Montreal Insectarium Overview
1. History of the Montreal Insectarium
The Montreal Insectarium first opened its doors on February 7, 1990, thanks to entomologist Georges Brossard, who collected and mounted several thousand insect specimens for public viewing. Ironically, this impressive collection was originally hidden in his basement for years. However, with the support of the Montreal Botanical Garden’s then-director Pierre Bourque, the exhibit was temporarily displayed in 1986. Visitors’ positive feedback led Brossard to donate his collection to the city in 1987, but the Insectarium still needed a dedicated space.
After a couple of years of diverse lobbying fueled by enthusiastic public reviews, the Insectarium was officially installed on the grounds of the Montreal Botanical Garden, creating a unique museum experience.
However, the Montreal Insectarium closed to the public in 2019 for renovations aimed at expanding various habitats and facilities. The grand reopening is expected in June 2021.
2. Getting to the Montreal Insectarium
Using public transportation, visitors can reach the Insectarium by disembarking at Pie-IX Metro on the green line. The iconic Olympic Stadium will be visible immediately upon exiting the Pie-IX Metro station.
Walk uphill on Pie-IX Boulevard, past the stadium, until you reach the corner of Sherbrooke, where the gates to the Montreal Botanical Garden will come into view across the street. The Insectarium shares the same entrance as the gardens, making access convenient.
After obtaining a ticket, use the right entrance for the outdoor Botanical Gardens and proceed straight for about five minutes. Passing the rose gardens, look for the Aquatic Gardens, and the Insectarium building will be visible to your right.
3. Typical Admission Fees
When open, the museum charges an admission fee for all guests; however, pricing options differ for Quebec residents and out-of-province tourists:
- $20.25 adult ($15.75 for Quebec residents)
- $18.50 senior ($14.75 for Quebec residents)
- $14.75 student with I.D. ($12 for Quebec residents)
- $10.25 youth ages 5 to 17 ($8 for Quebec residents)
- $56 family rate for two adults and two kids ($44.25 for Quebec residents)
- Free for kids under 5
Admission to the Montreal Insectarium also includes complimentary access to the Montreal Botanical Garden. Notably, the Montreal Insectarium is included on the Accès Montréal card, which offers discounts to local attractions, providing an opportunity to save on your visit.
4. Free Street Parking and Official Lot Fees
Parking at the Montreal Insectarium lot typically costs $12 per day. However, rates may be lower for half-days and evening use. Additionally, several parking lots and free spaces are available nearby. For more details, you can find information on available parking locations.
For budget-conscious visitors, free neighborhood parking can often be found in Rosemont (east of Viau and west of Pie-IX up 29th Avenue, for instance). Although a bit of a walk (around 10 to 15 minutes), this option could save you the hassle of parking fees.
5. Family Friendly and Full of Bugs
The Montreal Insectarium is exceptionally great for children. From toddlers to teenagers (and even adults), the interactive exhibits and live displays captivate almost every visitor.
Attracting over 400,000 guests annually, the Insectarium boasts a collection of 150,000 arthropod specimens—including spiders, scorpions, and centipedes, which, while not part of the insect family, are nonetheless fascinating. The site features around 100 live species, including scarabs, tarantulas, and scorpions.
6. Other Nearby Attractions
While the Insectarium and the Montreal Botanical Garden are somewhat distanced from the downtown core, they are surrounded by a host of popular attractions to engage both tourists and locals throughout the day.
These attractions include the Olympic Park, the Montreal Biodome’s five ecosystems, and the Planetarium. In winter, visitors can enjoy the large skating rink at Parc Maisonneuve and the Olympic Park’s winter village, both offering unique seasonal activities.
*Note that admission fees, parking rates, and opening hours may change without notice, and updates will be provided following the Insectarium’s reopening in 2021.
