This indoor, vibrant rainforest butterfly garden and insect-arium lets kids get up close to a variety of species. The Insect-arium, which opened in 2017, greets visitors upon arrival where they will find a giant, working ant farm and rare insects behind glass. The thousands of ants are fascinating to watch as they methodically carry leaves and things back and forth through the tank. Check out the spiders and scorpions and other creepy crawlies before heading inside the tropical rainforest where the butterflies are located.

More than 70 colorful butterflies from a variety of species fill the air inside the garden as they float about, but they are not the only thing to be found inside. Turtles, flamingos, frogs, birds, ducks, koi fish, iguanas and more live inside the year-round warm greenhouse, too. Stroll through the indoor gardens and enjoy the calm serenity while looking for the wildlife.  The Butterfly Gardens are situated outside downtown Victoria and are only about five minutes away from The Butchart Gardens. Families could easily spend an hour or so at the Butterfly Gardens and then head over to The Butchart Gardens.

Hours: 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Things to Know/Bring: Inside the butterfly rainforest it is quite hot and humid so be sure to check your coat in the lobby when you arrive. Children under 4 years old are free with a paying adult.

Parking:Free parking in a lot is available.