Montreal Planetarium (Rio Tinto Alcan)

The Rio Tinto Alcan Planetarium is one of Montreal's most impressive family attractions, and a must-visit for any kid who has ever looked up at the night sky and wondered what is out there. Located on the Espace pour la vie campus in the Hochelaga-Maisonneuve neighborhood — right next to the Biodôme and a short walk from the Botanical Garden and Insectarium — the planetarium opened in 2013 as a $48 million, ultramodern facility that is one of only a handful of planetariums in the world with two circular theatres.

The two shows are completely different experiences. The EOS theatre delivers a classic planetarium journey through the cosmos, with stunning projections of stars, galaxies, and planetary systems on a massive domed ceiling. Kids lie back in their seats and feel like they are floating through space.

The Chaos theatre is more experimental — a multimedia art-and-science experience that explores the origins of life and the universe through abstract visuals and sound. Both shows run about 20 minutes each and are included with your admission ticket.

The building itself is worth the visit. Designed by Cardin Ramirez Julien and Ædifica architects, it is LEED Platinum certified and features a striking exterior that kids will immediately recognize as something special. The green roof and sustainable design make it a conversation starter about both space and the environment.

For families, the planetarium works best as part of a larger Espace pour la vie day. You can easily combine it with the Biodôme (just steps away) for a half-day adventure, or go all out and add the Insectarium and Botanical Garden. The combo pass makes this financially smart.

The campus is well-served by public transit — Viau metro station is a short walk away — and there is parking on site if you are driving.

A few practical notes for parents: the shows are bilingual but English sessions are less frequent, so plan ahead. Kids under 5 may find the dark theatres a bit intense, especially the Chaos show. And while there is a small café on the campus, you will find better food options a short walk away on Rue Ontario.