From Cocoon to Flight | Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory (Niagara Falls)

Experience the company of 2, 000 colourful tropical butterflies at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Falls, with up to 45 species on display at all times and 180 metres of pathways winding through a pond, waterfall, and the emergence window, where butterflies build their cocoons and take their first flight!

With plenty of height, Ben, Yegana, and I found ourselves in the midst of palm trees, ferns, and orchids, which provide nectar for the butterflies, and expose visitors to a wide diversity of plants, emphasizing the message of how important world habitats really are.

Butterfly Conservatory 101

A lot of the messages that we saw relayed within this 21-year old conservatory were about conservation and preservation – leaving nature to do what nature does.

Educational programming at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls starts with a video introduction to teach adults and children about butterfly conservation, preservation, life cycles, and migration journeys. After the presentation, everyone steps into the sanctuary where guests go on a self-guided tour, and several staff are on-site to answer questions as needed.

Visual feast in Niagara Falls

The tropical colours and patterns of the butterflies are magnificent, very much a feast for the eyes. Since the butterflies are not behind glass, they flutter all around you, and even land on you, making for a unique, hands-on nature experience.

We saw a variety of butterfly wing types, from brightly colored ocean blues and greens to sun-bright oranges and yellows.

We also noticed many butterflies that had wings with bold patterns of dots and stripes.

In contrast, other butterflies we encountered had more subtle wing tones that resembled brown, grey, and white textures of tree bark.

Each butterfly had different coloured scales and characteristics, and we definitely never saw two that were alike.

Calming Vibe

Just a 10-minute drive outside the hustle and bustle of Niagara Falls, we entered into this slow-pace, relaxing atmosphere, where our biggest priority was to take in all the sights, sounds, and colours of nature.

Our team enjoyed this calming environment, filled with waterfalls, plants, and flora that captured our attention.

The natural surroundings offered an ideal setting for us to engage in self reflection, through conversation, writing, and photography, completely unplugged from the many distractions of everyday work and life situations.

Butterflies like it hot

The humid and misty environment at the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is designed to simulate a tropical rainforest.

Since the temperatures are fairly warm, I’d definitely recommend bringing water to stay hydrated if you’re planning a trip to the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls.

Impressively accessible grounds

Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory is open to all ages, and people of all abilities.

The walkways are wide and flat, great for wheelchair or baby stroller users, and there are accessible bathroom facilities as well.

Once inside the Conservatory, there are also a lot of places to park a wheelchair or baby stroller, sit, and enjoy the butterflies, as well as the company of your family or friends.

What else to see and do on-site

Butterfly Café

The Butterfly café has eats for a refreshing snack or lunch, like sandwiches, burgers, and ice cream cones. It’s also licensed, if you’d like wine or beer as you overlook the majestic trees of the old specimen garden area.

Botanical Gardens

Explore the next-door gardens with a self-guided tour (download the app on the garden site for a virtual walking tour), or with a group guided tour. See collections of roses, perennials, herbs, vegetables and more.

Horse and carriage rides are available seasonally by Sentineal Carriages for people who can’t walk the distance.

The Legacy Garden

The Legacy Garden is the Botanical Garden’s latest exhibit, featuring a natural prairie garden, filled with all native plants to help educate the public about prairie gardens and the importance of pollinators.

Niagara Falls Adventure Pass

If you want to experience all of Niagara Parks’ attractions at a discount price, they offer Niagara Falls Adventure Pass deals.

Planning recommendations

Schedule 1 to 2 hours to see the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, Niagara Falls.

Make sure to pack comfortable walking shoes.

Don’t forget to bring your camera!

Plan your budget accordingly.

Admission costs Adult $14.55 + tax (13 years+), Child $9.45+tax (6-12 years), Children 5 and under are free. Parking at the gardens is $5.00.

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About Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory

The butterfly conservatory, one of the most visited attractions in Niagara Falls is located 9 km north of the Falls in the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. It features 2,000 types of free-flying butterflies in an enclosed, rainforest environment.

For more information on Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory, visit https://www.niagaraparks.com

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