Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory
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| A resident of the Garden greets you at the small Aviary. Photo: G. Spencer |
Founded back in 1936, this garden is run by the the Niagara Parks Commission, the same folks who bring you those wonderful gardens along the Falls at Victoria Park and Oakes Garden Theatre.
This garden is very special because it's a teaching garden too… The School of Horticulture has its campus here, and they offer a three-year diploma program in horticulture. Their students develop the park and maintain all the lovely plants you see. I have a fond spot for this place because when I was a teenager I toyed with the idea of becoming a horticulturist and dreamed of studying here. I remember walking around the gardens with my parents, contemplating my future. Life took me down another path but I still have a passion and appreciation for the art of garden design and marvel at the creative vision that can work with nature to create such beauty.
Entrance to these gardens is free.
Here are some of my pictures from a recent visit:
Restaurants and shopping
The Conservatory has its own small restaurant with inside and outside seating. You’ll also find a gift-store selling nature-themed items.
Note: Picnicking is not allowed in the Botanical Gardens. If you want to brown-bag it, just drive or bike a bit farther down the Niagara Parkway and you'll find some good rest-stops where you can park and have something to eat. Or go back to the Falls area and have your lunch in the park facing one of the world's most spectacular views.
Location
Niagara Falls Butterfly Conservatory is located at 2405 Niagara Parkway, Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. This is 10 minutes north of Niagara Falls by car, inside the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens. It's on the way to Niagara on the Lake Ontario, another great day trip destination that you might want to check out while you're here.
For more information
For current information about hours and admission fees, visit the Butterfly Conservatory web site: http://www.niagaraparks.com/garden/butterfly.php
Related Pages: Other great “nature-themed” attractions in Niagara Falls
Bird Kingdom
Marineland Niagara Falls
Floral Showcase (aka Niagara Parks Greenhouse)
Floral Clock made up of 16,000 bedding plants – just a little further north along the Parkway.
Victoria Park – opposite the Falls. Lovely gardens.
Oakes Garden Theatre (which is a garden, not a playhouse, despite the name!) – close to Clifton Hill and the Falls. Lovely gardens and statues.
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