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.
