Beavers, Otters, Penguins and More!

Today we are heading off to the Biodome. This is part of the old Montreal Olympic Site. To get there we need to take the Metro (subway). This is another first for me! My trusty little guide (aka Kitten) helps to get me the tickets needed and figures out which one to take and what stops to get off at. Once there we make our way past the construction and into the dome. This place is actually 5 different biospheres. Each one replicates the environment that each species is used to. They do this through planting vegetation that is native to the place where they live. They also have built in running streams and pools that are temperature controlled to make the animals feel at home. Each one is different based on the species in that area.

First up are the otters. They are so cute playing in the water with a large water jug. They are very sleek and even pose nicely for the camera.
Next, we see the wood ducks and beavers. They have a den camera so you can see the beavers when they are sleeping. They also have an area where you can view them underwater for a different experience. The beavers don’t pose as well as the otters, but I did my best.
The next area belongs to the lynx. This is part of the Laurentian Maple Forest exhibit. I have never seen one of these up close before. He/she is quite agitated when we are there. It keeps pacing in front of the screened area. Maybe it can sense or smell something coming. I’m thinking it may be dinner time.

Then we move onto the aquarium where there are different kinds of fish. There is also a shallow are where you can see different species of starfish and anemones. There are also some lobsters and crabs. Dinner anyone? This area represents the Animals of the Gulf of the St. Lawrence in Eastern Canada. Hey! That’s where I just came from!
After this we move onto the puffin and waterfowl area of the Labrador Coast. These little guys are flapping their wings and swimming around in their large area. They like their rocky cliffs with the sparse vegetation.
Of course, we have saved the best for last. Let’s get a lot more southern with the Antarctic region. Yes! We have happy feet penguins here. They have all dressed formally today with little tuxedos for everyone. Some seem to have issues with their hair sticking out everywhere, but most seem to have their plumage under control. It is fun just to watch them waddle around and squawk at each other. Some go for a swim, and it seems like there is a meeting of some sort going on in the corner.

After we finish here, we hope back on the Metro and head to St. Denis Street for some dinner. Laura’s friend Kate joins us at a taco place. Kate leaves on her trip next month. We have a pleasant time catching up and having dinner.

Tomorrow, I leave for home. I have one night in Brockville and then I get to sleep in my own bed.Read more