Toronto Zoo Tours

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
Toronto Zoo which includes zoo animals, dangerous 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.
Sandman Hotel Oakville
The Sutton Place Hotel Toronto
Harbourfront 2 Bed Suites

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

Meadowvale Apartment Hotel

Meadowvale Apartment Hotel

2 out of 5
30 Dean Park Rd Toronto ON
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A beautiful Walkout basement

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Pickering ON
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Room for rent

Room for rent

Toronto ON
Room for rent
Spacious Basement Apt Open Concept wth Separate Entrance No Walls Dividing Rooms

Spacious Basement Apt Open Concept wth Separate Entrance No Walls Dividing Rooms

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Spacious Basement Apt Open Concept wth Separate Entrance No Walls Dividing Rooms
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Cozy Studio: Private, Free Parking & Great Deals!

Pickering ON
Cozy Studio: Private, Free Parking & Great Deals!
Stylish 2BR: w/free parking & streaming!

Stylish 2BR: w/free parking & streaming!

Pickering ON
Stylish 2BR: w/free parking & streaming!
Comfort Inn Pickering

Comfort Inn Pickering

2.5 out of 5
533 Kingston Rd. Pickering ON
Comfort Inn Pickering
Family-sized lower unit w/firepit, close to great hiking trails.

Family-sized lower unit w/firepit, close to great hiking trails.

Toronto ON
Family-sized lower unit w/firepit, close to great hiking trails.
Stylish 2BR Suite in Markham

Stylish 2BR Suite in Markham

Markham ON
Stylish 2BR Suite in Markham
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 engage in exciting activities such as wildlife observation, birdwatching, and sports. Don't miss out on admission tickets, thrilling Zoomobile rides, and unique animal encounters. Guided tours are available to enhance your experience, while the animal park offers a chance to see diverse species up close. Enjoy a fun-filled day exploring all the attractions the zoo has to offer.

Shopping

At Toronto Zoo, you can enjoy shopping at Scarborough Town Centre, just 5 miles away, and Fairview Mall, 8 miles away, both offering a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly experiences. If you're up for a drive, check out Pacific Mall, located 6 miles from the zoo.

Recreation

Experience the Markham Pan Am Centre for an energetic sports vibe, only 7 miles from the zoo. Enjoy cultural performances at Flato Markham Theatre, 8 miles away, perfect for family outings. For outdoor enthusiasts, Angus Glen Golf Club, 9 miles from the zoo, offers a relaxing golf experience.

Adventure

Defcon Paintball offers an exciting arcade adventure, perfect for families seeking thrills, located 8 miles from Toronto Zoo. For a fun bowling experience, visit Splitsville Richmond Hill, situated 10 miles away. If you're into skiing, Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, 13 miles from the zoo, is a must-visit.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Toronto Zoo offers vibrant experiences. Visit the nearby Distillery District for trendy bars like Spirit of York Distillery, where you can savor artisan cocktails. For live entertainment, check out the nearby St. Lawrence Market for food stalls and local music, creating a lively atmosphere to unwind.

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

Find the best attractions near Toronto Zoo

Explore a variety of attractions within and around Toronto Zoo, including urban parks, modern colleges, and historic villages, perfect for family outings and outdoor experiences. Don't miss nearby points of interest and consider using Toronto CityPASS tickets for access to popular attractions. Discover the vibrant city life and engage in fun activities while enjoying your visit to the zoo and its surroundings.

  • University of Toronto Scarborough: A vibrant campus that seamlessly blends modern architecture with lush green spaces, this university offers a unique urban vibe. Visitors can explore the scenic trails, engage with art installations, and enjoy the dynamic atmosphere of college life while taking in views of the surrounding city.
  • Rouge National Urban Park: A beautiful escape into nature, this urban park features diverse ecosystems, hiking trails, and opportunities for birdwatching. Perfect for families, it provides a peaceful retreat with outdoor activities, picnic spots, and scenic landscapes, all while being close to the city.
  • Markham Village: Rich in history and culture, this charming village showcases heritage buildings and local shops. Strolling through its streets offers a glimpse into the past, with cultural events and festivals that celebrate the vibrant community spirit of the area.

Best time to go to Toronto Zoo

The best time to visit Toronto Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostlycloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlycloudyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainmostlycloudyLowSlightly Low
February25.2°F (-3.8°C)Light RainmostlycloudyAverageSlightly Low
March33.3°F (0.7°C)Light RainmostlycloudyAverageAverage
April42.6°F (5.9°C)Light RainmostlycloudyAverageAverage
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 RainmostlycloudyLowSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Toronto Zoo

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Toronto Zoo.
  • 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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