Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Delight in over 2,000 vibrant butterflies at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, just 6 km north of Niagara Falls.

The Butterfly Conservatory is one of the largest glass-enclosed conservatories in North America. A waterfall feature and a wide variety of tropical greenery offers a serene atmosphere for viewing the butterflies. Special feeding trays and colourful blooms can be found throughout the facility and offer somewhere to stop and see the butterflies gather. In the summer, you can explore the outdoor butterfly garden designed with native flora to attract dozens of butterflies native to Ontario. 

For up-to-date information and details on the Butterfly Conservatory, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends. 

White, brown and black patterned butterfly sitting on a pink flower, in front of green foliage.

More about Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Start your experience with a quick immersive video before wandering the 180 meters of pathway on a self-guided walking tour through the tropical gardens. Gaze at over 45 species of butterflies while you listen to the soothing sounds of the waterfall. 

The fascinating emergence window gives visitors a glimpse into the life stages of the butterfly. Here you can see a variety of pupae developing in an enclosed space. After emerging, the butterflies flutter their wings to let them dry in preparation for their first flight. 

The Butterfly Conservatory holds an annual Majestic Monarch event each fall. Attend this free afternoon event to learn about the life-cycle of this vibrant species while they are tagged and released approximately every half hour. Get hands-on experience helping staff tag the Monarchs for tracking on their migration route all the way to Mexico. Learn about how researchers use the tags to track migration patterns or changes in behaviour and how you can check the status of the butterflies online. 

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is open year-round. The audio introduction video features closed captioning to assist those with impaired hearing. All public areas at the Butterfly Conservatory are fully accessible. We suggest you set aside at least one hour to fully explore this facility. Located on the Niagara Parkway a short drive north from the city of Niagara Falls, parking is available for a small fee at the facility. Plan ahead and purchase tickets online for access to the Butterfly Conservatory or gain access with purchase of a multi-attraction Niagara Falls Explorer Pass. Tickets also available for purchase in person at the conservatory. Opened in 1996, the Butterfly Conservatory also houses a gift shop and a 200 seat auditorium.  

The Butterfly Conservatory is located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. The Botanical Gardens were established in 1936 across 40 hectares of maintained outdoor space. Gardens include perennials, azaleas, herb and vegetables and over 2,400 species of roses in the famous rose garden. The site is also home to the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture which provides unique training for local horticulture students. Admission to the Botanical Gardens is free, however, there is a small parking fee at the facility. 

Local Tip: to attract the butterflies during your visit, wear bright colours and move with slow gestures as you walk the winding paths. 

Last updated: August 18, 2023

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