Montreal is one of the greenest cities in the world, even if it doesn’t always feel that way. Especially in the summer, especially during heat waves and when the sky is colored by Canadian wildfires, especially when your apartment overlooks a building under construction.
And just like that, while out for a morning jog, annoyed by the noise of power saws and the smell of tar, you spot a monarch butterfly fluttering with delightful whimsy among the hedges of the tiny garden in front of the ground-floor apartments.
You stop to watch it for a moment. And you remember that you’re on an island with a complex ecosystem—and a rather magical one at that.
At Espace pour la Vie (which includes the Biodôme, the Insectarium, the Planetarium, and the Montreal Botanical Garden), Montreal’s ecosystem is studied, nurtured, measured, and amplified. And this weekend is the island’s pollinator festival—Les Butineries—from July 24 to 26, 2026.
Buzz, buzz, the “Butineries” at Espace pour la Vie
Monarch butterflies are part of our ecosystem, but they aren’t the only insects important to preserving it… There are also bumblebees, honeybees, earthworms, and beetles (perhaps).
Espace pour la Vie is also hosting a Pollinator Festival from Friday, July 24, through Sunday, July 26, at the Insectarium’s outdoor site. There will be experts, information booths staffed by expert researchers, shows, and surprises…
On the agenda: workshops where kids can make their own “garden hats,” booths to learn more about pollinators and butterflies, and face painting so kids can really connect with the insects.
This weekend’s activities are:
The Great Journey
10:45 a.m. and 11:45 a.m.
Duration: 30 minutes.
A monarch caterpillar dreams of becoming a magnificent butterfly and flying off on a great journey south. A magical adventure to enjoy with the whole family.
Insect Lives – Butterflies of Quebec
11:30 a.m. and 2:45 p.m.
Duration: 20 minutes.
Quebec’s butterflies are as diverse as they are colorful in their behaviors and physical characteristics. Meet three species that have a lot to share.
Insect Exploration
10:45 a.m., 1:45 p.m., and 3:45 p.m.
Duration: 20 minutes
Right outside the Insectarium lies the Pollinator Garden. Accompanied by a member of the education team, discover the diversity of insects that call it home.
Monarch Migration
12:45 p.m.
Duration: 20 minutes.
Children are invited to put on a butterfly costume and flit about with the other little monarchs in a joyful, colorful migration.
A Parade of Tiny Pollinators
4:30 p.m.
Duration: 20 minutes.
Kids are invited to dress up as pollinators and take part in a totally buzz-tastic parade!
Practical Information
Where? In the gardens of the Insectarium, at 4581 Sherbrooke Street East
When? Friday, July 24 through Sunday, July 26, 2026 / 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
What? It’s free and open to everyone.
