Brianna HarrisonHumber Bay Butterfly Habitat: Toronto’s Hidden Garden
The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat is Canada's first public butterfly habitat. It’s home to over 20 species of butterflies, including the monarch butterfly, which is an endangered species in the country.
Planning to visit the hidden butterfly garden? We have everything you need to know to make your experience at the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat fun and memorable.
Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat: Toronto’s Hidden Garden
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat is during the summer months, from June to September. The habitat is most lush and colourful during this time of year.
If you are looking for the best chance to see a variety of butterfly species, visit the habitat in the morning or evening when the temperatures are cooler.
Where is the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat in Toronto?
The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat is located in Humber Bay Park East, on the Etobicoke waterfront in Toronto. It’s located at the end of Park Lawn Road, just south of the Waterfront Trail.
Here’s a map of the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat and its surrounding area:
How to Get There
— From: @misha.doodle
Train: To get to Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat through the TTC, take the GO train to Kipling GO Station. Walking to the garden from the station takes about 15 minutes.
Streetcar: Take the 501 Queen streetcar to Park Lawn Road. From there, it’s a short walk to the garden.
Bus: Take the 23 Kipling bus southbound to Park Lawn Ave at The Queensway stop. The habitat is a short walk south of the bus stop.
Car: From downtown Toronto, head south on Bay Street or University Avenue until you reach Lake Shore Boulevard West. Continue west until you reach Park Lawn Road.
Tips
— From: @bug_watch
- Check the weather forecast. Butterflies are most active on warm, sunny days with little wind.
- You will be doing some walking, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes. You may also want to wear long pants and sleeves to protect yourself from mosquitoes and other insects.
- Bring water and sunscreen. It’s important to stay hydrated and protected from the sun, especially if you are visiting the habitat on a hot day.
- Do not touch the butterflies or their eggs. Be careful not to step on any plants or flowers.
What to Do
Watch beautiful butterflies
— From: @lexielausphotography
The garden’s main attractions are, of course, the butterflies. Apart from the famous monarch butterfly, it’s also home to other species such as the black swallowtail, painted lady, red admiral, cabbage white, and the silver-spotted skipper.
Watch them behave in their natural habitat and observe their interactions with plants and other insects. You can also learn about their life cycles and habitat requirements.
Learn about the ecosystem
— From: @_happinessindetails
The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat Restoration Group offers a variety of educational programs and events throughout the year, such as guided walks, workshops, and talks. They also have interpretive signs that provide information about the butterflies.
Their programs and events provide great ways to learn more about butterflies and other pollinators as well as the importance of protecting their habitat. They teach guests about the butterflies’ impact on their ecosystem’s balance.
Explore the garden’s various plants
— From: @michaelkohnphoto
The garden is a great place to see native plants up close and learn about their importance to butterflies and other pollinators. These plants provide nectar and pollen, which are essential for the insects’ survival.
The Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat is home to various native plants that attract butterflies including milkweed, goldenrod, purple coneflower, blazing star, and bee balm.
Take a walk and enjoy nature
— From: @xnt87
Taking a walk in the serene garden is refreshing and relaxing. Enjoy the scenery and breathe in the clean air produced by the healthy plants.
Make sure you don’t step on plants or ruin any part of the insects’ habitats to avoid ruining the intricate flow of their ecosystem.
Take wonderful photos
— From: @albert.monteiro
The habitat is a great place to take pictures of butterflies and other pollinators. Just be sure to be respectful of the wildlife and avoid touching them.
The garden has amazing views where you can pose for pictures. Some visitors even bring their dogs to take beautiful shots with the plants as a backdrop.
