Newfoundland Insectarium

Imagine a place where the most amazing legends of the microworld come to life—that is exactly what the Newfoundland Insectarium offers its guests. Located in the scenic surroundings of Deer Lake, this world-class museum is housed in a unique 1946 converted dairy barn, spanning nearly 8,000 square feet.

Here, in the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada, thousands of species of insects, arachnids, and other arthropods from all corners of the globe have been gathered. The exhibition is masterfully divided by geographical region, allowing visitors to take a world tour in a single day, studying both exotic tropical inhabitants and local insects of the Atlantic coast.

This museum is not just a scientific collection, but a true sensory experience. Guests can expect live tarantulas, scorpions, a massive glass beehive, and an impressive 28-meter greenhouse with tropical butterflies. Thanks to its high ratings and glowing reviews from hundreds of thousands of tourists, the insectarium is deservedly considered one of the best indoor attractions in the region.

For those who want to clarify details before their trip or ask the museum staff questions, the main contact information is provided below. You can get in touch with the insectarium representatives by phone or through their official website.

Please note that the insectarium operates seasonally, so it is recommended to check for current information on the website before your visit.

The main adventure at the insectarium is visiting the 28-meter tropical butterfly house. In this massive greenhouse, vibrant winged beauties flutter in free flight, and if you're lucky, one might land right on you. Equally fascinating is watching the glass beehive in action and the complex life of a leaf-cutter ant colony, which you can observe for hours.

For those ready for a closer encounter with nature, the friendly staff offers a unique opportunity to hold some harmless insects. This is always a hit with children and provides a wow factor for adults. In addition to the live inhabitants, it's worth taking a detailed look at the halls with pinned insect collections, featuring rare specimens that amaze with their shapes and colors.

You can round off your visit with a stroll along the scenic nature trail on the museum grounds or a visit to the themed gift shop. There, you can find unique jewelry featuring elements from the insect world and educational artifacts dedicated to beekeeping and entomology. The entire complex is perfect for family outings, offering a rare combination of education and entertainment.

The Newfoundland Insectarium is located at 2 Bonne Bay Rd, Reidville. Its location is extremely convenient for travelers: the museum is less than 5 kilometers from the Deer Lake airport. The site is right on Route 430, which is the primary route to the famous Gros Morne National Park.

The easiest way to get here is by car. If you are coming from the town center, follow Route 430 toward Gros Morne and turn onto Bonne Bay Rd. Since this is a rural area, public transport is virtually non-existent, so renting a car or taking a taxi from the airport would be the best solution.

There is ample parking available on-site for visitors. A nice bonus for pet owners is the availability of special free kennels where you can leave your dog while you tour the exhibits.

The history of this extraordinary place began in 1998, when enthusiasts Lloyd Hollett and Gary Holloway decided to transform an old 1940s dairy barn into an educational center. The building, originally constructed in 1946, retained its massive scale, providing nearly 8,000 square feet of space for the amazing collection.

In 2023, the Newfoundland Insectarium celebrated its 25th anniversary. Over a quarter of a century, it has grown from a modest private project into one of the province's most award-winning attractions, regularly receiving top ratings from TripAdvisor and recognition as the region's best museum.

Today, Lloyd Hollett and his wife Sandy continue to manage their life's work. Thanks to their efforts and the help of seasonal student enthusiasts, the museum welcomes thousands of guests every year, with the total number of visitors over the years already exceeding 500,000 people.

Usually, it takes between 1.5 to 2.5 hours to tour the entire Newfoundland Insectarium collection. This is plenty of time to leisurely explore the geographical sections, observe the hives, and spend time in the butterfly garden.

If you are traveling with children—who will likely want to stay longer with the live exhibits or watch the leaf-cutter ants—or if you are a passionate entomologist, we recommend setting aside about 3 hours for your visit. Don't forget to also leave some time for a stroll along the nature trail located on the grounds.

The Newfoundland Insectarium welcomes guests seasonally: the operating period typically runs from May 16 to October 13. The museum is closed during the winter months.

As exact daily operating hours may vary depending on the season and current conditions, visitors are strongly encouraged to check the schedule on the official website or call ahead before planning their trip.

After diving into the world of insects, you can continue your journey by exploring the surroundings. The area around Deer Lake offers both cozy spots to relax and opportunities to experience local culture and nature.

A stroll along the lakeshore or a visit to regional heritage centers would be a great addition to your itinerary in western Newfoundland.