Zoo Ecomuseum

Recently, we had the pleasure of visiting the Ecomuseum Zoo, a unique sanctuary that exclusively houses animal species native to Québec. This exceptional zoo stands out because all its residents are either rescued, orphaned, rehabilitated, or born under professional human care. Many of these animals have previous injuries, were born in captivity, or are simply unable to survive in the wild. The zoo provides them with a safe and caring environment while educating the public about the importance of wildlife conservation.

The Ecomuseum Zoo's mission revolves around environmental education, wildlife conservation, and animal welfare, making it an ethical choice for animal lovers. You can feel good about visiting, knowing that the animals are well-cared for and that your visit supports a noble cause.

We took advantage of the "Sunday at the Museum" special, which offers free tickets on the first Sunday of each month. These tickets go fast, so it's essential to reserve in advance. This deal was perfect for our family of six, and I even ordered additional tickets to invite friends. This was our second time enjoying this offer, and it did not disappoint.

The tour takes about an hour and a half, during which we saw a variety of animals, including black bears, wolves, deer, coyotes, lynx, otters, owls, raccoons, porcupines, reptiles, and amphibians. 

The otters are always a favorite, delighting us with their playful swimming. The kids loved the tunnel that makes it look like they're inside the otters' enclosure. 

The arctic foxes were particularly fascinating; we initially thought they were babies due to their small size, but the zoo staff informed us that they are actually the smallest member of the canidae family in Québec, adapted to minimize heat loss.

When visiting, do keep in mind that some animals might be hard to spot as they sleep, hide from the heat, or remain concealed in their habitats. Occasionally, there might be empty enclosures if an animal has passed away and there are no new rescues yet. The zoo has also added a few new playgrounds, offering kids a chance to play and explore.

Despite the extremely hot day, the zoo visit was manageable due to the many shady and covered spots where we could take breaks. The tour ends in the cool reptile section, a welcome respite from the heat. Thankfully, it wasn't overly crowded, even on a free ticket day. However, it did get quite buggy towards the end, so I recommend bringing bug spray.

One important note: you can't eat snacks while touring the grounds due to the animals, but there are designated indoor and outdoor areas for eating. We wrapped up our visit with a treat from the Wild Willy's ice cream truck just outside the zoo, a perfect ending to a hot day.

Overall, our visit to the Ecomuseum Zoo was educational, enjoyable, and heartwarming. It’s a fantastic place to learn about Québec's wildlife and support an organization dedicated to the care and conservation of these incredible animals.