Zoo Ecomuseum
Zoo Ecomuseum
4
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
About
The Ecomuseum Zoo is the one and only outdoor zoo on the island of Montreal. It is home to Québec's most impressive animals species, such as Black Bears, wolves, lynx, otters, eagles, reptiles and amphibians.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Address
Neighborhood: Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
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32 within 6 miles
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
228 reviews
Excellent
101
Very good
85
Average
21
Poor
14
Terrible
7
HKPhil
Hong Kong, China51 contributions
Apr 2022
Visited 4 Apr from 1200 - 1330 hrs. Extremely pleasing experience. A winning & worthy concept: to care for & exhibit animals representative of Quebec's natural environment who are not suited to release into the Wild in a very attractive designed (World Class!) natural reserve. I would recommend the experience to anyone, whether visitor or local. The one caveat is that one's visit needs to be planned for a QUIET DAY (e.g. midday on a Monday in April, as in our case). Large numbers of visitors, exuberant youngsters are inconsistent with the serenity & peace which allows to truly enjoy the beauty of this location. The animals also tend to hide when ambient noise is high...
Plan to visit early in the day and/or check visitor traffic patterns (Google, Ecomuseum staff) to find the right days...
Plan to visit early in the day and/or check visitor traffic patterns (Google, Ecomuseum staff) to find the right days...
Written April 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sanka65
Montreal, Canada176 contributions
Aug 2022
My grandson and I spent several hours at the museum on a very hot afternoon. I would recommend not going on a hot afternoon as the animals were sensibly not coming out into the hot sun - earlier or later in the day would be better to see them.
Loved everything we saw, particularly the otters and the snowy owl. The vegetation right now is very high and so difficult to try and find the fox, etc.
Loved everything we saw, particularly the otters and the snowy owl. The vegetation right now is very high and so difficult to try and find the fox, etc.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy M
3 contributions
Aug 2023 • Family
I visited the eco zoo with 3 adults and my 2-year-old nephew. The animals living here have had previous injuries, been born in captivity or simply unable to be released and survive back in the wild. They are all animals located within the region of Quebec, and so if you are from the area, it is likely you have seen many, if not all of these animals in the wild. I love this concept and am happy to contribute to an organization that educates the population and provides animals in need with a place to live, and proper care.
They have a bingo game that encourages guests to read the signs, learn about the animals and offers the chance to win a prize. I loved this concept because it was engaging and made learning fun!
They offer playgrounds and both indoor and outdoor spaces to eat. My nephew loved the playgrounds and seeing all of the animals! If you have young children and they get bored of seeing the animals, you can take a break and play on the slides.
Keep in mind that it can be difficult to see some of the animals, as they sleep/hide, hidden in their habitats. I didn't mind this, as the animals will do what makes them feel most comfortable and natural!
I do have one concern, which is that some of the spaces seem to be a bit small. For example, I couldn't help but feel bad for some of the animals and wondered if they had enough space to fully run around/fly/slither, but figure it's more ideal than being euthanized.
They have a bingo game that encourages guests to read the signs, learn about the animals and offers the chance to win a prize. I loved this concept because it was engaging and made learning fun!
They offer playgrounds and both indoor and outdoor spaces to eat. My nephew loved the playgrounds and seeing all of the animals! If you have young children and they get bored of seeing the animals, you can take a break and play on the slides.
Keep in mind that it can be difficult to see some of the animals, as they sleep/hide, hidden in their habitats. I didn't mind this, as the animals will do what makes them feel most comfortable and natural!
I do have one concern, which is that some of the spaces seem to be a bit small. For example, I couldn't help but feel bad for some of the animals and wondered if they had enough space to fully run around/fly/slither, but figure it's more ideal than being euthanized.
Written August 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kenya Z
Dallas, TX17 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Small zoo, takes about an hour and a half to go through the whole thing. We went on a Monday afternoon so it was pretty empty which was nice. Front desk was very nice! Most of the animals are local animals like raccoons, foxes, bears, etc. we got to see a good amount of them roaming around. The duck enclosure was unfortunately closed but the reptile area was pretty cool!
Written June 26, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
louisaf718
Beaconsfield, Canada3 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
A beautiful day spent in nature and bonus of viewing wildlife. Went with the grandchildren 3 & 1.5 years and they were really happy to see the animals. A wonderful way for family to spend quality time together for a few hours.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Höskuldur G
Reykjavik, Iceland40 contributions
At arrival you soon discover that this is not a regular zoo.
In fact it's more like a man made natural place for the animals and therefore you will play hide and seek (to find the animals).
There are not many species and it's a relatively small zoo.
A bit of a disappointment bringing all the children to this zoo.
The staff is nice and helpful and facilities ok.
Not much else to say.
In fact it's more like a man made natural place for the animals and therefore you will play hide and seek (to find the animals).
There are not many species and it's a relatively small zoo.
A bit of a disappointment bringing all the children to this zoo.
The staff is nice and helpful and facilities ok.
Not much else to say.
Written July 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
milica0207
england140 contributions
Dec 2017 • Family
We were visiting Montreal for the weekend and having some spare time before driving home came across this place so we stopped by hoping to show our 2 yo some animals... well... about 10 mins in and we’d seen plenty of empty cages, either with signs saying “currently unoccupied” or “in hibernation”. We heard some howling wolves which was good, a couple of caribou and some arctic foxes. There wasn’t much more to see to be honest. Was nice to have a walk round anyway and our daughter enjoyed the playground. Feel like they should reduce the ticket price in winter!
Written December 3, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yipeng Y
3 contributions
Apr 2019 • Family
Nice little zoo on the Montreal Island. Not the typical big zoo, but with enough animals to be seen.
Two things to be mindful before going. First, there is no on site restaurant, the nearest ones are about 5-7 min drive away. So you can either bring your own to be microwaved there or go get food and come back with your one-day ticket-stamp.
Then, there are no asphalt roads. It’s only soil. So it gets very muddy when it rains or when the snow is melting. Bring your dirt resistant shoes.
Two things to be mindful before going. First, there is no on site restaurant, the nearest ones are about 5-7 min drive away. So you can either bring your own to be microwaved there or go get food and come back with your one-day ticket-stamp.
Then, there are no asphalt roads. It’s only soil. So it gets very muddy when it rains or when the snow is melting. Bring your dirt resistant shoes.
Written April 13, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
O.M.
Montreal, Canada395 contributions
Feb 2019 • Couples
Beautiful place to spend a day (at least few hours) in nature, and check on some wild life as a bonus. Montreal does not have a zoo in its classic form per se, unless you are ready to hit the road for Granby, or further. This outdoor eco zoo would be the closest zoo version within the reasonable reach from a downtown to go see some free running animals and birds of prey. The park is a recreation of the natural habitat for the wild animals: love the fact that this eco-zoo is a giant shelter for the animals and birds with injuries – they were actually rescued under different circumstances and now all have a safe place to inhabit and be taken care. We have not seen all of the animals today (for obvious reason: its winter and some guys are hibernating) but will sure return in warmer time to see more variety. Not a rip off for some $14.75 (in winter) per person also given the good cause, and tons of learning about fauna while you explore the place.
Written February 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jon W
2 contributions
Jul 2016 • Family
Drove from Ottawa to Montreal to visit this dump. Should have stayed home. 50 bucks entry for my wife and son to stare into a bunch if empty enclosures. Decrepit and depressing. Skip this place altogether and head for the Biodome instead.
Written July 11, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jon,
We're sorry to read you didn't have a good time at the zoo.
You mentioned that the zoo looked decrepit and depressing. On-going work is done to keep our facilities and habitats clean, natural and up-to-date. Of course, we’re not a typical zoo, and where you’ll find paved roads in other institutions, here you’ll find natural pathways and habitats. Where manicured flowerbeds may be the norm in other settings, here as well flora is left natural. Your impression may have been related to the current construction that is ongoing at the zoo. Indeed, we are currently building a new habitat for our River Otters, as part of our 5-year modernization campaign, which ends in 2017. All our habitats are designed to reflect the animals’ natural environment, and answer to their individual needs. Animal well-being is at the heart of everything we do, always.
You also mentioned that you came across many empty habitats. We can confirm that all the animals were present at the time of your visit. When it's hot outside, animals will sometimes seek shade, just like we do. It's definitely worth it to come by an habitat more than once to see an animal you may have missed the first time. Our animals always have the option to hide from the public's eye if they prefer to.
We hope you'll give our institution another chance in the future. Thank you for your comments!
Written August 4, 2016
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Beebeeanca
Blainville, Canada168 contributions
Hi ! Is it possible to avoid the reptile section if we aren’t too keen on snakes and similar animals ? // bonjour ! Est-il possible d’éviter la section reptiles si nous ne voulons pas voir les serpents et autres animal du genre ?
emilie_senecal
Montreal, Canada
Bonjour!
La section des reptiles est actuellement fermée en raison des mesures de distanciation physique. Vous pouvez rencontrer les tortues à l'extérieur, mais il n'est pas possible de rencontrer les serpents actuellement :)
Merci de votre intérêt et bonne journée!
Julie L
Atlanta, GA184 contributions
Is this part of the Biodome, or is it a separate zoo?
emilie_senecal
Montreal, Canada
Hi Julie!
We're not related to the Biodome. We're a private non-profit zoo located on the western tip of the island of Montréal, featuring Québec's wildlife exclusively.
Thank you for your interest!
smg1971
Mendon, MA56 contributions
Is this all outdoors? We’re visiting in January? Will we freeze? Lots to see still?
emilie_senecal
Montreal, Canada
Hi there!
Yes, it's mostly ourdoors - we have a small section indoors to visit the reptiles, amphibians and fish, but all the rest is outside. In winter, all the animals are visible and generally very active! The only ones you won't be able to meet in winter are the bears and the raccoons, who are hibernating. Winter truly is a magical season to visit!
Thank you!
neilasasa
Vaudreuil-Dorion, Canada
Hi! What's the best hours to visit so we can see more animals in the summer?
Robert J S
Dennis Port, MA2,723 contributions
Like people, animals get lethargic when the temp goes up. I would recommend going earlier rather than later in the summer. While I was there a bear was napping in the shade. Feeding time is always good, too.
Marcele
Oslo, Norway
How can i get there using public transport? From center ville is there a better way than getting on 2 buses and subway like google tells me to?
emilie_senecal
Montreal, Canada
The way you found seems to be the good one. You can check out the STM's website to obtain a more precise route.
Hope it answers your question!
Debra A
Hawkesbury, Canada3 contributions
Entrance prices, opening hours, available washrooms, and restaurant or café nearby.
emilie_senecal
Montreal, Canada
Hi Debra,
Our entrance prices are $15 per adult and $9 per child (3-15 years old). We are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., but our ticket counter closes at 4 p.m. We have complete washrooms available. If you wish to bring your own lunch, we have a picnic area and an indoor lunch room.
Restaurants and cafés are available on Ste-Anne-de-Bellevue's boardwalk, which is a 5 minutes drive from the zoo.
We hope it answers your question!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Zoo Ecomuseum
- Zoo Ecomuseum is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
- Hotels near Zoo Ecomuseum:
- (0.90 mi) Courtyard Montreal West Island/Baie D’Urfe
- (3.81 mi) Chateau Vaudreuil Hotel & Suites
- (9.58 mi) DoubleTree by Hilton Montreal Airport
- (9.12 mi) Montreal Airport Marriott In-Terminal Hotel
- (9.62 mi) Fairfield by Marriott Montreal Airport
- Restaurants near Zoo Ecomuseum:
- (9.50 mi) Trattoria Bellamore
- (5.94 mi) Bistro Nolah
- (4.62 mi) Patate et Persil
- (7.61 mi) Restaurant La Verita
- (8.64 mi) Cabane a Pommes a l'Erable