Great places in the Northwest to flew butterflies

BRENTWOOD BAY, B.C.

Victoria Butterfly Gardens. The 12,000-square-foot conservatory on the Saanich Peninsula north of Victoria has, on average, 2,000 butterflies flying freely in a garden of tropical plants that includes more than 400 orchids. $8. 1461 Benvenuto Ave.; 877/722-0272.

ELKTON, OR

Butterfly Pavilion. See monarch and painted lady butterflies in all stages of their life cycle in a screened open-air pavilion; look for their wild cousins in a 4.5-acre garden planted with butterfly-friendly Oregon shrubs and trees. Closed Mon; free. 15850 State 38 W.; 541/584-2692.

PORTLAND, OR

Oregon Zoo. The zoo’s Winged Wonders exhibit runs through Labor Day. Wander among more than 20 species of North American butterflies; in midsummer they’ll be joined by Central and South American species. $2, plus zoo admission ($10). 4001 S.W. Canyon Rd.; 503/226-1561.

SEATTLE, WA

Pacific Science Center’s Tropical Butterfly House. Washington state’s only year-round butterfly exhibit is a walk-through display; expect butterflies to surround you. Free with science center admission ($10). 200 Second Ave. N.; 206/443-2001.

VANCOUVER, B.C.

Vancouver Aquarium’s Graham Amazon Gallery. Visit the walk-through Amazon aviary (mid-Jun to mid-Sep) and you get a bonus: clouds of free-flying tropical butterflies. $14. Stanley Park, 845 Avison Way; 604/659-3474.

 

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