With travel season in full swing, a new report is calling out the biggest money traps across Canada — and one Montreal attraction just cracked the top three.
According to data compiled by CasinoBonusCA and released this week, the Montreal Biosphere is one of the worst-reviewed attractions in the country when it comes to bang for your buck. The analysis ranked destinations by how often TripAdvisor users described them as “overpriced,” a “rip-off”, or a “tourist trap,” as well as the share of 1–2 star reviews.
For those who don’t know, the Montreal Biosphere is an environmental museum housed in a striking dome originally built for Expo 67. Located in Parc Jean-Drapeau, it was designed by famed architect Buckminster Fuller and has since become a symbol of the city’s skyline.
While locals might admire the Biosphere’s iconic architecture and green setting, many reviewers were underwhelmed by what’s inside. According to the study, the Biosphere had one of the highest rates of negative reviews (8.7%) relative to its total — with several visitors calling the exhibits sparse or unimpressive for the price.
“Interesting to look at, but it felt like a quick visit with little content,” one reviewer wrote, as cited in the report.
Elsewhere in Canada, Vancouver’s Capilano Suspension Bridge and Peggy’s Cove in Nova Scotia were ranked the top two tourist traps, while Toronto’s CN Tower and Toronto Zoo rounded out the top five.
The U.S. list featured more big names, including Times Square, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Grand Canyon Skywalk, which topped the American rankings and was described by reviewers as “a monumental rip-off.”
So if you’re heading out on a summer getaway, this might be your sign to double-check what you’re really paying for — and whether that tourist photo is worth the price.
You can read the full Canadian and U.S. rankings on CasinoBonusCA.
Curious what other landmarks Montrealers love to hate? We recently asked readers to name the city’s ugliest landmarks — and while the Biosphere was spared, a few other familiar faces didn’t escape the heat. You can explore the top responses here.
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