Montreal Botanical Garden Butterflies Go Free

About

Montreal Botanical Garden's Butterflies Go Free is a magical summer exhibition where thousands of live butterflies from around the world flutter freely in a tropical greenhouse environment. Kids can watch butterflies emerge from chrysalises, observe dozens of species up close, and even have butterflies land on them. This immersive natural experience combines education with wonder, making it perfect for introducing children to the beauty of metamorphosis and biodiversity.

What to Expect

Families enter a warm, humid greenhouse filled with lush tropical plants and thousands of colorful butterflies flying freely around them. Children can observe butterflies feeding on fruit, watch newly emerged butterflies drying their wings in the emergence window, and learn about different species through interactive displays. The atmosphere is peaceful and enchanting, with winding paths through the vegetation allowing close encounters with these delicate insects. Educational guides are available to answer questions, and there are photo opportunities throughout. Beyond the butterfly exhibition, families can explore the extensive outdoor gardens featuring themed areas like the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden.

Highlights for Kids

• Having butterflies land directly on their clothes or hands—a gentle, magical experience kids remember forever
• Watching butterflies emerge from chrysalises in real-time at the emergence window
• Spotting giant Blue Morpho butterflies with their brilliant blue wings spanning up to 6 inches
• Walking through the misty tropical environment filled with exotic plants and flowers
• Taking photos with butterflies landing on their favorite bright-colored outfits

Pro Tips for Families

1. Wear bright colors, especially red, pink, orange, and yellow—butterflies are more likely to land on you, creating memorable photo moments
2. Visit the emergence window first thing to see butterflies freshly emerged from chrysalises with their wings still drying—this is when they're most visible and docile
3. Bring your own water bottles and snacks as the greenhouse can be quite warm and humid; young children may need hydration breaks
4. Combine your visit with exploring the Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden sections, which are particularly stunning and offer different cultural experiences—allocate at least 3-4 hours total for the entire botanical garden

Best Time to Visit

Visit on weekday mornings right when they open (9 AM) to avoid crowds and see the most butterfly activity. Butterflies are most active earlier in the day, and cooler morning temperatures outside make the transition into the warm greenhouse more comfortable. Mid-week visits (Tuesday-Thursday) are typically less crowded than weekends, especially during peak summer tourist season in July and August.

Food & Drinks

The botanical garden has an on-site café offering sandwiches, salads, snacks, and beverages including kid-friendly options. However, options inside are limited and can be pricey, so many families pack their own picnic to enjoy in designated outdoor areas throughout the gardens. Water fountains are available, but bringing refillable water bottles is recommended especially given the warm greenhouse conditions. No food or drinks are permitted inside the butterfly greenhouse itself.

Parking & Access

The garden is accessible via Montreal Metro (Pie-IX station on the Green Line) with a short walk, which is often easier than driving in summer. If driving, on-site parking is available but limited and costs approximately $20 CAD per day—arrive early or use nearby street parking. The venue is fully stroller-accessible with paved paths throughout, though the greenhouse can be crowded; baby carriers may be easier to navigate inside the butterfly area. English signage and information are available throughout, though French is predominant—staff generally speak both languages.