Metamorphosis in Montréal

Here’s something to add to your list of must-visit attractions: the Montréal Insectarium, which recently opened after an extensive, years-long redesign.

Sometimes referred to as insect zoos, insectariums are places where live insects, spiders and other arthropods are kept, exhibited and studied.

The Montréal Insectarium is the only museum in North America where visitors can observe so many species of living insects, some of them roaming freely, in a single location.

The experience is immersive, multi-sensory and teaches you different things about insects as you move along a prescribed path. 

First, you enter the museum through a dark tunnel, which gives you a sense for how insects travel underground.

Next are the Alcoves, or underground galleries inspired by insect habitats, where you experience the world of insects through your senses. Vibrations in the floor let you perceive sounds like insects do; projected ultraviolet light effects mimic insect vision, and the configuration of the space encourages you to move like an insect by slipping through cracks or dangling from vertical rods.

Then it’s time for one-on-one time with insects. Immersive vivariums, or glass enclosures, let you closely observe arthropods. Moving on, you enter a domed room featuring glass frames of 3,000 mounted insect specimens. Finally, you emerge from the underground environment and enter the Great Vivarium, a natural-light-filled greenhouse containing more than 150 varieties of plants and, at any given time, 80 species of free-flying butterflies.

A mobile app provides detailed information on the naturalized and living species on display at the museum. The insectarium also holds special events, exhibits and workshops in which visitors can participate.

The renovated insectarium re-opened to the public in April 2022. The result of an international architectural competition, the new design is inspired by insect habitat. It aims to change the relationship humans have with insects and promote appreciation for the pollination they provide.

The Montréal Insectarium is one of five institutions that make up Espace pour la Vie, Canada’s largest natural science museum complex. Other institutions on campus are the Biodôme, the Biosphère, the Jardin botanique and the Planétarium Rio Tinto Alcan.

If a field trip to Montréal is not in the cards, consider a visit to these insectariums:

Newfoundland Insectarium: This popular nature museum located near Deer Lake features thousands of live and mounted arthropods from around the world. Highlights include a greenhouse of live tropical butterflies, a working colony of leaf-cutter ants, a honeybee hive, video theatre, children’s play area, extensive walking trails and ice cream and gift shops.

Victoria Bug Zoo: At this mini zoo in Victoria, B.C., visitors can observe about 50 species of live bugs from all over the globe. These include giant walking sticks, praying mantises, glow-in-the-dark scorpions, hairy tarantulas and Canada’s largest ant colony. Educators provide guided tours and share knowledge about arthropods on display to help you get the most from your visit.

Entomica: Based in Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, this nonprofit exhibits a variety of exotic insects. It was the first insectarium in Canada federally approved to move exotic insects outside a secure location. As such, Entomica can bring unique insects into the community and deliver interactive, hands-on programs at schools, retirement residences and community events.