I happened across this attraction while driving out to Waterloo. I didn't need to stay long and decided I'd visit on my way back home. It wasn't too hard to find off the highway. It was a summer weekday and although I figured it might have additional traffic with kids on school break, I could tell just by turning into the parking lot that it wasn't crowded. What I did find a little strange was the constant signage and website warnings to book tickets online and not on-site. I guess that might have been an issue in the past but it certainly wasn't a problem the day I visited. I paid my entrance fee and walked the short distance back to the conservatory area. There's really good signage to let you know what species you're seeing, and their habits. What I didn't think of was all the butterfly remains I'd see on the grounds...a little disconcerting at first but ok, what did I expect! The sanctuary is easily accessible. It's very warm and humid, but quiet with the hum of the waterfall. It was great that it was so quiet. There were maybe 2 dozen species of butterflies, and many species of trees and plants. At the back end of the conservatory, there's a counter with large, informative photos naming all the different butterflies and insects, and their distinctive characteristics. There were also pupa hanging, and staff to answer any questions. There were a couple of seating areas. After I had rounded the sanctuary a couple of times, I decided to sit on one of the rocks near the waterfall and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere. I then decided to check out the snack bar/cafe. The offerings included some lunch items and baked goods in addition to the usual beverage selections. One thing I encountered that is one of my pet peeves, is a place that charges full 13% HST on takeout food that's $4 or less. I brought it up to the staff and asked that they enlighten their management on how that works. This isn't some mom and pop corner store and they really should know better. Anyway the cafeteria is large and has plenty of seating space, plus a big patio area out in the back with acres of greenery to look at. There are also some swings and space for children to enjoy some fresh air outside. Last but not least, a visit to the gift shop is mandatory. They had tons and tons of preserved butterflies in frames. They also had a good selection of books and gift items. I liked that they were not the generic same old, same old you often see in other attractions' gift shops. I purchased a couple of things I will use as gifts in the future, and be happy that I won't have to worry they'll already have it or get it from someone else. I would love to revisit in future, and bring a friend with her young child. It's the absolute perfect place to spend a day or afternoon getting some light exercise, enjoying a slice of nature, and recharging your battery. read more

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Absolutely love this place. Thousands of beautiful butterflies in the main rainforest type room, two other bug rooms, plus a cafe. Got an annual membership with my family a couple of times now (you can use your admission fee towards the price). read more

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Amazing fun to explore. Our daughter and us where in amazed from so many variations and how awesome these creatures are.

A interesting place to spend your weekend with the family, there are some activities available to learn and explore butterflies.

We visited the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory and it is really nice but I don't think it's worth the cost of $24 per person. The grounds are stunning and there is a beauty waterfall and man made pond with some fish. We saw some other animals too like turtles but the greenhouse was pretty small and I would say this conservatory has much fewer butterflies than the one in Niagara Falls. This location is cool in the fact that it also has a museum inside the building where you can look at other animals and learn how butterflies evolve from a caterpillar to a butterfly. If you live in the area a membership might be worth it but we came in from toronto and the drive was too long to validate a day trip to check out the Conservatory. Would we go back? It's not likely. Pro tip: It is 80 degrees inside the greenhouse so use the designated coat check or leave your coat in the car. In the winter, the warm weather is a nice treat to stay warm and get some steps in. read more

It's a cute and entertaining establishment for kids and adults alike but it is way too small. You will see a small variety of butterflies, birds, and potentially a turtle. They are building what looks like a nice playground outside so it might be worth more of a visit with kids in the future! read more

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I love butterflies. For years, when I was around this area and would see a sign to the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory, I would remind myself to visit it. On my recent staycation in southwestern Ontario, I made it a priority to visit the conservatory. I visited on a Saturday morning. There is plenty of parking. I walked in, paid my $15 before taxes (credit cards, debit, and cash are accepted), and got information on where to go. This conservatory is smaller than the ones that I have been to, but it equally as satisfying and fascinating to walk around and learn. The butterfly area is beautiful. There are tons of varieties of butterflies doing what they do best -- fly around, and take breaks on leaves and fruit. There are also more creatures to admire, including cheerful birds. I managed to take a number of photos on both my phone and my DSLR camera. I had a wonderful time. There is also a hatchery area where you see cocoons at various stages, getting to the end goal of having butterflies fly. It takes several hours after a butterfly comes out of the cocoon to have its wings dry. Once dry, they can fly. It was fascinating! Staff are there to answer any questions that you have. They are knowledgeable and friendly. There is a separate section where you see live insects and other creatures, such as tarantulas and beetles. There are also cool images of various butterfly and moth species. Finally, if you are dying to get some gifts or food, you must visit the gift shop. You can get edible crickets if you need a protein boost. There are also fruit popsicles for those who are less adventurous. It also has some lovely jewellery, lamps, and more. If you are around this area and have a couple of hours to spare, visit this conservatory. It's peaceful, beautiful, and fun. (270) read more

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Small but very cool. A tropical butterfly paradise! Tons of butterflies some birds a waterfall! This place is a great indoor activity for little ones, their parents and butterfly enthusiasts. Easy to get to, free parking and the staff are very helpful, knowledgeable and nice. They all seem to enjoy working at this little gem. So if you are ever stuck in Cambridge and want to do something special, check out the conservatory! We definitely will be back. read more

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WORST POSSIBLE EXPERIENCE due to ELISABETH PARENT, the MANAGER!! This is unbelievable but entirely true! ***Sorry this is long*** My mistake was misunderstanding the website in regards to timed ticketing. However, I checked the website at 10am and tickets were not sold out. When we got to the front desk we were told that the day was sold out. I, very politely, said the website didn't say they were sold out. The women said they sold out at 8:30am that morning. I said that was strange because I had already checked the site at 10am and it never mentioned anything. I said we drove over an hour to spend family day with the butterflies and she told me that people drove 4 hours and were also turned a way. (I found that very hard to believe but said nothing). I asked if we could wait and she said no I'm sorry. I could honestly see how sorry she was. I explained the situation to my husband before my daughter and I went into the gift shop. My husband went to the front desk and spoke with Elisabeth Parent, the manager. He politely asked if I was correct with the day being sold out and she replied with saying yes, any people who didn't book a time slot online had to exit the building immediately as they were at capacity. She said he couldn't even use the bathroom (though he never mentioned anything about a bathroom). He had to exit the building immediately she said a second time. He said ok he's just going to figure something else out before he goes. She again said he had to exit immediately or she'll CALL THE POLICE! He said that his wife and daughter are in the gift shop. Elisabeth repeated herself again. She also told my husband she updated the website at 11am saying they were sold out (very weird since the front desk woman said they sold out at 8:30am). While my daughter and I were helping an elderly woman untangle 2 necklaces, I can only assume considering, Elisabeth came up to us and very loudly started with saying we have to leave the building immediately because we don't have tickets and they were at capacity. I said I undstood but asked if I could buy something for my daughter. She first said no and repeated herself very loudly. The elderly woman pleaded to let me buy my daughter something. Elisabeth then said I had a couple minutes to find something and then had to leave. My daughter was almost in tears and hung her head embarrassed. We picked something out and left "immediately" completely mortified from all the stares. My family and I have never been so mistreated by any managerial personnel ever. We will never again go to this butterfly conservatory again. We'll go to Niagra instead. read more

I've visited this place around seven times. Even though it's kind of small, it truly is beautiful. I am a photographer, therefore, I love coming here to snap pictures of the butterflies, insects and birds and just admire the beauty of the whole place. They also have little exhibitions outside the conservatory with beautiful specimens, information and pictures. Their gift shop is quite interesting too, you can buy some edible bugs here, or framed butterflies and insects. I once bought a large Malaysian grasshopper framed and it truly is lovely. I am an insect enthusiast and a photographer so this place is just amazing to me. I can't wait to pay them another visit! It's wonderful for kids if you have little ones, they will for sure enjoy it! read more

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We went here for something to do on a rainy day! We thoroughly enjoyed it! Lots to see for the kids and the open air environment lets you get close to butterflies amongst other small birds and I think I even seen a quail Keep you're eyes open and your ears peeled and you'll see more then you came for On the downside it can be expensive. We opted to go to a restaurant for lunch instead of waiting a while at the cafe as it doesn't look like they limit the amount of people they let it. It got really packed around 11 am. Show up early and plan a second stop in the area Other then that it was amazing and we will be back bright and early for a second visit! Keep up the cool environment! read more

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This place is so much fun, especially when it is freezing cold outside. It is like an escape to the tropics! The conservatory itself isn't large, but it is enough to keep you busy for an hour or two. Before you enter the conservatory, there is a museum of butterflies and other insects telling about their life cycles, habitats, etc. The conservatory itself is phenomenal. Aside from butterflies flitting around and landing on you, and gorgeous greenery plants, there is a display of the butterfly life cycle, and lots to do for kids (small activities, holding a stick bug, etc). This isn't a place I would go back to very often, as it would get boring, but it is a great warm getaway during the Christmas holidays or for the visitors to the area. read more

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I came here with a friend on a Sunday afternoon. I have wanted to visit this place for years now so was happy to finally get the chance. It wasn't super busy but there was a wedding that was just finishing up. We spent about an hour walking around and seeing the butterflies. It was a beautiful experience to be in a room with so many of them. The only downside was we were hoping to see more variety of butterflies. There were only 2-3 different types flying around. Maybe they change throughout the year but I'm not sure. Either way it's a cool experience especially if you have kids. read more

We had a pretty good time. It's about $9.50 to get in and that doesn't include any tours or brochures to identify the butterflies. We spoke with a very nice volunteer there that leant us his brochure (normally costing $3 at the gift shop). He also helped us identify lots of different species of butterflies in the conservatory. Dress in layers. The actual area where they keep the butterflies is very warm. Luckily, you don't think about being hot because your distracted by several hundred butterflies. The conservatory is very nice. They have little creek and a few waterfalls along with lots of lush, tropical greenery. They have a small section that you can see the butterflies actually emerging from the cocoons. That was really neat. This would be lots of fun if you had some younger children. read more

Nice place to just spend a couple of hours with kids. Bring a camera. The food court food is mediocre so don't expect quality meal. Overall, the butterflies makes the place okay. read more

Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory - Botanical Gardens Near Me - Cambridge, Ontario

Nice place to visit, great for photos or even parties/wedding events. Lovely place inside, it's very warm and humid as it needs to be just the right zone for the butterflies and birds. If you don't lik either or get startled if either fly near you than don't go, as the critters are in their home and will fly in a manner that shows that we as humans are visitors, aka they will fly right past your face lol. Amazing species and a great time, no options for public travel so be ready for an easy but mandatory drive to get there. read more

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Nice place for kids to run and discover colorful butterflies. Friendly crew, and plenty of parking. Don't expect any thing less than a fun with exotic smells, quails, and small birds flying around you. read more

It is now called the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory. Went on a WagJag coupon. Went with a friend and my son. Both loved it. Best part was the window where you watch the butterflies coming out of their chrysalis if you were lucky. Would love to check out the one in Niagara to compare. read more

We walked in to the conservatory proper, and immediately I felt like I was in Eden. A pair of butterflies fluttered by as soon as we entered. A wave of humidity hit me and my surroundings all of a sudden became lush and green. I was stunned by the birds and butterflies that roamed freely throughout the small conservatory. It was an awesome feeling and there's nothing else like it! If you're still enough, the butterflies will obliviously land on you. There's an area where the butterfly chrysalises hang and, if you're lucky, you'll even see butterflies emerging from their slumber. read more

Very great place to go to with the kids. They have so many butterflies! This week is biggest and you get a chance to eat some bugs which wasn't as bad as I thought it would. I just wish the place was bigger. read more

I would highly recommend the conservatory for butterfly lovers (or gardeners, or birders, or anyone...). It was a great place to spend the afternoon with plenty of butterflies to make it worthwhile. The gift shop and café alone I would send anyone to for any occasion! read more

This is a great place to take a visitor or friend on a lazy afternoon. It's pretty self-serve, so you can just stroll around and enjoy the surroundings. I liked meandering through the museum part at my own pace, with no annoying tour guides or pressure. The conservatory is, of course, amazing. So lush and beautiful. The only downside is the presence of poorly-behaved children, but in 2013 there's virtually nowhere to escape that anyway. read more

We had a great time and spent 4hrs wondering around the conservatory. I had two curious children with me (ages 4 & 9) and would definitely recommend buying the laminated i.d. guide (it was only $1.50) and bringing a camera. The kids also loved the tropical birds. The down-side was the restaurant wasn't open, so bring your own snacks and water - even if you have to leave them in the car. read more

I guess as far as a butterfly conservatory goes this is a fun place to take a girl on a date or if butterflys are your thing. Admission is around $10 which is fair considering the quality of the conservatory with a rather large indoor area with all kinds of butterlys, moths, birds and educational features. It can be quite steamy inside the conservatory area on a hot and humid day so take that into account but there is a nice airconditioned indoor area which features extensive displays of pinned insects and butterflys with information. Staff and volunteers are eager to give you a hand and educate you on a few things if you're interested and I got to hold a cool giant stick bug. If you're going during the week expect the place to be over run by small children on class field-trips, although incredibly annoying it comes with the material I suppose. There is a small cafe inside where food can be purchased but the menu is very limited. Go at your own risk if you hate kids, otherwise its a fun educational time! read more

This place is really cute! There a small garden where the butterflies are and pathways where you can walk along. They have a waterfall and a bus display where you can hold some bugs, which was pretty cool. A little small though, but it'd be perfect for small children. They also have a museum of different kinds of butterflies as well. Ave who knows if you stand in the garden still enough a butterfly may land on you! read more