Visit our Research Station and Museum
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NOTE: COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
For the first time in 42 years, MICS remained closed during the 2020 summer field season due to the global covid-19 situation. We are now in preparation for our 2021 field season and we hope to be able to conduct our research season from June on, while respecting the best work conditions for our staff, partners and for the people from the local community.
Nevertheless, we have decided not to open our interpretation center to the public in 2021, because we will have a reduced field team and we will focus all our efforts on research. We hope to be able to welcome you back into our museum during summer 2022!
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During the summer of 1992, we inaugurated our research and interpretation centre. The centre houses a museum, 2 conference rooms (capacity: 25 and 50 people respectively), a library, and our offices and laboratory. As a complement to our field research, a tour through the museum with experienced scientists offers the public a complete view of our studies of marine mammals in the St. Lawrence. Painted murals and photographs covering the walls and floor of the museum depict the feeding behaviours of baleen and toothed whales as observed by staff researchers in the St. Lawrence.
The life-size model of a female minke whale (29' 1"), created around its skeleton, appears to swim through the museum enabling visitors to experience the full presence of such an animal at close quarters. Half of the minke's skeleton remains visible displaying evolutionary traits of whales. Visitors learn about our research from displayed equipment and a didactic wall describing our studies. At the end of each interpretation, a movie is shown, that elaborates on the general ecology of whales in the St. Lawrence and offers a look at team members carrying out field research.
In addition to guiding you through our museum and answering your questions, MICS researchers and naturalists present hour-long talks on marine mammal biology and research several times a week.
Annual opening hours and fees
Open every day from June 12 through to September 6, 2019
Opening hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Guided tours: 09:30 AM, 10:45 AM, 1:15 PM and 3:00 PM
Rates:
Price per person: $10.00
Senior (65+) $ 7.00
Children (6-12): $5.00 (children under 6: free admission)
Guided tours for groups (school or other): please contact us for more information
Also check out: Research expeditions with MICS scientists
While our guided visit gives you a good overview of our research and activities, there is nothing like going out into the field with the researchers. You will get a chance to experience the daily life of marine mammal fieldwork first-hand, for a whole unforgettable week. Additionally to seeing the great whales out at sea, you will also be able to see the research work that goes on behind the scenes at the station, as the researchers tell you about the work that has been going on for 40 years. You might even get to meet whales that we have known for over 35 years!
For more information, check out our Research expeditions
Museum Gallery
