Thank you to everyone who participated in the
TRCA Butterfly Festival at Tommy Thompson Park on August 23, 2025.
Stay tuned for details about next year’s event!
About the TRCA Butterfly Festival
The TRCA Butterfly Festival is a FREE public event at Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) to celebrate an iconic insect as it embarks on an epic journey to Mexico over the winter months.
Located on the Toronto waterfront at the convergence of two major migratory flyways, Tommy Thompson Park (TTP) is Toronto’s largest greenspace and provides a critical roosting spot for migrating butterflies.
More then 50 butterfly and moth species have been recorded at the park to date! READ MORE.
Join us at TRCA’s Butterfly Festival to learn about the incredible 4,000 km migration that takes place between August and November and begins with the gathering of Monarch butterflies at places like TTP.
A variety of activities will be offered for people of all ages! Go on a butterfly walk with a knowledgeable guide, take part in kid-friendly games and activities, learn about pollinator conservation at a community outreach booth, and more!
While the cost of this event is entirely FREE, a donation of any amount to the Monarch Teacher’s Network of Canada is one way you can directly support conservation of this iconic species.
Plan Your Visit to TTP
Make the most of your experience at Tommy Thompson Park! Check out TTP’s Visitor Information page for trail maps, park guidelines, and directions for getting to the park.
Here are the approximate distances and directions for key locations at the Tommy Thompson Park:
- Nature Centre – approximately 700m from Main Entrance (10 minute walk)
- Cell 1 – 2km from Main Entrance (25 minute walk)
- Pedestrian Bridge – 3km from Main Entrance (40 minute walk)
- Bird Research Station – 2.7km from Main Entrance (35 minute walk)
An event shuttle will be operating from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The shuttle will run between the Main Entrance and Pedestrian Bridge. It can be hailed at any point and drop-off locations are flexible.
Due to pedestrian and cycling traffic in the park, there is no schedule for the shuttle. Please give yourself lots of time to arrive at your destination.
Select the image below to download the Tommy Thompson Park trail map.
We love your pets, but please leave them at home! To protect wildlife in the park, TTP has a No Pets Policy.
Nature Exploration Lending Kits at TTP
Nature Exploration Kits are available for you to borrow and use at Tommy Thompson Park. Offered on a first-come, first-served basis, these kits include tools such as field guides and binoculars to help you discover the wonders of local flora and fauna.
To borrow a kit, visit the TTP Nature Centre, open on weekends and holidays from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Provide a contact number and a form of ID, and start exploring Tommy Thompson Park. When you’re done, return the kit to the Nature Centre.
Funding for the Nature Exploration Lending Kit program has been generously provided by TD Friends of the Environment Foundation.
Go Deeper!
Discover more opportunities to learn about and help to support
butterflies and other pollinators.
With Financial Support from:
