Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Discover thousands of free-flying butterflies in a tropical indoor garden at the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory.

Promoting conservation and butterfly education, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory offers one of the most unique and delightful experiences in Ontario. Witness the awe-inspiring moment butterflies emerge from their chrysalis before they take their first flight. Stroll through the live-insect galleries to learn more about crawling critters and spot a variety of birds in the indoor conservatory.

A bright blue butterfly rests on a wooden log.

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory | Destination Ontario

How to get to Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Location: 2500 Kossuth Road, Cambridge

By car: The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory is approximately 15 kilometres east of downtown Kitchener. Get customized driving directions; on-site parking is free.

Know before you go

The Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory updates its hours seasonally

Timed tickets are required for all general visitors. Purchase your tickets in advance online. Entry for children aged two and under is free, but a ticket must be reserved.

Things to do at Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Discover more activities and experiences.

See live insects

Explore the Live Insect Gallery featuring exotic live insects, arthropods and other critters, or stop by the Leafcutter Ants exhibit and lean about the intricate world of ants.  

Marvel at moths

Spend time in the Moths Magnified gallery featuring photographs taken by the late Canadian photographer Jim des Rivières

Visit the on-site cafe

Refuel at the Chrysalis Cafe which offers an indoor dining room and outdoor patio. The cafe menu features full meals, snacks, drinks and a kid's menu.

Buy memorable gifts

Find unique gifts and treasures in the conservatory’s gift store

Attend a special event

Plan your visit to align with the conservatory’s robust calendar of special events from holiday family activities to butterfly and insect-themed workshops.

A child smiles at a butterfly resting on his hand.
Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory | Destination Ontario

Interesting facts about the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory

Since 2001, the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory has been welcoming visitors to their tropical paradise. Inside the spectacular conservatory are over 40 species of butterflies including the Monarch Butterfly, Golden Birdwing, Emerald Swallowtail, Rice Paper, and Silver-Spotted Flambeau.

The butterflies come from farms based in Costa Rica and the Philippines while still in their cocoons. Upon arrival, the cocoons are hung in the Emergence Window where each butterfly emerges into the world. Once they are ready, the butterflies prepare for their first flight in the main garden.

Accessibility features

Accessible drop-off location

Passenger drop-off is available by an  accessible entrance. 

Accessible parking

At least one identified, reserved parking  space with a safe, clearly marked  accessible route from the designated  parking area to an accessible building  entrance.

Wheelchair accessible

Unobstructed path through public  hallways that are wide enough to allow  people using wheelchairs and other  mobility devices to move easily through  the building. 

Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available

Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are  available, free of charge, or for rent. 

Last updated: November 25, 2024

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