Montreal Science Centre (Centre des Sciences de Montréal)

Geared toward children and adolescents, the Montreal Science Centre’s permanent exhibits include Fabrik, which invites visitors to figure out how to engineer items such as derby cars and parachutes; Clic!, a space where children ages 4 to 7 can build with shapes and colors; and Human, an interactive exploration of human evolution. Special events are offered throughout the year and range from gaming nights for women to Rubik’s Cube competitions. Find a schedule for these events, as well as temporary exhibitions and IMAX movies, on the museum’s website.

The Montreal Science Centre is a stop on most hop-on hop-off bus tours, and Bateau-Mouche sightseeing cruises pass by.

• The Montreal Science Centre is a must for families with children.

• Purchase admission tickets online in advance to skip long lines.

• Self-serve lockers cost $1 (cash only).

• The food court offers a number of options, including poutine, tacos, and a standard takeout café.

• The museum can get chilly and requires a moderate amount of walking, so wear layers and comfortable shoes.

• The Science Centre is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and wheelchairs are available to use free of charge.

Located 1 mile (1.6 kilometers) from downtown in the Old Port, the Montreal Science Centre is easily accessible on foot or by public transit. Take bus 55 to Notre Dame and Saint Sulpice, bus 715 to Saint Laurent and Rue de la Commune, or the 2 metro to Place d’Armes. Hop-on hop-off bus tours offer hassle-free transportation and stop just outside the museum at Old Montreal: Pointe-à-Callière. Paid parking is available in the adjacent King Edward Quay parking lot.

The Montreal Science Centre is open from 10am to 5pm daily. It is busiest on weekend afternoons (weekdays offer a quieter visit), yet a wide range of activities and exhibits means it doesn’t often feel overly crowded.

Every June, the Montreal Science Centre partners with Eureka! to organize a science and technology festival for visitors of all ages. With over 100 free activities, lectures, and hands-on experiments, the festival is the largest of its kind in Quebec. Daily programs include talks by scientific experts, hands-on learning geared toward children, science-based theater performances, and workshops on endangered species. Check Eureka!’s website for a full calendar of events.