On our drive home from Rochester, NY we stopped by the Niagara Parks Butterfly Conservatory for a pit stop and to stretch our legs.
Before heading into the conservatory, visitors are asked to watch a short video which gives some background information about the butterflies and the conservatory.
Inside the conservatory, guests will have the opportunity to see over 2000 butterflies and moths from 45 different species flying around.
During our visit, many of them seemed to be attracted to bright coloured clothing and would sit on visitor’s arms and legs for a few moments.
Our 4 year old daughter was ecstatic that some of the butterflies chose to sit on her shoulder and her arms while we walked along the path. She was the only one wearing bright coloured clothing that day so that could also be why she was Ms. Popular.
There are several feeding stations that provide great photo opportunities of groups of butterflies as well as many beautiful tropical plants and a waterfall.
The Emergence Chamber allows visitors to observe the different stages of the butterfly lifecycle from caterpillar to adult butterfly.
The paths inside the conservatory are wide and are stroller and wheelchair friendly.
During Spring and Summer months, visitors can walk around the Butterfly Conservatory’s garden area.
The conservatory is located just north of Niagara Falls (Canadian side) and is a few seconds away from other attractions including the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
Parking is $5 for the entire day and the WEGO bus (Niagara Falls and Niagara Parks tourist bus system) stops right at the entrance.
Our family spent about an hour wandering around and the kids had some time to stretch their legs and burn off some energy before the rest of the car ride home.
I’ve always wanted to go here, but never end up having the time to go when I”m in Niagara. It’s beautiful,
There certainly is a lot to do in the area, Victoria. You’ll have to visit next time!
Oh, that looks so fun. I love reading your blog. Just like I got to travel too! <3
Thanks for the kind words Narathip 🙂
sounds like a fun day trip!
We went last time we were in Niagara Falls and I loved it!
So glad to hear you guys loved it Judy. We were really surprised that both the kids and adults had fun. It was a great pit stop – usually ours are just at a gas station or fast food joint so this was a welcome change.
Hello, KoaP.
Great post. I did not know about this. It sound like so much fun. I was happy to hear that your 4 yr. old daughter had so much fun. If I get out that way I will have to check this out. Thank you for letting me know about this fab find, Kids on a Plane.
WOW! This looks awesome. I would be in heaven. Would love to go there someday 🙂
My kids love butterflies! They would really enjoy a visit to the Conservatory!
feeding stations is such a good idea.
Ooo pretty butterflies. I constantly pass by it but have never gotten around to checking it out. Looks like I definitely have to check it out when I’m next in the area
You won’t be disappointed Melinda
That looks fantastic. This is somewhere I’ve wanted to go for awhile now, and your post just confirmed and renewed my interest. I think my little ones would love it.
Deanna, I think your little ones would love it too. Surprisingly so did the adults in our group! It’s not everyday you see so many different butterflies up close.
Little ones aren’t the only ones that love a butterfly conservatory- my parents’ loved their visit there when they were in Canada. My dad has pictures of butterflies on my mom’s face! 🙂 I’ll have to check it out on our next visit to Niagara Falls. Thanks for the tip about the WEGO bus. I’d forgotten about that and it’s so convenient- you don’t need to worry about finding a parking place or paying more parking fees.
Can you comment on how the Butterfly Gardens in the Strong Museum in Rochester compares to the one in Niagara Falls? Seems smaller (1000 butterflies in Rochester’s vs. 2000 in Niagara) but also less expensive. Wonder if it is also less crowded…
Hi Nir,
The Butterfly Conservatory in Niagara Falls is bigger than the one at the Strong Museum. It is also less crowded as it’s a stand alone attraction whereas the one at the Strong is attached to the museum itself. There is a larger variety of butterflies in the Niagara conservatory as well and many of them are very “friendly” – they will sit on your finger or clothing.
Hope this helps!
Cheryl