Things to do on Montreal's West Island with kids
Montreal's West Island has a nature side that's easy to forget: the city's largest nature park, a zoo of Quebec animals and welcoming arenas. Here are seven family outings, plus a few ideas just off the island.
In short: in summer, the beach and farm at Cap-Saint-Jacques; year-round, the Ecomuseum Zoo (even in winter); for skating, Sportplexe Pierrefonds and Bob-Birnie Arena.
Nature and animals
1. Cap-Saint-Jacques Nature Park
Montreal's largest nature park: beach, kayaks and an ecological farm in summer; sledding, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in winter.
- 20099 Gouin Boulevard West (Pierrefonds)
- See the listing
2. Ecomuseum Zoo
A human-scale zoo devoted to Quebec's animals: wolves, black bears, lynx, arctic foxes and otters. Short, stroller-friendly trails.
- 21125 Chemin Sainte-Marie, Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue
- Open year-round (closed December 25)
- See the listing
Skating
3. Sportplexe Pierrefonds
Public skating on weekends, free sessions during the holidays and spring break, and themed parties on ice.
- 14700 Pierrefonds Boulevard
- See the listing
4. Bob-Birnie Arena
Public skating year-round at a low price, and free for Pointe-Claire residents.
- 58 Avenue Maywood, Pointe-Claire
- See the listing
When it rains
5. Ciné Starz Deluxe Sources
The movie theatre at Galeries des Sources.
- 3237 Des Sources Boulevard, Dollard-des-Ormeaux
- See the listing
Just off the island
6. ZigZagZoo
A big play centre for ages 12 and under, in Vaudreuil-Dorion.
- 980 Avenue Saint-Charles, Vaudreuil-Dorion
- See the listing
7. Les Alpagas de la Petite Côte
A 45-minute guided visit to meet the alpacas.
- 1423 Chemin Saint-Louis, Saint-Lazare
- See the listing
Our tips
- Cap-Saint-Jacques and the Ecomuseum Zoo are about 15 minutes apart: a lovely nature day.
- In fall, the Île-Perrot farms are just across the bridge: see Things to do in Vaudreuil and Île-Perrot.
Frequently asked questions
What can kids do on the West Island?
Cap-Saint-Jacques (beach and farm), the Ecomuseum Zoo and public skating at Sportplexe Pierrefonds.
Is the Ecomuseum Zoo open in winter?
Yes, year-round except December 25; northern animals are very active in cold weather.
Where can we skate for free on the West Island?
At Sportplexe Pierrefonds during the holidays and spring break, and at Bob-Birnie Arena for Pointe-Claire residents.
Information checked on October 13, 2026. Prices and hours may change: confirm with each place before you go.
