“A quiet little oasis and the perfect spot to become one with nature and learn more about butterflies. Let’s visit the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory!
Since this was our second time visiting Niagara Falls, as I was compiling my list of things to do, I concentrated on finding new things that we missed on our first go around, and this is how I discovered the Butterfly Conservatory. I’ll be the first to admit, my kids weren’t entirely interested in going and needed a bit of coaxing, but some things focus 100% on what they want to check out, and sometimes I get to choose. The fact that it was a wee bit like a sauna inside the conservatory probably didn’t help, but once we left, they both admitted they enjoyed it.
Alright, let’s get to it.
It was very easy to find, and really not far from the floral clock and the Centennial Lilac Garden. There was a reasonably sized parking lot that, although they had only opened an hour before we got there, was filling up fairly quickly. We stopped at the snack shop right outside the entrance and grabbed a few (overpriced) glass bottles of water (it was hot!), and made our way to the entrance. Admission is reasonably priced, between $13-15 for adults and $8 for kids under 13, and surprisingly about the same cost as our aero car adventure, and once inside, you are free to wander on a self-guided tour, which is pretty much our favorite was to explore.
There were literally hundreds of butterflies freely flying around the conservatory, and even landing on many guests. Maddie was desperate to have one land on her, and even proclaimed that she wasn’t leaving until one did. Sadly we gave up that objective after an hour of unsuccessful attempts. I did read this tip after we left > “Visitors are encouraged to wear bright clothes, wear perfume or cologne and move slowly if they wish to have butterflies land on them.” > so we might have to make one more visit for her to try again.
The environment is steamy and tropical, filled with a lot of lush vegetation, which explains all the happy butterflies, of course. In addition to the butterflies, you’ll also spot goldfish, turtles, beetles, toads and Eurasian quails, who are all there to help with the insect population. Although we were there on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, it was crowded, but not so much so that you didn’t want to be there. There were enough little pockets of space and two levels for people to explore, so it worked out. During peak times, the greenhouse hosts 300 visitors per hour!
*this photo cracks me up – you can see my oldest kid and the butterfly equally well
If you’re planning a trip to Niagara Falls, and want to do something a little off the beaten touristy path, pop into the Butterfly Conservatory and check it out (and then grab the photo opp of the nearby floral clock while you’re in the area). When it comes to planning little road trips and vacations, I tend to vacillate between going to the same place all the time (because “it’s tradition!”) to wanting to buck our pattern and explore someplace new. I mean, we only have so many years here, and I want to see as much of it as I can. That being said, we all love Niagara Falls, and I can see us doing another long weekend there in the not-too-distant future. There are still many things we haven’t done in that area yet, and with my oldest going to college in a year, well, I need to squeeze as much in as possible until then.
Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory
2565 Niagara Parkway,
Niagara Falls, Ontario,
Canada
Hungry for more Canadian adventures?Â
The Whirlpool Aero Car in Niagara is a must-do.
On our first visit, we did the Journey Behind the Falls and it was so cool! I am always mesmerized by the water and could stay and watch it for hours.
Do not leave the area without having dinner in the clouds at the Skylon Tower.
A recap on our visit to Canada.
Bird Kingdom was a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon.
Our first (and definitely legit)Â taste of poutine.
Our new favorite hotel chain, and where we stayed while we were in Toronto.
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