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.
Cityplace Executive Suites
Waterfront Majesty Enclaves
1 Hotel 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

Meadowvale Apartment Hotel

Meadowvale Apartment Hotel

2 out of 5
30 Dean Park Rd, Toronto, ON
Meadowvale Apartment Hotel
WINS-B01-COZY HOLIDAY HOME

WINS-B01-COZY HOLIDAY HOME

Toronto
WINS-B01-COZY HOLIDAY HOME
Room for rent

Room for rent

Toronto
Room for rent
Stylish 2BR: w/free parking & streaming!

Stylish 2BR: w/free parking & streaming!

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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
Best Western Plus Executive Inn

Best Western Plus Executive Inn

3 out of 5
38 Estate Drive, Toronto, ON
Best Western Plus Executive Inn
Family-sized lower unit w/firepit, close to great hiking trails.

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

Toronto
Family-sized lower unit w/firepit, close to great hiking trails.
FM104-Cozy Holiday Home

FM104-Cozy Holiday Home

Toronto
FM104-Cozy Holiday Home
FM102-Cozy Holiday Home

FM102-Cozy Holiday Home

Toronto
FM102-Cozy Holiday Home
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 an exciting zoo visit where you can explore diverse wildlife and engage in birdwatching. For outdoor adventure enthusiasts, the zoo offers interactive experiences that allow you to connect with animals up close. Don't miss the exhilarating style ride that adds a fun twist to your vacation experience, making it a memorable day for everyone.

Shopping

Scarborough Town Centre, located 5 miles from Toronto Zoo, offers a vibrant mix of entertainment and family-friendly activities. Fairview Mall, 8 miles away, provides a similar lively atmosphere. If you're up for a drive, Pacific Mall, 6 miles from the zoo, is renowned for its diverse shopping options.

Recreation

The Markham Pan Am Centre offers a vibrant atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, just 7 miles from the zoo, while Angus Glen Golf Club presents a scenic golfing experience 9 miles away. For music lovers, The Danforth Music Hall, located 13 miles from the zoo, provides fantastic entertainment vibes.

Adventure

Enjoy a fun-filled outing at Splitsville Richmond Hill, located 10 miles from the Toronto Zoo, where you can bowl and savor delicious food. For winter enthusiasts, the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, 13 miles away, offers skiing and snowboarding excitement. Experience thrilling karting at Goodwood Kartways, 16 miles from the zoo.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Toronto Zoo by catching a show at Flato Markham Theatre, just 8 miles away, or enjoy the excitement at Defcon Paintball, also 8 miles away. For a cultural evening, visit Mel Lastman Square, located 12 miles from the zoo.

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

Find the best attractions near Toronto Zoo

If you're planning a visit to the Toronto Zoo, you'll find a variety of attractions nearby, including urban parks, modern colleges, and historic villages. This destination offers great family-friendly outdoor experiences and urban adventures. For your stay, consider looking for hotels close to the zoo, and don’t miss exploring other nearby attractions to make the most of your trip to Toronto.

  • University of Toronto Scarborough: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of this modern campus, where state-of-the-art facilities meet diverse academic programs. Enjoy the scenic views and engage with students from various backgrounds, reflecting the dynamic city vibe of Toronto.
  • Rouge National Urban Park: A perfect escape for families and outdoor enthusiasts, this vast urban park offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and a chance to connect with nature, all while being surrounded by the lively spirit of the city.
  • Markham Village: Step back in time in this charming historic village, where you can explore heritage buildings, unique shops, and cultural events that showcase the rich history and community spirit of the area.

Best time to go to Toronto Zoo

The best time to visit Toronto Zoo is dependent 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 mostly cloudy.

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

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Toronto Zoo

To save money on your trip to the Toronto Zoo, consider visiting during the off-peak months of December to February when accommodation prices are lower. Sundays are typically the cheapest days to stay, while Saturdays tend to be the most expensive. Use Expedia to find eco-friendly hotels and sort prices from low to high for the best deals. Additionally, combine your hotel, flights, and activities for discounts, and join the One Key membership for exclusive offers and cash rewards on future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Toronto Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June and August to September, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Toronto Zoo is Sunday. The most expensive day to stay around Toronto Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia's search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, preferred destination, and desired type of accommodation. For instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and eco-friendly hotels that are currently available. To discover the best prices and deals, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Toronto Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia