Majestic Monarchs

For more than 30 years, Niagara Parks has celebrated the remarkable monarch butterfly through its annual Majestic Monarchs tag and release program. This free educational event invites visitors to explore the monarch’s life cycle, learn about its incredible migratory journey south, and understand why this iconic orange, black and white species is listed as a “species of special concern” under Ontario’s Endangered Species Act.

Join us at the Butterfly Conservatory for hourly tagging demonstrations and releases into the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens as the monarchs begin their long migration. Along the way, discover simple ways you can support monarch conservation at home and in your community.

This event runs rain or shine. Release times may vary depending on weather.

WHAT

Tag, release and learn all about these fascinating pollinators!

WHEN

September 19 & 20, 2026
11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Butterflies will be released hourly
(while supplies last)

WHERE

In front of the Butterfly Conservatory at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.

Butterfly Conservatory

Step inside one of the largest glass-enclosed butterfly conservatories in North America and discover a tropical garden oasis. Make your way through 180 metres of meandering pathways surrounded by towering tropical plants and gorgeous blooms. This tropical oasis is yours to explore!

Learn More

Butterflies sitting on a lady's yellow shirt

Tag, Release and Monitor your own Butterfly

Did you know that monarch butterflies migrate? At the end of the summer, a special generation of monarch butterflies are born that will travel from North America to California and Mexico for the winter. Tag, release and monitor your own butterfly as part of your Majestic Monarch experience.

The tags allow researchers to effectively track monarch migration patterns and document changes and trends in their behaviour. Tags are recorded and posted online, giving you the chance to potentially see where your tagged butterfly ended its journey.