Butterfly Conservatory Niagara Falls: All You Need To Know From A Local Tour Guide
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Has something as small and delicate as a butterfly ever trusted you enough to land on your shoulder? It’s a beautiful moment. You get the chance to experience this magic when you visit one of Niagara Falls’ top attractions: the Butterfly Conservatory.
I have visited the Butterfly Conservatory multiple times, and as a professional tour guide in Niagara Falls, I love to encourage my guests to go see it. Now, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about the Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory.
Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory: Ultimate Guide
Just to clarify: the Butterfly Conservatory is in Niagara Falls, CANADA.
Not in the USA.
In fact, it’s actually just outside the city of Niagara Falls itself, part way to Queenston, where you can cross the Queenston-Lewiston bridge to and from the USA. This bridge might be faster than taking the Rainbow Bridge during busy summer months.
The Butterfly Conservatory is a climate-controlled greenhouse filled with over 2,000 exotic butterflies from about 40 different species. Many of these butterflies are imported from tropical regions but some are raised in a butterfly farm just behind the conservatory. You get to see the glory of their adult life.
What to Expect
When you arrive at the Butterfly Conservatory, you’ll find convenient paid parking or you can hop-off the WEGO bus. Then, follow the signs leading you through the beautiful grounds of the Botanical Gardens. Although the conservatory is nestled behind a few trees, it’s just a short walk away.
After purchasing your tickets, you’ll have the option to capture a memorable tourist photo, which you can purchase later in the gift shop—or you can politely decline if you prefer.
✨ This is where the magic begins. ✨
You’ll enter the conservatory through a double set of doors designed to keep the butterflies from escaping. Then you will start on a path that winds all around the glass, butterfly-filled, tropical room. They maintain it at 27 degrees celsius with a high humidity – perfect for the butterflies – but it doesn’t feel too hot.
♿ The path in the Butterfly Conservatory is fully accessible.
The tropical plants in the conservatory are a marvel in their own right. You don’t often see massive greenhouses for tropical plants in Canada.
You’ll hear the trickle of a beautiful stream as you pass, or the rush of the waterfall.
🦋 But watch where you step! Do not step on the butterflies! 🦋
The butterflies are everywhere! Flying all around you, landing on the stones or the path in front of you, so keep your eyes open! If you are lucky, maybe a butterfly will choose you to land on. They seem to love kids and land on them a lot, I’ve noticed.
It does not take long to get through the conservatory on the twisty-turny path. So, take your time, sit on a bench, or do the loop a few times if you want to get your steps in.
When you come out, you will exit through the gift shop. It has a decent collection of souvenirs and butterfly-related gift items. Then you’re out and free to explore the botanical gardens and the attractions beyond (find out more about nearby attractions below).
Hours
The Butterfly Conservatory is open year round (except on Christmas Day), but the hours do change seasonally, so double check their schedule HERE before you head out.
Summer Open Hours
Monday – Friday 9:30 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
Saturday & Sunday 9:30 A.M. – 6:00 P.M.
Winter Open Hours
All Days 10:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M.
*Not open on December 25.
Admission Fees (2024)
Adults (13+ years old) = $19
Kids (3-13 years old) = $12.50
Infants (2 & under) = Free
Note
All prices are in Canadian Dollars (CAD) and do not include applicable tax (13% HST). This is standard for prices in all of Ontario.
You do NOT have to buy tickets in advance, but you can buy them online, or at any Niagara Parks Welcome Centre. The tickets are not for any particular time slot, so you can arrive any time that day, but hopefully an hour before closing so you don’t feel rushed.
If you live in the area and absolutely LOVE the butterflies, you can also purchase a seasonal pass, or upgrade to an Annual Parks Pass for all Niagara Parks attractions.
Directions
The easiest way to find the Butterfly Conservatory is to type it into Google Maps, or any navigation app of your choice, and follow the directions.
Butterfly Conservatory address:
2565 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, ON L0S 1J0
Any way you come, you will follow the Niagara Parkway road that runs parallel with the Niagara River until you reach the parking lots.
Parking
There are 2 parking lots for the Butterfly Conservatory and the Botanical Gardens. One next to the road (the Niagara Parkway) and one behind the conservatory; both are paid parking.
You can pay for parking when you arrive, or you can pay approx. $30 for an ALL-DAY pass which allows you to park at any Niagara Parks parking lots. It’s a good deal if you’re going to be parking at more than one attraction.
The parking lot next to the road is easy to find and convenient. On the other side of the gardens away from the golf course is the driveway to the parking lot behind the conservatory.
♿ For those with mobility/accessibility issues, take the driveway behind the Butterfly Conservatory to get dropped off as close as possible to the building.
Weddings in the Butterfly Conservatory Niagara Falls
You can actually book the Butterfly Conservatory for your wedding ceremony! You can have up to 30 guests, standing room only, and within certain after-hour times.
Other Attractions Near the Butterfly Conservatory
Want to explore more of what Niagara Falls has to offer? There is so much to see and do, but here are the attractions located close to the Butterfly Conservatory.
Stroll Around the Botanical Gardens
Step out of the Butterfly Conservatory and BOOM! You’re in the Botanical Gardens. The gardens consist of 100 acres of curated plants and trees with showcase gardens, such as the rose garden, the herb garden, and the vegetable garden.
The rose garden is a particular favourite of mine (in the summer, of course). It is the largest, Victorian-style rose garden in North America. The variety of roses is astonishing. Don’t forget to stop and smell the roses! 😉😆
The Botanical Gardens are also home to the School of Horticulture, so watch out for students in blue T-shirts walking around or taking care of the gardens.
It’s truly a place to appreciate nature, enjoy a quiet stroll, and learn some plant names along the way.
Grab a Light Lunch at the Garden Café
In the Botanical Gardens, close to the Butterfly Conservatory and the front parking lot, is the Garden Café. You will find scrumptious pastries, soups, salads, sandwiches, and ice cream. Plus, there is coffee and all the typical drinks you’d find at a café.
You can sit inside or outside on their patio surrounded by the lush gardens.
Visit the Whirlpool
Just down the road from the Butterfly Conservatory is the Niagara Whirlpool. This is where the Niagara River, after it has fallen over the Falls, makes a 90 degree turn, creating a turbulent whirlpool current as it changes direction. It is massive and extremely dangerous. It is a sight to behold.
You can view the Whirlpool for free by stopping at the Whirlpool Aero Car or at the Adventure Park and walking to their observation decks. Parking is paid.
Another top attraction in Niagara Falls is to take a ride on the Aero Car – a cable car suspended over the Whirlpool that takes about 10 min to go across and back over the rushing water.
Or, if you or your kids are up for a challenge, try the WildPlay Whirlpool Adventure Course! A high-ropes obstacle course with zip-lines, from which you can view the Niagara Gorge and Whirlpool. It is probably the most active and challenging thing to do in Niagara Falls.
Niagara-on-the-Lake/Queenston
The Butterfly Conservatory is part way to the village of Queenston, and only 20 minutes away from gorgeous Niagara-on-the-Lake. From historical forts to wineries to unique shopping, why not take the time to explore more of what the Niagara peninsula has to offer?
You can read my complete guide to attractions and things to do in Niagara-on-the-Lake and Queenston to get inspired. Plus, I have a resource to help you figure out the best transportation options to get there.
Where to Stay in Niagara Falls
There are many great places to stay during your visit to Niagara Falls, and as a rule-of-thumb, the further from the Falls, the lower the price. But I believe that if you’re making your way all the way here, you might as well immerse yourself in the experience.
Here are my top recommendations for hotels in Niagara Falls, Canada.
➡️ The Marriott Fallsview & Spa
The Marriott has 2 hotels on the same street: Marriott Fallsview Hotel & Spa and Marriott on the Falls. Both are great, but I love that you can elevate your experience and treat yourself to a spa experience at Marriott Fallsview.
➡️ The Grandview Boutique Hotel
This gorgeous, historical hotel established in 1891 will immerse you in the culture and heritage of Niagara Falls with elegance. The hotel is located just beyond the tourism centre of Niagara Falls, giving it a calmer, serene atmosphere while still being within walking distance of the main attractions and easy access to the WEGO bus system.
FAQs
As a tour guide I got tons of questions, and I love providing answers. Here are some of the most common when people are thinking of going to the Butterfly Conservatory.
How long does it take to do the Butterfly Conservatory Niagara Falls?
About 30 minutes to 90 minutes. You could be in and out very quickly if you wanted to, but I would recommend taking your time, slowing down, and really appreciating the beautiful creatures around you.
What colour should I wear to the Butterfly Conservatory?
Some people believe that if you wear bright colours or floral patterns that the butterflies will be more likely to land on you. My only other tips for encouraging the butterflies to land on you would be to move slowly and be calm. And remember, do not touch their wings – they are very delicate.
Is it hot in the Butterfly Conservatory?
The temperature is maintained at 27 degrees celsius, so for most people it is warm, but not overly hot. It’s a lovely respite from the cold in the middle of winter though!
Can I bring food into the Butterfly Conservatory?
No. The butterflies have their own food they are supposed to eat.
Is the Butterfly Conservatory good for kids?
Yes! Kids love the butterflies! It’s a great opportunity for kids to learn to be quiet and kind towards little creatures and to be amazed by nature.
Wrap Up
In conclusion, the Butterfly Conservatory Niagara Falls offers a truly enchanting experience that captivates visitors of all ages. Surrounded by the beauty of nature and the fluttering of 2,000 butterflies, it’s a perfect escape into a world of wonder.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a unique outing, this magical attraction is not to be missed. I hope you love it as much as I do!
