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Frequently asked questions

See the most popular questions

Biodôme

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Do I have to buy my tickets before I visit?

To avoid disappointment and waiting in line, we are strongly recommending that you buy your timed tickets online.

Do you offer guided tours?

No, but you can put questions to the science educators at the various ecosystems and use the mobile app or an identification guide to learn more.

Is the Biodôme accessible to people with reduced mobility or with strollers?

Yes. Also, you can borrow wheelchairs and strollers free of charge. To find out more about the wheelchair loan service and guide dogs, go to our adapted services page.

To find out more:  Visitor services

How can I download the mobile app to visit the Biodôme?

The mobile app for visiting the Biodôme is downloadable for free from the App Store and Play Store. It is available for iOS and Android (minimum release required: Android 6 Marshmallow and iOS 11).

If you don’t have a compatible mobile device and want to visit the Biodôme using the mobile app, go to the Société des Amis du Biodôme (Friends of the Biodôme) counter, located in the Biodôme lobby, where you can borrow an iPod at no charge. You’ll need to leave a piece of photo ID (driver’s licence or medicare card) to borrow the device.

Is there a restaurant?

Yes, our gourmet counter offers a full vegetarian menu with hot and cold plate options.

Biosphère

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What is the Biosphère's programming?

The Biosphère presents exhibitions for all ages, with powerful themes that call for action and citizen participation. The various experiences encourage dialogue in favour of environmental protection and biodiversity.

Through these activities, curious minds can gain a better understanding of today’s major environmental issues and uncover solutions to address them.

Are access fees for the Biosphère different from the other Espace pour la vie museums?

The Biosphère's fee schedule is the same as that of Espace pour la vie.

What are the food services at the Biosphère?

We are currently exploring the best solution to satisfy the public's cravings inside the walls of the museum.

When the weather is collaborating, the land surrounding the Biosphère is perfect for a picnic. Tables are set out on the lawns and in the woodland surrounding the museum. You will also find garbage bins to keep the park clean.

On Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, the Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse, the Bistro du circuit, the Roulotte and Bar-terrasse on Jean-Doré beach as well as the food offer at the Casino de Montréal can meet your needs.

To find out more about the restaurants and food services located near the Biosphère, visit the Parc Jean-Drapeau website.

How do we access the Biosphère?

By metro

The best way to get to the Biosphère is by metro! The entrance to the museum is a 3-minute walk from Jean-Drapeau Station (yellow line).

By bike

Take the bike paths passing through the Jacques-Cartier bridge (from the South Shore or downtown Montréal) or the Concorde bridge (from the Old Port of Montréal). BIXI stations are located on Île Sainte-Hélène.

By car

Via the Jacques-Cartier bridge :

From Montréal:

  • Take the La Ronde / Parc Jean-Drapeau exit.
  • Follow the directions to get to the Biosphère.

From Longueuil:

  • Take the La Ronde / Parc Jean-Drapeau exit.
  • Follow the directions to get to the Biosphère.

Via the Bonaventure Expressway (from downtown, via University Street):

  • Take exit 2, avenue Pierre-Dupuy / Port de Montréal.
  • Follow the directions for Parc Jean-Drapeau.
  • On the Concorde bridge, at the 1st stop sign, turn right (Chemin Macdonald).
  • Continue straight until the "Biosphère" sign, then turn left.

By river shuttle

During the summer season, look for the itineraries, schedule and prices on the Navark Cruises website.

For more details, see our access to the Biosphère page.

Can we enter the Biosphère building to enjoy the view without paying for the exhibitions' access?

As the entire site is a museum, you have to pay an entrance fee. A ticket gives you access to the exhibitions and one of the most beautiful views of Montréal.

Espace pour la vie

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Are the Jardin botanique and the Insectarium in the same building?

No, they are about 10 to 15 minutes apart on foot or 5 minutes by car.

Is it easy to travel between the museums?

It's easy to travel between the Jardin botanique, Insectarium, Biodôme and Planétarium on foot or by car. The Insectarium is on the same site as the Jardin botanique, and the Biodôme and Planetarium are about a 10-minute walk away from the Insectarium.

You can easily get to the Biosphère by metro from the other museums. From the Pie-IX or Viau metro stations, on the green line, take the Angrignon direction towards the Berri-UQAM station. After a transfer on the yellow line, you exit at the Jean-Drapeau station, very close to the Biosphère Museum. The ride takes about 35 minutes.

What are the museums’ rates and opening hours?

You’ll find museum schedules here.

You’ll find museum rates here.

How can I make a donation to Espace pour la vie?

When you donate to the Espace pour la vie Foundation, you’re supporting education, research and conservation projects led by Espace pour la vie and its five museums: the Biodôme, Biosphère, Insectarium, Jardin botanique and Planétarium.

To give, use the online donation form or contact the Foundation team at [email protected] .

Can Espace pour la vie donate promotional items or plants?

Our donation policy does not allow for monetary contributions or donations of promotional items or plants.

Insectarium

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What is the Insectarium's Metamorphosis project?

With its new configuration, the Montréal Insectarium invites the public to meet real, living insects in an immersive atmosphere.

The team has completely revised its approach to provide a new museum and educational experience. The goal? Contribute to change the way humans see insects in order for them to develop what we call “entomophilia” at the Insectarium—the appreciation or valorization of insects. This transformation will take place through a unique immersive visit experience where visitors will first be invited to put themselves in the place of insects, then encouraged to connect with them in an intimate way, to discover their great diversity, and then to spend quality time in their company in the Great Vivarium.

The architectural concept of the Metamorphosis project received an Award of Merit from Canadian Architect magazine in December 2018. It was the result of an international architectural competition won by the consortium of five architectural and engineering firms : Kuehn Malvezzi, Pelletier de Fontenay, Jodoin Lamarre Pratte architectes, Dupras Ledoux and NCK.

Is the memory of the founder of the Insectarium Georges Brossard honoured in the new museum?

Georges Brossard's legacy is honoured with a stele erected in his memory on the esplanade of the new museum.

How can I download the mobile app to visit the Insectarium?

The Insectarium's mobile app is available for free download on the App Store and Play Store. It is available on iOS and Android mobile platforms (minimum versions required: Android 6 Marshmallow and iOS 11).

IOS Link | Android Link

Are there spaces for breastfeeding?

Yes, a specially designed space is available.

Do we have to do the whole visit?

As the site visit is unidirectional, it is mandatory to go through all the galleries.

Jardin botanique

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Is it possible to buy a plant from the Jardin botanique?

Unfortunately, the Jardin botanique de Montréal does not sell its plants to the public as a rule. There are exceptions, such as the Great Gardening Weekend and special plant sales at the Garden’s boutique.

Occasionally, the Jardin botanique’s affiliated societies also organize plant sales. However, these special events are generally reserved for members.

Can I take a picnic to the Garden?

Unfortunately, the Montréal Botanical Garden’s official policy does not allow picnics on site, except in areas that are designated for meals (the picnic areas situated in front of the Lion statue and at the Frédéric Back Tree Pavilion). The restaurant’s patio offers outdoor tables, and you can eat a meal there brought from home.

Please note that alcoholic beverages, chairs, coolers and blankets are not authorized inside the Garden. Only alcoholic beverages purchased on site can be consumed at the Garden’s restaurant, on its patio.

You can also start with a visit to the Garden and then enjoy a peaceful picnic at Maisonneuve Park. Afterwards, you could always come back to the Garden to continue your visit. Just let the attendant at the gate know that you’ll be coming back and he or she will stamp your hand as proof you have already paid for admission when you return. If you need to leave the Garden and use a parking lot, use the Insectarium’s lot (the second traffic light east of Pie-IX, near Maisonneuve Park).

Can I use my tripod or other photography equipment at the Jardin botanique?

Tripods and monopods cannot be used in the exhibition greenhouses or the pavilions. However, a tripod can be used in the outdoor gardens*.

You must not block visitor traffic or interfere with employees’ work. You also may not set up your tripod in certain areas (these areas are marked as areas where walking is prohibited), in areas that are off limits to visitors or flower beds. For certain exhibitions, flash may be prohibited.

* Exception: For safety reasons, tripods are not permitted in the Chinese Garden during the “Gardens of Light” event when there are a lot of visitors. Tripods will only be tolerated when there are not many visitors on site.

Are there courses or workshops on horticulture and/or botany?

The Friends of the Botanical Garden organize courses and workshops for amateurs. Visit this page for more information about courses and workshops at the Garden (french only).

Professional-level courses towards a general DEP in horticulture followed by an ASP are given by the École des Métiers de l'Horticulture (french only).

Does the Jardin botanique accept plant donations?

Donations from individuals are rarely accepted. The Jardin botanique only accepts donations of rare, uncommon plants that are not in its collections and are well identified. In addition, with the exception of plants of horticultural origin, the natural origin of the plant must be certified in several cases.

If your plants are too big for your apartment or you are moving and have to leave your plants behind, we suggest that you offer them to community centers, schools, daycares, churches or hospitals.

On the other hand, some horticultural and ecological clubs organize plant exchange days for their members.

Finally, there are networks on the Web that allow you to offer your surplus to other gardeners in your neighborhood.

Planétarium

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Are strollers allowed in the Planetarium theaters?

For safety reasons in the event of an evacuation, strollers are not allowed in any of our theaters. However, baby carriers are permitted at all times.

What does admission to the Planétarium include?

Your ticket to the Planétarium allows you to attend one of our double show programs on the same day. It also gives you access to current exhibitions.

See the complete show schedule.

Are the Planétarium and its theatres wheelchair-accessible?

Yes, the entire building is wheelchair-accessible. Both theatres have designated areas for wheelchairs.

Does the Planétarium have a free section?

Yes, it is possible to visit the exhibitions for free during regular opening hours. It includes various interactive kiosks, multimedia games and projections in addition of temporary exhibitions.

Are the Planétarium's shows appropriate for children?

The shows are designed for people 7 years of age and older. The Espace pour la vie does not recommend bringing younger children (0 to 6 years old) as the shows can be very upsetting for a young audience due to the sound level and special effects (“vertigo” effect, storm, etc.).

Please note that, out of respect for the other visitors, anyone who cannot remain quiet during the show will be asked to leave the theatre without refund. 

Espace pour la vie Passport

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What is the Espace pour la vie passport? What does it give access to?

The Passport allows unlimited access to the Espace pour la vie museums upon reservation and subject to availability (self-guided visits to sites and shows at the Planétarium). All special activities are not included.

The Espace pour la vie Passport also gives access to privileges such as discounts at restaurants, gift shops and day camps.

How long is the Espace pour la vie passport valid for?

The Passport is valid for 365 days from its first day of validity (which may differ from the date of purchase).

Do I have to buy a passport for a child under the age of 5?

No, admission is free. However, it is necessary to book a ticket for him or her, as is the case for the rest of the people accompanying him or her.

Can I give the Espace pour la vie Passport as a gift to someone else? How do I do this?

Yes, the Passport must be purchased online. Once the gift passport has been purchased, it must be activated on the first visit by the holder to one of our 5 museum ticket offices. Consequently, the validity date begins on the day of activation, not the day of the initial transaction.

Can I get a refund for a ticket if I buy a Passport?

By presenting proof of purchase of your Passport, your ticket can be refunded if it was used the same day.

If a ticket was not used, it can be refunded at any time when you purchase a Passport.

Please see an agent at the ticket office for more information on the refund policy.