Toronto Zoo Tours

Toronto Zoo showing signage and zoo animals as well as a large group of people
Toronto Zoo showing signage and zoo animals as well as a large group of people
Toronto Zoo which includes land animals and zoo animals
Toronto Zoo showing zoo animals and signage
Toronto Zoo featuring dangerous animals, zoo animals and land animals


Visit the biggest animal park in Canada and see land and sea creatures from all over the world in the zoo’s seven geographic habitats.

Spread across 710 acres (287 hectares), Toronto Zoo is the biggest zoo in Canada it attracts around 1.3 million visitors yearly. In the first animal park in North America with a permanent nutritionist, the 5,000 animals that occupy the zoo’s spacious habitats have always received the best care.

Find animals representing over 450 species from seven geographic regions: Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Canada, Eurasia, Indomalaya, and the Tundra. Each sector replicates the animals’ natural habitats, so elephants roam across an open savannah, gorillas laze in a rainforest pavilion, and stingrays swim in a large pool. Don’t miss the pair of giant pandas, flown in from China in May 2013.

Spend all day walking the 6 miles (10 kilometers) of trails and watching the animals. Rent a stroller or pull-along wagon to take the children everywhere. Wheelchairs are available free of charge. In summer, the hop-on, hop-off service called Zoomobile stops at four stations spread throughout the zoo, a convenient way to see more of the park.

Start your visit at the African Savannah, the largest section of the zoo. The zone also includes the African Rainforest Pavilion, where you’ll find the biggest indoor gorilla exhibit in the world.

Explore the 10-acre (4-hectare) Tundra Trek with Arctic animals, including reindeer and wolves, and see a polar bear swim underwater from the special basement area.

Treat your children to the Discovery Zone with hands-on exhibits in the Kids Zoo and Splash Island. Take a seat in the Waterside Theatre for daily events, such as the Wingin’ It bird show. Kids Zoo is open May through October.

It’s only a 30-minute drive from downtown to the zoo, which is located in Rouge Park, in Scarborough district. There is a large parking lot available, but parking is expensive. Buses stop close to the main entrance.

The Toronto Zoo closes only once a year, on Christmas Day. It is open an hour longer from May to September and has shorter opening hours in November and December. Last admission is one hour before closing. Check the zoo’s official website for scheduled feedings and events.

Plan a trip to see Toronto Zoo

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Revery Toronto Downtown, Curio Collection by Hilton
1 Hotel Toronto
Hotel Riu Plaza Toronto

Reviews of Toronto Zoo

4.2
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
137
5 - Excellent 46%
4 - Good
98
4 - Good 33%
3 - Okay
42
3 - Okay 14%
2 - Disappointing
9
2 - Disappointing 3%
1 - Terrible
10
1 - Terrible 3%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

We went because it was part of the Citipass deal. Was worth it.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveler

Plan on a lot of walking or take the trolley around. The property is huge!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

It was early in the season so not all of the animals were out yet. Nice enclosures for the ones that were there. LOTS of walking! Wear comfy shoes and be in decent shape!

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

Beware of parking fares in both Toronto and the zoo areas.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Paddle boarding at the waterfront, Toronto blue jays stadium, Scarborough bluffs

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Toronto Zoo

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Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Toronto Zoo

At the Toronto Zoo, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including sports, wildlife viewing, and birdwatching. Don't miss the chance to purchase admission tickets for exciting experiences like Zoomobile rides and animal encounters. Guided tours are available to enhance your visit, providing insights into the animal park's diverse inhabitants. Make the most of your trip by exploring all the engaging attractions the zoo has to offer.

Shopping

For shopping near Toronto Zoo, check out Scarborough Town Centre, just 5 miles away, offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly options. Fairview Mall, 8 miles away, and Pacific Mall, 6 miles away, also provide great shopping experiences if you're up for a drive.

Recreation

At Markham Pan Am Centre, enjoy a variety of sports activities that promote fitness and camaraderie. Flato Markham Theatre offers cultural experiences and entertainment, perfect for a relaxing evening. For outdoor enthusiasts, Angus Glen Golf Club provides a serene golfing environment amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Explore Defcon Paintball for an exhilarating paintball experience, only 8 miles from Toronto Zoo. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, located 13 miles away, offers fantastic skiing opportunities. Don’t miss the Pride of Canada Carousel, a delightful amusement ride just 7 miles from the zoo.

Nightlife

While the Toronto Zoo primarily focuses on daytime activities, nearby nightlife is vibrant. Explore the lively bars at the Distillery District or enjoy a cozy evening at a local pub in the Beaches. For a unique experience, check out themed events at the zoo during special nights.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Toronto Zoo

During your visit to the Toronto Zoo, explore popular attractions nearby, including urban parks, modern colleges, and historic villages. These points of interest are perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. Don't miss out on options like the Toronto CityPASS for added value on local attractions, ensuring a well-rounded city experience. Discover what else Toronto has to offer while enjoying your time at the zoo.

  • University of Toronto Scarborough: This modern campus features stunning architecture and vibrant city vibes. Visitors can explore its beautiful grounds, attend public lectures, or enjoy art installations and exhibitions, making it an ideal spot for a cultural and educational experience.
  • Rouge National Urban Park: A captivating urban park that offers a blend of family-friendly activities and outdoor adventures. With its lush landscapes, hiking trails, and picnic areas, it’s perfect for nature lovers looking to escape the city and enjoy recreational activities.
  • Markham Village: A historic village that showcases charming architecture and rich cultural heritage. Stroll through its quaint streets, visit local shops, and immerse yourself in the vibrant community events that reflect the area’s history and traditions.

Best time to go to Toronto Zoo

The best time to visit Toronto Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Toronto Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Toronto Zoo falls in January and February. February has average visitor numbers and mostly cloudy weather.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low
February25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
March33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
April42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
May54.3°F (12.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June64.4°F (18.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
July71.6°F (22.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighAverage
August71.2°F (21.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyHighSlightly High
September65.1°F (18.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
October53.4°F (11.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November41.5°F (5.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyLowAverage
December32.9°F (0.5°C)Light RainMostly CloudyLowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Toronto Zoo

  • Combine your flights, hotels and car rentals on Expedia—bundling can result in significant savings.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Toronto Zoo.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.

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