The best Montreal zoos to go wild over

Perhaps the most well-known zoo/nature centre in the city, the biodome is a huge Montreal attraction that recreates four ecosystems in the Americas: Tropical rainforests, Laurentian maple forests, the Gulf of St-Lawrence and subpolar regions of the Labrador Coast and the Sub-Antarctic Islands. The indoor facility is home to over 250 species (4,500 animals in total) and a biodiverse botanical garden that contains 500 plant species. 

Located in Granby, Quebec at 1.5 hours’ drive time south of Montreal, the zoo is home to a wide array of live animals (nearly 1,500 in total) divided by continent, including sloths, alligators, elephants, condors and snow leopards. The zoo is also the site for a slew of animal research; it publicly produces available research reports around conservation and biodiversity every year. 

Located in Saint-Anne-de-Bellevue, the Ecomuseum prides itself on being the only outdoor zoo on the island of Montreal. This kid-friendly haven has a range of animals on exhibit outdoors, from barn owls and eagles to arctic foxes and brown bears. The Ecomuseum also has a vast indoor section which contains fish, amphibians and reptiles. If you’re a fan of slime and creepy crawlies, the indoor section at the Ecomuseum is the place to be.

Right next to the Biodome, the Montreal Insectarium is a rare space devoted solely to the study and exhibition of bugs. The largest of its kind in North America, it showcases insects both alive and dead, and have a sunny butterfly garden that’s sure to wow visitors of all ages. The insectarium’s layout aims to take you on a tour of an insect’s life cycle; you start in a dark, underground space that mimics what it’s like for an insect before it hatches from its egg or chrysalis. It then takes you up and into a well-lit area that contains live insects of all kinds. It’s a one-of-a-kind learning experience. 

Located just an hour south of Montreal by car in Hemmingford, Quebec, Parc Safari offers the closest thing to a real-life safari within a relatively short distance. Once there, ride on a bush truck (or your own vehicle) around the park grounds and see giraffes, camels, zebras, and more up close. Then, venture into the park’s feline tunnel, a tube made out of clear windows that runs straight through the large cat enclosure—if you book it advance, you can attend the feeding time for the lions. Cool off at the end of the day with a trip through the Aquaparc that’s equipped with a wave pool, an inner tube river, slides, and more; something to consider if you’ve grown tired of the best pools in Montreal.

The Exotarium is an interactive zoo, great for those who love reptiles and do their best learning in a hands-on environment. Located an hour north of Montreal, this nature centre has a vast collection of scaly creatures, from alligators to snakes. A visit comes with the opportunity to pet and hold serpents, watch live reptile feedings and other one-of-a-kind experiences. Something for true reptile fans only.

An hour and a quarter’s drive from Montréal in the Outaouais region of Quebec, Omega is a four-season, natural-habitat zoo with a dozen kms of car safari. Drive within feet (or inches!) or indigenous Canadian animals including Arctic wolves, white-tailed deer, bison, beavers and wild turkeys. And when you’re done, explore the hiking trails and restaurant onsite (including a long wine list) for a wild, family-friendly, all-day outing. If you want even more, there are overnighter activities where you can sleep in glassed rooms alongside the wolves and bears.

If you’ve been looking for a reason to visit the national capital, now’s your perfect excuse. Make it a day trip with a detour to Papanack, under two hours from Montreal, or better yet—make it an overnighter with their night safari and overnight camp activities. Among the animals you can see are kangaroos, tigers, owls, monkeys and so many marsupials!

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