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The Great Vivarium

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At the Great Vivarium of the Insectarium, you can have fun finding butterflies in the vegetation.
Photo: Espace pour la vie/Mélanie Dusseault
At the Great Vivarium, a family is searching for butterflies in the vegetation.
  • At the Great Vivarium, a family is searching for butterflies in the vegetation.
  • A mother and her daughter are observing butterflies flying free in the Insectarium.
  • A butterfly stands on a cantaloupe in the Great Vivarium.
  • In the Grand Vivarium, a guide explains the behavior of insects.
  • Some visitors are observing insect behavior in the Insectarium's Great Vivarium.

The Great Vivarium is a one-of-a-kind place in North America: it’s here, year round, that you can spend time with species from all over the world flying free or partly confined under a single roof.

A living kingdom

This true living kingdom promises a walk to the very heart of nature, among plants and insects. They drink, eat, fly and climb under your watchful eye. During the tour, at one point you come across a waterfall where free-flying butterflies are enjoying themselves; at another, a long tree branch where ants are busy with work.

A demonstration nursery

The demonstration nursery is a fascinating section of the Great Vivarium. It’s possible to observe the life cycle of butterflies here and maybe get to see one of them emerging from its chrysalis, an intriguing spectacle.

A hosted circuit

The guides on hand will be able to direct your attention to the most fascinating behaviors, and answer any questions you may have. They know all the insects’ secrets, and will help you learn more about the species on exhibit.

The focus of the Great Vivarium is the fragile balance between nature and insects, as well as the importance of conserving and respecting this infinitely precious environment.