This attraction was the main reason that I organised a day to the Olympic Park - the stadium is located nearby and the Biodome itself used to be the velodrome. We exited at Viau metro station.
You enter into a huge reception space leading to the ticket counter. We settled on one of the combination tickets for the Biodome, the Botanic Gardens, and the Insectarium. There is another ticket available that includes all of these attractions plus the Olympic Stadium.
The Biodome is divided into four main sections. We went through the sections in the following order, covering a circular route, but you're free to start with any section you desire.
Tropical Forest
The forest is accessed on raised wooden platforms that separate you from the animals. The birds are the most apparent of all the creatures, flying around above your head and making lots of noise! Clearings in the forest also make it easier for you to spot various mammals and reptiles on the ground. Between parts of the forest are also tunnels that are lined on the inside with fish tanks full of various tropical fish - like piranhas! Information about the various animals is posted on information boards along the route.
Laurentian Forest
This forest was mostly what interested me. The Laurentian forest was an indoor version of what was available outside Montreal in the Quebec and Ontario region. As I would not be able to view the real forest, I was going to have to settle for an indoor approximation! Again, wooden platforms lead you around the area. The beavers were my favourite, with their own dam in the back. We wandered into one closed-off area and the general comment was that it smelled of cat pee. Well, it would - it housed a lynx!
St Lawrence Marine Ecosystem
The highlight of this area is the large seaside-like area where numerous seaside birds (seagulls, terns) are flying overhead. If not for the roof, it would feel like a real pier! All I can say is, close your mouth if you're looking overhead! A large aquarium also holds a number of fish found in the local waters.
Polar World
This was the smallest region but one that seemed to be the most popular, judging by the length of time in which people lingered! A number of large glass enclosures housed various polar dwelling birds. Puffins (oh, they are adorable!), and many types of penguins are mostly what I remember. The enclosures were built such that their ground level was our eye level so it was possible to see them swim as the water was flush against the glass.
The Biodome is obviously very popular with children (there was a school group there during my visit), but adults curious about the fauna in the areas surrounding Montreal, will find it interesting. Expect a huge zoo and you'll be disappointed.