Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory boasts over 2,000 butterflies in their immense and superb tropical garden, not to mention birds, tropical plants, turtles and bugs, including scorpions and tarantulas. Its 2,322-square-metre (25,000-square-foot) facility includes the tropical gardens, research space and education program that seeks to inform visitors and promote conservation around the world.

The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is a great attraction for families, anyone needing full accessibility, or as part of a date to celebrate a special occasion. There is a robust calendar of special events held on the grounds including BugFeast and Woolly Bear Weekends.

Since 2001, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory has been welcoming visitors to their tropical paradise brimming with butterflies. Inside the spectacular tropical gardens are over 40 species of butterflies including the Monarch Butterfly, Golden Birdwing, Emerald Swallowtail, Rice Paper, and Silver-Spotted Flambeau. These butterflies all come from farmers based in Costa Rica and the Philippines while still in their cocoons. Upon arrival, the cocoons are hung in the Emergence Window where each butterfly emerges into the world. And guests can witness this incredible event during their visit. When ready, the butterflies then go into the main garden.

Leisurely stroll the tropical gardens and enjoy the many sights and colours from the plants to the butterflies. There is always something that will catch your attention. And time will quickly fly by without noticing as you follow butterflies around the gardens.  The air is filled with the songs from the birds that also call the gardens home. Smaller birds from around the world can be found at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory including weavers, doves, quails, finches, and canaries.

The entire conservatory is stroller and wheelchair friendly. Being a completely indoor facility as well as maintaining a constant tropical environment, you can expect the garden to be very humid. And no matter what time of year you visit, it’s a good idea to dress in layers, as the indoor temperature is kept between 24°C (75°F) to 28 ºC (82°F).

To extend your stay, enjoy a meal or tasty snack at the Chrysalis Café with ingredients sourced from local farmers. And stop by the gift store on the way out to buy a memento of your visit and to support the privately owned conservatory.

And over the next five years, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is working on expanding their facility to include outdoor gardens and walking trails for guests to enjoy.