Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Discover thousands of free-flying butterflies in our 10,000-square-foot indoor tropical garden. Our conservatory also hosts a variety of tropical plants, birds, and animals, along with several water features. Witness butterflies emerge from their chrysalis and take their first flight, tour our mounted and live-insect galleries, shop our gift store and enjoy our café to complete your visit!
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown Cambridge
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Restaurants
12 within 5 kms
Attractions
42 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
559 reviews
Excellent
292
Very good
219
Average
38
Poor
6
Terrible
4
Shannon S
9 contributions
Aug. 2022
This was the second time we have been to the butterfly conservatory. The first time was in 2005 when my children were little. It was still as enjoyable in 2022 as it was in 2005.
Written September 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DadFromMaine
Maine380 contributions
Aug. 2022
Really enjoyed our visit. It wasn’t too crowded, which helped. There are two rooms full of live insects, amphibians, scorpions, etc, in cases……these are very well done, with lots of good info. Also some dead creatures in cases. Some really amazing creatures on display! Then the huge butterfly and bird space. A great variety of butterflies, birds, even some fish and we saw a turtle in the water. Staff was friendly. It was not too hot, probably around 80 degrees. Beautiful plants and water features, and you can walk behind a waterfall. Our kids loved getting within inches of a very relaxed quail who was walking around. Lots of benches to sit and enjoy the serenity. There is a cafe, which we did not use. Entrance is fairly expensive……$8 for kids and $20 for adults. We were there for 90 minutes. All in all, a very enjoyable time for kids and adults.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
James S
Toronto, Canada27 contributions
Jul. 2022 • Couples
What a wonderful experience! Many beautiful butterflies flying around in and open concept. A tropical garden with a pond and waterfall. Butterflies all over flying near you and sometimes they will rest on your clothes. Fun for children!
Written July 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Twomaples
Canada390 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Couples
We walked into the tropics surrounded by birds snd butterflies. It was magical! So much to see and learn and photograph. Our cameras needed to acclimatize before the lenses would stop fogging up. The staff was exceptional with a shout out to Nicole for her professionalism in a variety of circumstances. Don’t leave without visiting the hissing cockroach display at the front desk! Two hours well spent, went by too quickly!
Written November 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
OntarioCanuck1
Georgetown, Canada3,936 contributions
Nov. 2021 • Couples
Good visit during week, not many people. Best to go slow and watch butterflies and birds as they move. Great photos.
Not that big but take your time we were there about 90 minutes. Staff very friendly and helpful, if u have kids ask staff questions, one brought out Madagascar cockroach. Good displays in other rooms worth looking at.
VERY WARM so dress appropriately, there is a self serve coat room.
Used a macro lens mostly if photography your interest. No tripods allowed.
Not that big but take your time we were there about 90 minutes. Staff very friendly and helpful, if u have kids ask staff questions, one brought out Madagascar cockroach. Good displays in other rooms worth looking at.
VERY WARM so dress appropriately, there is a self serve coat room.
Used a macro lens mostly if photography your interest. No tripods allowed.
Written November 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
jcrann
Tillsonburg, Canada327 contributions
Aug. 2020
We've been going here for a few years now with our small kids. Beautiful place, great way to kill some time with kiddos, very affordable.
Written December 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
carriesunshine
Orillia, Canada451 contributions
Oct. 2020 • Couples
I love butterflies and seeing them reminds me of my late Mother. My husband took me here on our anniversary and we absolutely loved it! Beautiful tropical feeling and amazing butterflies landed on me! Very friendly staff and COVID precautions are appreciated! Highly recommended!
Written October 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SesameOntario
Ontario, Canada113 contributions
Sep. 2020 • Family
Wow! Amazing place! We were warmly greeted by a front desk employee for our 2pm time slot. The facility promotes safe distance with sanitizing stations throughout. We were given the choice to visit the butterflies or insects first. Two rooms filled with living crickets, roaches, spiders, bees, frogs, etc. Both educational and entertaining. The butterflies, birds and plants were lovely. We felt transported to Costa Rica. Staff are friendly and approachable ready to educate and answer questions. Sitting on benches watching the butterflies flutter around was so peaceful. Some tickled us when they landed on our arms and head. We purchased wonderful souvenirs from the gift shop. Will try the cafe next time. Impressive property!
Written September 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kayla V
9 contributions
Nov. 2019 • Family
Entering into the garden was as if you were in a movie, a magical and tropical paradise...you hear water running birds chirping and because it was winter, you had summer vibes👌
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
deeber1956
3 contributions
Sep. 2019
Wow! what a wonderful place . I have been approximately 8 times. My father and I used to love to go and just enjoy all the plants and wonderful butterflies. Great Memories ! Staff are very knowledgable. Such a great place to take kids to learn about nature. I highly recommend
Written February 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Why do the butterflies need to be shipped in from Coasta Rica and Philipines weekly, instead them reproducing right in the conservatory?
Twomaples
Canada390 contributions
Great question but better posed to the very knowledgeable staff at the conservatory.
Falyn J
Bangkok, Thailand2 contributions
I brought in some black spotted swallowtail caterpillars last summer that were crawling on some dill weeds in my yard, 16 in total. 10 hatched before fall, and I released them after the initial 24 hr learning to fly phase, but 6 went in to hibernation mode. I have been spraying them with water periodically over winter. One just hatched now, and it’s far too cold to release it. I live in Toronto, is there a place I can bring it?I don’t think it will like my house too much.
Fal j
Hello Allan.... I am planning on buying a pass for me and my granddaughter as a Christmas present. However, I have been told it is best to go on a sunny day as apparently on an overcast day the butterflies don't fly around. Could this be true? No particular date has been confirmed at this point. Thank you for your advice. Corinne
annben
Hamilton, Canada27 contributions
I suggest phoning , the staff will be able to assist you
How young is too young for exhibit?
Val F
Ontario, Canada33 contributions
I would agree with the other persons response to your question.
G W
Mount Forest, Canada
I would love to bring a friend and enjoy a quiet afternoon escaping from winter humdrums and have a nice lunch. Is there a way to find out if you have any school trips or events ?
Melanie B
London, Ontario, Canada7 contributions
Staff of always been very helpful and friendly. I'm sure if you called they would answer that for you.
D L
Toronto, Canada37 contributions
How much time can i expect to spend at the Conservatory. Is it a one hour stay, or a few hours?
Marian L
4 contributions
I would say at least an hour maybe two . My 4 grandchildren looked forward to it every March Break it became a tradition . The year they had the bug eating and special dishes prepared by chefs was truly interesting then you got a sticker that said I ate a bug today .
How does this cost for two people
Adrienne B
Cambridge, Canada
Hello,
Our admission prices are as follows:
Adults (18+) - $11.50
Seniors (65+) - $10.25
Youth (13-17) - $10.25
Children (3-12) - $6.00
Children (under 2) - Free
Prices above do not include HST.
Hope to see you soon!
CAMBRIDGE BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory
- Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is open:
- Tue - Sun 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory:
- (11.22 km) Forest Hill Bed and Breakfast
- (7.84 km) Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa
- (5.51 km) Kitchener Inn and Suites
- (7.26 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario
- (9.81 km) The Walper Hotel
- Restaurants near Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory:
- (6.43 km) Grain Of Salt
- (5.42 km) Borealis Grille & Bar
- (9.25 km) Amici
- (10.19 km) 271 West Restaurant
- (12.25 km) Vincenzo's