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
Fall/Winter Spring Hours (Sept - June): Tuesday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm 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! Our NEW insect-themed playground is now OPEN (Closed during the winter months) Access is granted with regular admission.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
562 reviews
Excellent
295
Very good
218
Average
38
Poor
6
Terrible
5
jimmy
2 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Very nice place to take pictures and see all the beautiful scenery and butterflies. The information given is great, There was always someone to answer questions. We saw a family with younger children that were quite enthused with the butterflies. There are a few benches so if you want you can sit and watch the butterflies.
Written 19 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings wir1511,
Thanks so much for taking the time to submit your review! We're so glad to hear you enjoyed your visit - the Conservatory is a great place for guests of all ages.
Thanks again for your support, and we hope to have you back again soon!
Written 21 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mar
2 contributions
Mar 2019 • Family
This was our family's fifth visit. I take my children every March Break. The walkthrough rainforest portion is lovely and vaguely educational.
This year we were annoyed right out of the gate, as we came prepared with an Attractions Ontario coupon that was not honoured. 2 coupons came together, 1 with an expiry date and 1 without, and we were advised that the expiry date was intended to apply to both. We paid over $50 for 2 adults and 2 children, ridiculous for just over an hour of entertainment.
While we waited in line to pay, we noticed other families simply walk around the line and directly in. No one was controlling the pushing and chaos of the entrance area. No one provided proof of whether or not they paid the high entry fee.
Further, the entire Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory was far too packed to read or enjoy anything. Attendance limits are too high, if they exist. We often couldn't move and just hung around waiting, overly hot, being jostled by those guests who pushed through the crowds. Very unpleasant visit with young children.
Strollers should not be allowed in this attraction. I say this as a parent of 3. Wear them in a carrier or don't come. There is no room for strollers on the narrow paths.
Although signs are posted everywhere about not touching the butterflies or birds, again the total lack of enforcement meant I observed this rule repeatedly broken.
The bathrooms were filthy and generally wet, without paper towels to dry.
We have enjoyed this location in the past, during the school holiday. For some reason the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory was simply unprepared to contain the crowd this year. We are unlikely to visit again, at this price, with this level of chaos.
This year we were annoyed right out of the gate, as we came prepared with an Attractions Ontario coupon that was not honoured. 2 coupons came together, 1 with an expiry date and 1 without, and we were advised that the expiry date was intended to apply to both. We paid over $50 for 2 adults and 2 children, ridiculous for just over an hour of entertainment.
While we waited in line to pay, we noticed other families simply walk around the line and directly in. No one was controlling the pushing and chaos of the entrance area. No one provided proof of whether or not they paid the high entry fee.
Further, the entire Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory was far too packed to read or enjoy anything. Attendance limits are too high, if they exist. We often couldn't move and just hung around waiting, overly hot, being jostled by those guests who pushed through the crowds. Very unpleasant visit with young children.
Strollers should not be allowed in this attraction. I say this as a parent of 3. Wear them in a carrier or don't come. There is no room for strollers on the narrow paths.
Although signs are posted everywhere about not touching the butterflies or birds, again the total lack of enforcement meant I observed this rule repeatedly broken.
The bathrooms were filthy and generally wet, without paper towels to dry.
We have enjoyed this location in the past, during the school holiday. For some reason the Cambridge Butterfly Conservatory was simply unprepared to contain the crowd this year. We are unlikely to visit again, at this price, with this level of chaos.
Written 14 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings mbailey85,
We're sorry to hear that your visit to the Conservatory this March Break did not meet your expectations. We take feedback from our guests very seriously and would love to chat with you directly about this.
Please send us an email at info@cambridgebutterfly.com so we can try to turn your experience into a positive one.
Written 21 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
UnSpontaneousCanuck
Ayr, Canada155 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
Took my teenagers and younger child here for a full afternoon to escape the winter blues. We enjoyed walking around, sitting quietly together, taking pictures, eating in the cafe etc. We were here for 4 hours and only left due to another appointment. My kids loved it. The staff were really patient and informative.
Written 7 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings UnSpontaneousCanuck,
Thanks for writing your review! We're so glad you and your family enjoyed your visit and that you took advantage of all that there is to see and learn here at the Conservatory!
The tropical greenhouse is a great way to escape winter and having a bite in the Café makes for a delicious break.
Thanks so much for your kind words, and we hope to have you back again soon!
Written 12 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
bigdoubled71
London, Canada3,092 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
Cambridge butterfly Conservatory is a great place to visit and enjoy butterflies in a tropical paradise. Staff were friendly and helpful to answer questions. The butterflies were very colourful and were everywhere. It was a fantastic experience for a shutterbug. We enjoyed the experience.
Written 4 March 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings bigdoubled71,
Thanks so much for your kind words and for sharing the photos you took! The Conservatory is a photographer's dream - we love seeing the pictures that our guests capture.
Butterflies aren't as active on overcast days, so they tend to rest in the foliage and "pose" a little longer. On the next cloudy day, come on back and see what you can capture!
Thanks again for sharing, hope to see you again soon!
Written 6 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andrea D
2 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
My husband and I had an incredibly magical, short and sweet wedding (it was an evening ceremony with a dessert reception), with about 150 guests, last night at the Butterfly Conservatory.
Cayla and Shannon's management of the event was invaluable. They were extremely attentive and flexible. I felt like everything was completely under control with them at the helm, assisted by the rest of the fantastic staff.
The venue itself was nothing short of enchanting. On a dark and cold February evening, with the main overhead lights off, lit with twinkle string lights, it was like a warm, cosy, magical oasis filled with everyone we love.
The food and drink service was flawless, and even though we were not serving alcohol they were still happy to serve a custom mocktail that we requested.
At the end of the night all of our things were quickly packed up for us and we were on our way home.
All of our friends and family raved about the location, and how gorgeous everything was.
Highly recommend, we have decided to have all of our weddings there 😉.
Cayla and Shannon's management of the event was invaluable. They were extremely attentive and flexible. I felt like everything was completely under control with them at the helm, assisted by the rest of the fantastic staff.
The venue itself was nothing short of enchanting. On a dark and cold February evening, with the main overhead lights off, lit with twinkle string lights, it was like a warm, cosy, magical oasis filled with everyone we love.
The food and drink service was flawless, and even though we were not serving alcohol they were still happy to serve a custom mocktail that we requested.
At the end of the night all of our things were quickly packed up for us and we were on our way home.
All of our friends and family raved about the location, and how gorgeous everything was.
Highly recommend, we have decided to have all of our weddings there 😉.
Written 18 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea it was a pleasure to be such a big part of yours and Tom's special day - thank you so much for choosing the Conservatory as your venue! We wish you many years of happiness together and hope to have you back again soon!
Written 5 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
archieives
Ingersoll, Canada180 contributions
Feb 2019 • Family
Thoroughly enjoyed our visit and our granddaughter loved it. The cost is ok for getting out of the cold weather it was grand. The cafe is there although we never used it, it has a lot of items for consumption. Large parking lot and accessible for wheelchair.
Written 17 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings archieives,
Thanks so much for sending in your review! The Conservatory is a great spot for a little getaway in the winter time so we're glad you enjoyed some escape from the cold weather!
Your kind words will be shared with the team here - thanks again for your support and we hope to have you back again soon!
Written 5 March 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deb M
Cambridge, Canada12 contributions
Apr 2018 • Family
Amazing
Let's kids get up close and personal with nature. Kids are amazed😊great experience for young and old.
Many di species.
Colours are beautiful. Take the kids and watch the wonders on their faces. Highly recommended.
Let's kids get up close and personal with nature. Kids are amazed😊great experience for young and old.
Many di species.
Colours are beautiful. Take the kids and watch the wonders on their faces. Highly recommended.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings Deb M,
We're so glad to hear you and the kids enjoyed your visit! The Conservatory is a great place for guests of all ages and watching kids explore is such a great experience.
Thanks so much for your support and we hope to have you back again soon!
Written 13 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Chantal M
Cambridge, Canada2 contributions
Jun 2018 • Friends
Love the butterfly conservatory, you could spend hours in the neat and tidy enclosure looking at all the birds and the beautiful Colors of all the butterflies. It’s fun to compare the ones you’re looking at and see if you can pick them out from The table of butterfly types given to you.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings Chantal M,
Thank you so much for sending in your review - we're glad to hear you enjoy the Conservatory as much as we do! It is a great little tropical escape, especially in the winter time.
Using the Butterfly Guide as a "scavenger hunt" is a great way to explore the Conservatory and try and find the over 40 species of butterflies we have.
Thanks again for writing to us, and hope to have you back again soon!
Written 13 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Goldenhawkw
Coventry, UK21 contributions
Dec 2018 • Couples
We spent a lovely afternoon wondering around the conservatory. When we went it we were greeted by a lovely butterfly that decided we were perfect to perch on and hang out for a while. I recommend wearing red when you go, it's their favourite colour. Watch out where you walk as well, some of the butterflies like to hang out on the ground. The staff were very knowledgeable and happy to speak to you about the butterflies and their conservation. Overall a lovely, tranquil, and interesting afternoon.
Written 12 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings Goldenhawkw,
We're so thrilled to hear you enjoyed your afternoon at the Conservatory. Winter is such a great time to visit, it's like a mini tropical getaway.
There is a ton to see and learn and our staff are always eager to teach our guests about everything we do here at the Conservatory. Your kind words will be shared with the team - thanks so much for taking the time to write to us.
Until next time!
Written 13 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Steve P
13 contributions
Sept 2018 • Couples
Our daughter chose the Butterfly Museum for he wedding last September. Everything was just perfect. The venue. The Staff and service all fantastic.
Written 3 February 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greetings Steve P,
Thank you so much for taking the time to send in your review! Your kind words will be shared with the staff team - it's always so great to hear that we're doing a good job. We're honoured to have been such a big part of your daughter's special day.
Hope to have you all back for a visit again soon!
Written 7 February 2019
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Why do the butterflies need to be shipped in from Coasta Rica and Philipines weekly, instead them reproducing right in the conservatory?
Twomaples
Canada445 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!
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