MONTREAL — Enjoy a peek at a Montreal museum this holiday week.

OLD MONTREAL/OLD PORT

The Montreal Science Centre takes a very big step back in time with "Dinosaurs Unearthed," a family-friendly exhibition that offers a collection of 14 life-size dinosaur replicas accurately constructed down to skin color, texture, movement and sound based on real paleontological data. This menagerie of animatronic beasts includes a Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops.

Now playing on the IMAX big screen is "Born to be Wild 3-D," which takes a poignant look at dedicated animal activists whose aim is to save orphaned orangutans and elephants. Then, "Tornado Alley 3-D" follows intrepid storm chasers in the quest to document a tornado's fury.

The Montreal Science Centre is at the King Edward Pier in the Old Port. Exhibition admission, not including taxes, costs $11.50 for adults; $10.50 for teens ages 13 through 17 and seniors; $8.50 for children 4 through 12; and $36.50 for a family of four. Combo IMAX movie rates cost $19 for adults, $17 for teens and seniors, and $14 for children 4 to 12. Hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Call (514) 496-4724 or visit www.montrealsciencecentre.com.

Pointe a Calliere, the Montreal Museum of Archaeology and History, presents "Colors of India," a photo-rich exhibition that explores the history, culture and customs of India through 50 large-format photographs, ancient Indian artifacts and traditional clothing.

Also on display is "Yours Truly, Montreal," PAC's new permanent multimedia show that tells the storied history of the city in a colorful and tidy 18 minutes.

Pointe a Calliere is at 350 Place Royale in Old Montreal. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends. Admission costs $15 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for students, $6 for children 6 through 12 and $30 for families. Call (514) 872-9150 or visit www.pacmusee.qc.ca.

EAST END

The Montreal Biodome offers four ecosystems re-created under one roof: a Laurentian forest, the St. Lawrence River, a polar world and a lush, inviting tropical rain forest.

The new family holiday activity "Once upon a Winter … in the Tropics!" includes a puppet show featuring the animals of the tropical forest and a place where youngsters can learn what it takes to become an apprentice animal keeper with stops at a rescue center, veterinary clinic and a kitchen where you can learn to cook for animals.

The Montreal Biodome is at 4777 Pierre De Coubertin Ave. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission costs $16.50 for adults, $12.50 for students and seniors, $8.25 for children 5 through 17, and $2.50 for children 2, 3 and 4. Call (514) 868-3000 or visit www.biodome.qc.ca.

PARC JEAN DRAPEAU

The Stewart Museum's new permanent exhibition "History and Memory" showcases some 500 historical artifacts, maps, documents and photos that explore New France adventures, the local maritime trade, Montreal's industrial revolution and the Patriots' Rebellion.

The Stewart Museum is located at the fort on Ile St. Helene of Parc Jean Drapeau. Hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday. Admission costs $13 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and free for children 6 and younger. Call (514) 861-6701 or visit www.stewart-museum.org.

DOWNTOWN

Currently on display at the McCord Museum of Canadian History is "Montreal Points of View," its new permanent multimedia-rich exhibition that explores the history of the city told through its people from New France-era settlers to Metro-savvy subway riders.

Also on display is "Toys 2," an exhibit that highlights vintage toys from the McCord's permanent collection.

Two photo exhibits include "Luis Jacob: The Eye, The Hole, The Picture," and "Edward Burtynsky: Oil," an exhibit by the acclaimed Canadian photographer that displays 56 large-format works with oil sands, oil fields and oil refineries as the main subject.

The McCord Museum is at 690 Sherbrooke St. W. Admission costs $13 for adults, $10 for seniors, $7 for students, and free for children 12 and younger. Call (514) 398-7100 or visit www.mccord-museum.qc.ca.

It's your last chance to catch the second edition of the Quebec Triennial at Musee d'Art Contemporain. The exhibit, which ends Jan. 3, showcases the works of 50 Quebec artists utilizing a variety of media, including videos, installations, photography, oils and drawings to explore the theme "The Work Ahead of Us."

At 185 Ste. Catherine St. W. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday; until 9 p.m. Wednesday evenings. Admission costs $12 for adults, $10 for seniors, $8 for students, and free for children 12 and under. Free admission is available Wednesday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. Call (514) 847-6226 or visit www.macm.org.

Steven Howell is the author of Montreal Essential Guide, a Sutro Media iPhone travel app available at iTunes.com.