"Even on the harshest of winter days, Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory is 25 degrees (Celsius) with waterfalls, flowers blooming and freely flying butterflies from around the world,'' said Adrienne Brewster, executive director and curator.
Photo opportunities abound here in this Cambridge paradise, where visitors can stroll amidst vibrant flora and waterfalls in a huge indoor tropical garden.
It's populated with thousands of live flying butterflies from Costa Rica and the Philippines, more than 75 tropical plants, streams, reflecting pools, tropical finches, Chinese-painted quail and red-eared slider turtles.
As well, there's a honeybee observation hive in the Insects of the World gallery where visitors can watch the queen bee lay eggs and the workers make honey. Bug out while viewing an incredible collection of more than a thousand insects.
Then, relax over lunch in the Paradise Garden Cafe, another pleasant surprise with its own chef, Nick Fuller, who uses locally farmed and organic ingredients for daily menu features.
The conservatory is open year-round, but closed Mondays now through March 1, with the indoor temperature ranging from 24 C to 28 C and high humidity.
The privately owned conservatory opened in 2001 on a 47.3-hectare site that includes the environmentally sensitive Kossuth Bog about midway between Kitchener and Guelph.
Its mission is to provide a family-oriented, educational and entertaining destination that enhances "a greater appreciation for the role insects play in nature and promotes environmental conservation."
As well, it's a research facility providing opportunities for studies by local schools and universities.
An upcoming special exhibit, from Nov. 25 through Jan. 15, is "Flight of White: A Snowfall of Butterflies.''
Visitors can stroll among the "thousands of white butterflies that flutter like snowflakes to create a flight of white'' within the tropical conservatory.
The critters are rice paper or paper kite butterflies that are white with distinctive black spots and are of Southeast Asian origin.
Always a sell-out is Brunch with Santa and Mrs. Claus in the cafe, this year on Dec. 12 and 13 at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children get to visit with the special guests, receive a "holiday treat'' and enjoy brunch.
During the holiday break, children can take part in Mystery in Paradise: Bug Olympics from Dec. 19 to Jan. 3.
This family event involves visiting "clue stations'' to learn fun facts about bugs through self-guided interactive games and activities while solving a mystery and winning a prize from the ButterSpy Agency.'
The conservatory's other educational activities include the Little Bug Troopers bug-themed preschool program winding up next Thursday and a home-school program, both of which require pre-registration.
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If you go
Wings of Paradise Butterfly Conservatory is at 2500 Kossuth Rd. in Cambridge. For more details: www.wingsofparadise.com; info@wingsofparadise.com; (519) 653-1234.
It's open Tuesdays through Sundays at this time of year from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on Dec. 24 to 26 and Jan. 1.
The conservatory will close early at 2 p.m. (last admission at 1 p.m.) today and tomorrow , next Saturday and Sunday (Dec. 5, 6) and Dec. 19 due to privately booked events.
Admission costs $9.50; $8.50, seniors (65 plus) and youth (13 to 17); $5, children, three to 12; no charge, two and younger, plus tax. Discounted tickets are available through the website.
Brunch with Santa takes place Dec. 12 and 13 with two sittings at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. Tickets are $19.50; $12.50, children, six to 12; $7.50, ages one to five. Reservations are required.
The Paradise Garden Cafe is open Wednesday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
From London, take Hwy. 401 east to Exit 282 (Hespeler Rd.-Regional Rd. 24). Turn left (north) on Hespeler Rd. to Kossuth Rd. and turn left, with the conservatory on the left.
BMW X1 in LEGOWeddings in paradise
