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The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

We just spent the weekend in Niagara Falls, and while there I took the opportunity to take the girls to the Butterfly Conservatory.  I’ve never actually been to the Butterfly Conservatory before but I’ve heard all about it from my family and friends, including my sister who was excited to visit it again.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The Butterfly Conservatory is located on the grounds of the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens, just a short drive from the main tourist strip.  If you are adventuresome, make sure you stop and go on the Niagara Whirlpool Aero Car which is on the way to the Butterfly Conservatory if you are coming from Niagara Falls.  If you are a little nervous about dangling over a giant whirlpool as I am, then there is a look-out area on the other side of the gorge just before you arrive at the Butterfly Conservatory.

The Floral Clock is also nearby if that is something you are interested in seeing.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The Butterfly Conservatory features over 2,000 colourful tropical butterflies, made up of 45 different species.  The tour of the conservatory is self-guided which begins with a short and very informative video presentation.  The tour leads you through a 180 meter winding  pathway through a rainforest setting, which includes a pond and waterfall.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

 Since it is a lush but very hot and humid environment you will definitely want to dress appropriately (in layers) so you can be comfortable enough to take in the beauty inside the atrium.  When planning your outfit be sure to remember that butterflies are attracted to bright and colourful clothing.  With the right outfit and walking slowly you can end up attracting butterfly’s to land on you.  I can guarantee though, that the minute you walk into the atrium you will be blown away by just how many of these delicate insects are free-flying around in the tropical garden environment.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

There are plenty of benches and rocks to sit on so you can rest and go at your own pace.  Slow is honestly the best pace to take in all the amazing and beautiful creatures floating around.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

I was really fascinated by the Emergence area which allows visitors to view the butterfly life cycle.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

There were visitors of all ages walking around, and this gorgeous attraction really does appeal to all people universally.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

 I was also really impressed by how knowledgeable the staff were, and how much they really seemed to find joy in working at the Butterfly Conservatory and helping visitors.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory 

As you can tell from all the photos, there is a huge variety of butterfly’s in every shape and colour but these photographs really only scratch the surface.  I left out many of my photos and there were some I was unable to get a clear shot of so there are plenty more to go see!

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Be prepared to spend at least an hour inside the conservatory because there is so much to take in!

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

 

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

It was a wonderful experience to be surrounded by so many Butterfly’s and have the chance to watch them not only fly around but eat as well.  I’ve never been able to just see Butterfly’s sitting around having a snack up close. 

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The conservatory is open year round, so no matter when you are visiting Niagara Falls you can go on a tour and walk among these majestic insects.

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Swamp Creatures exhibit

On now until May 11, Swamp Creatures features fascinating animals from the world’s wetlands. Discover incredible hands-on learning, fun and educational interpretation and of course incredible live demonstrations. Swamp Creatures is included with regular admission to the Butterfly Conservatory.

Keira was able to pet a snake being held by a handler during our visit and she seemed to really enjoy it as she didn’t want to stop touching the snake!

The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

Children 5 and under are FREE at all Niagara Parks attractions.  Parking at the Botanical Gardens is $5.00.

Save over 55% on this attraction with the Niagara Falls Wonder Pass!

 The Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

 

 

kathy downey

Friday 2nd of January 2015

I’ve never been to a Butterfly Conservatory, but I’d sure like to go.

Linda Bragg

Sunday 23rd of November 2014

Such beautiful pics you have shared. I was here a few yrs back and both my husband and I loved the Conservatory. I would love to go back again. Never get tired of such beautiful sites and its amazing here!!

kathy downey

Friday 24th of October 2014

I have never been to the Butterfly Conservatory,but I would sure love to visit there someday !

kathy downey

Thursday 11th of September 2014

The butterflies are amazing

DARLENE W

Monday 4th of August 2014

On my list of things to see the next time we are in Niagara Falls