to spend significant time uncovering hints and learning through discovery. The goal is to make science accessible and exciting, proving that learning doesn't have to be confined to textbooks. Reddit

Be prepared to spend a good chunk of time here; as one visitor noted, 'Science have no respect for time!' The interactive nature means you can easily lose track of hours exploring the various stations. The staff are generally friendly and helpful, ensuring a positive experience for everyone. Reddit

The IMAX TELUS Experience

A major draw at the Montreal Science Centre is the IMAX TELUS theatre. This is not just any movie-watching experience; it's an immersive journey on a massive screen that pulls you into the film. Visitors highly recommend catching a movie here, describing it as a captivating and worthwhile attraction. Reddit

While the films themselves are a highlight, the overall experience is enhanced by the Centre's amenities. There are small vending machines and a connected coffee shop near the theatre, perfect for grabbing a snack or drink before or after your show. The movies are generally not excessively long, making it easy to fit into a day of exploration. Reddit

It's crucial to book your IMAX Montreal Science Centre tickets in advance, as these screenings are very popular and can sell out. This ensures you don't miss out on this spectacular visual and auditory adventure. Reddit

A Haven for Young Explorers: Mini Mondo

For families with very young children, Mini Mondo at the Montreal Science Centre is an absolute must-visit. This dedicated area is designed specifically for toddlers and preschoolers, offering a safe and stimulating environment for them to play and learn. Reddit

The space features a variety of pretend stores and hands-on play scenarios, allowing little ones to engage their imaginations and develop social skills. It's a wonderful place for them to burn off energy in a fun, interactive setting. Parents often praise Mini Mondo for its ability to keep young children entertained and engaged for extended periods. Reddit

While the rest of the Science Centre offers broader appeal, Mini Mondo ensures that even the youngest visitors have a tailored and enjoyable experience, making the Montreal Science Centre a truly family-friendly destination. Reddit

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