Tour a remarkable collection of live insects at Montréal’s Insectarium. The idea for this institution came out of the hugely popular insect exhibitions in the Botanic Garden. What started as a small fundraising campaign is now the largest insectarium in North America.
Browse displays of over 250,000 species of rare and curious creepy-crawlies. Enclosures around the museum provide habitats for stick insects, various mantises and a population of tarantulas that prowl their terrariums.
Marvel at the size of the museum's beetles, with some reaching a massive (relative to insects) length of 6.4 centimetres (2.5 inches) long. Witness the deadly stealth of the peacock mantis, who stands on two legs, fanning out its colourful wings to attract prey.
In September, scientists release flocks of monarch butterflies from the Insectarium after marking them with identification tags. These hardy travellers will migrate nearly 4,023 kilometres (2,500 miles) south to the Mexican mountains. Witness this flutter, which begins one of the longest migrations of the animal kingdom.
Check online or at the information centre for a schedule of other Insectarium events held during your stay. A popular event is the insect tastings, which are held annually. Insect cookbooks can be purchased at the gift store. Formulate your own exotic recipes at home.
Check out the collection of Firmin Laliberté, a prolific entomologist who donated his 100,000-piece compilation of preserved insects to the institution. Inspect preserved specimens of moths, butterflies and beetles. The wider collection features rare species sourced from more than 80 countries.
Enjoy some fresh air in the Insectarium’s outdoor spaces. Let the kids run loose at the insect-themed playground while you enjoy a drink at a picnic table.
Find the Insectarium next to the Botanic Garden in the Espace pour la Vie complex in Montréal’s Olympic Park. drivers can find paid parking next to the Insectarium. Alternatively, catch the metro to one of two stations along Avenue Pierre-de-Coubertin along Olympic Park's east side. The Insectarium charges admission.
