Starry nights
Check out the mysteries of the planets and stars at the Montreal Planetarium, where families can take in several multimedia shows geared to different ages.
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These include: Draco, The Celestial Dragon, for children ages four to seven; In Search Of Galactium, for the seven and up set; Passport To The Skies, for ages nine and up; and In Search of Our Cosmic Origins, aimed at those 12 and older.
For more information, go to planetarium.montreal.qc.ca or call 514-872-4530.
Fun with science
While in Montreal, check out two 3D films at the IMAX TELUS cinema at the Montreal Science Centre (both on until April 18).
Under The Sea 3D explores the deep waters of Australia, New Guinea and other exotic South Pacific regions. Space Station 3D is a cinematic journey to the International Space Station. Through incredible images, viewers experience the inspiring voyage with the astronauts as they travel at 28,000 km/h to reach the ISS, which orbits some 400 km above the Earth. The film also provides a first hand glimpse into what it is like to live and work in a zero gravity environment.
Also on until April 18 is Who Am I, a playful journey of self-discovery. Children play different characters on a theatre stage, then go through the control room to learn about self-esteem. Next, they enter a giant brain and find out the influences of genetics and life experiences. At the end of the quest, particpants receive a personality profile.
IMAX films are not included with Science Centre admission, but combination tickets are available. For more, contact 514-496-4724 or centredessciencesdemontreal.com/en.
Butterflies and bugs
There is lots of school break fun at the Botanical Garden & Insectarium in Montreal.
Two big events are the Butterflies Go Free show (to April 25) in the greenhouse, which allows the whole family to witness the flying spectacle of numerous colourful butterflies; and Sugaring Off Time at the Tree House, which teaches about maple syrup production and includes samples for tasting. Contact 2.ville.montreal.qc.ca/jardin/en/propos/papillon.htm or 514-872-1400.
For more information on Montreal, contact tourisme-montreal.org.
Under the big top
Ever thought of joining the circus? Then head to the Canadian Museum of Civilization in Gatineau. Just across from Ottawa, the “circus is in town” from March 15–21 (at 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.). Children can spend time with circus professionals and learn about clowning, acrobatics and artistic expression. Free with museum admission.
Also running is First Nation Creations, March 15 (9:30 a.m. and 2 p.m.), where visitors join Metis guest Pauline Brook to create a traditional Aboriginal “talking feather.” Free with admission.
These events are in addition to the permanent exhibits at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, including the Canadian Children’s Museum, the Canadian Postal Museum, an IMAX theatre, the world’s largest indoor collection of totem poles and the magnificent First Peoples Hall.
The Children’s Museum is hands-on. Children are given passports as they enter and are encouraged to discover how people around the world live through a visit to homes in the International Village, a trek to a desert pyramid, a jaunt to the Port of Entry to help unload a cargo ship, or a stroll through the bustling Market Bazaar. For more, contact civilization.ca or 819-776-7000, 1-800-555-5621.
Partial Cease of Business Activities along with Ralliart Inc’s Business Scale DownMake a break for the Rideau River
