FAQ - Biosphère
What is the Biosphère's programming?
The Biosphère presents exhibitions for all ages, with powerful themes that call for action and citizen participation. The various experiences encourage dialogue in favour of environmental protection and biodiversity.
Through these activities, curious minds can gain a better understanding of today’s major environmental issues and uncover solutions to address them.
Are access fees for the Biosphère different from the other Espace pour la vie museums?
The Biosphère's fee schedule is the same as that of Espace pour la vie.
What are the food services at the Biosphère?
We are currently exploring the best solution to satisfy the public's cravings inside the walls of the museum.
When the weather is collaborating, the land surrounding the Biosphère is perfect for a picnic. Tables are set out on the lawns and in the woodland surrounding the museum. You will also find garbage bins to keep the park clean.
On Île Sainte-Hélène and Île Notre-Dame, the Ste-Hélène Bistro-Terrasse, the Bistro du circuit, the Roulotte and Bar-terrasse on Jean-Doré beach as well as the food offer at the Casino de Montréal can meet your needs.
To find out more about the restaurants and food services located near the Biosphère, visit the Parc Jean-Drapeau website.
How do we access the Biosphère?
By metro
The best way to get to the Biosphère is by metro! The entrance to the museum is a 3-minute walk from Jean-Drapeau Station (yellow line).
By bike
Take the bike paths passing through the Jacques-Cartier bridge (from the South Shore or downtown Montréal) or the Concorde bridge (from the Old Port of Montréal). BIXI stations are located on Île Sainte-Hélène.
By car
Via the Jacques-Cartier bridge :
From Montréal:
- Take the La Ronde / Parc Jean-Drapeau exit.
- Follow the directions to get to the Biosphère.
From Longueuil:
- Take the La Ronde / Parc Jean-Drapeau exit.
- Follow the directions to get to the Biosphère.
Via the Bonaventure Expressway (from downtown, via University Street):
- Take exit 2, avenue Pierre-Dupuy / Port de Montréal.
- Follow the directions for Parc Jean-Drapeau.
- On the Concorde bridge, at the 1st stop sign, turn right (Chemin Macdonald).
- Continue straight until the "Biosphère" sign, then turn left.
By river shuttle
During the summer season, look for the itineraries, schedule and prices on the Navark Cruises website.
For more details, see our access to the Biosphère page.
Can we enter the Biosphère building to enjoy the view without paying for the exhibitions' access?
As the entire site is a museum, you have to pay an entrance fee. A ticket gives you access to the exhibitions and one of the most beautiful views of Montréal.
How long do you need to plan for a visit?
The Biosphère can be visited in about two hours, depending on your interest in one exhibition or another. Visitors who want to see and read everything spend more time in the museum. The same logic applies for those who wish to take the time to enjoy the view from the 4th or 5th floor and listen to the wind sing between the steel rods of the geodesic dome.
How can we organize an event at the museum?
The Biosphère and other Espace pour la vie museums offer the possibility of renting rooms for private or corporate events. At the Biosphère, certain spaces, including a terrace with a view of Montréal, are suitable for the organization of happy hours, award presentations, conferences, launches or Christmas parties. For more details, see our section on room rental.
What is the museum's mission?
The Biosphère's mission and that of the other four Esapce pour la vie museums naturally converge around the importance of societal transformation in order to face major contemporary environmental challenges. Together, these five institutions will focus on environmental education and awareness raising with a view to ecological transition and societal transformation.
The Biosphère is entirely dedicated to the links between society and the environment. The museum raises public awareness of environmental issues, including those related to climate change. It seeks to mobilize citizens through its programming, activities and exhibitions.
Why was the Biosphère's management transferred from the Government of Canada to the Ville de Montréal in 2021?
In 2019, as the Biosphère’s lease held by the federal government was coming to an end and following discussions with the Ville de Montréal, which owns the building, the Government of Canada, the Government of Québec and the Ville de Montréal announced that a working committee had been struck to ensure the outreach and continuity of the Biosphère’s activities, as well as its public education and environmental mission. The three levels of government, with shared environmental priorities, began working together to pool their resources and ensure a promising future for the Biosphère.
Before the repoening of the Biosphère, consultations and brainstorming workshops in which Espace pour la vie took part were conducted with Montrealers by an independent consulting company, bringing together representatives from the university, environmental, cultural and heritage communities. The decision to integrate the Biosphere’s activities into those of Espace pour la vie emerged from the consultations. For all the participants, it seemed important to maintain the Biosphère’s role of promoting environmental awareness and education while continuing to give Montrealers an opportunity to benefit from this museum that has been operating for over 25 years.