Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo showing land animals, dangerous animals and zoo animals

Visit Toronto Zoo

Activities

A zoological wonderland with animals from all over the globe.

Covering an area of almost 300 hectares, this is easily the biggest zoo in Canada – and, really, it would have to be to allow 5,000 animals to roam about in their natural habitats. Toronto Zoo is also the first animal park in North America to employ an on-site nutritionist to ensure that each and every one of its inhabitants is eating happily and healthily.

The 450-plus species are spread out across 7 geographical zones: Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Canada, Eurasia, Indomalaya and the Tundra. These habitats have been reproduced so that elephants can feel at home in the savannah, gorillas can roam about the rainforest, and stingrays can swim in spacious lagoons. Look out for the zoo’s new arrivals, two giant pandas brought over from China in May 2013.

A visit to the zoo can easily take up a whole day and, with 10 kilometres of trails, you can end up doing a lot of walking. Having said that, there are prams and trailers available for children, and wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge. The Zoomobile also runs in the summer months, shuttling visitors to four stations spread out across the site.

Begin your visit in the African Savannah which is the largest section of the zoo and also contains the African Rainforest Pavilion, the world’s biggest indoor gorilla exhibit.

The Tundra Trek is an interesting experience, with Arctic animals such as reindeer and wolves inhabiting its 4 hectares. You can also watch a polar bear swimming underwater from a special basement viewing area.

Visit the Discovery Zone for the hands-on exhibits of the Kids’ Zoo. You’ll also find the Waterside Theatre here where you can enjoy a show. The Kid’s Zoo is open from May to October.

Toronto Zoo is located in Rouge Park in Toronto's Scarborough district, and is a 30-minute drive from the city centre. The car park is large but pricey buses, however, will drop you just by the main entrance.

The zoo is open every day except Christmas Day. Last admission is an hour before closing, and opening hours vary from season to season so you’d be wise to look these up on the zoo's website before you visit. You’ll also find information about feeding times and other events on the website.

Popular places to visit

Toronto Zoo showing land animals and zoo animals

Rouge National Urban Park

Explore the great outdoors at Rouge National Urban Park, a lovely green space in Toronto. Attend a sporting event while in this family-friendly area or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants.

Morningside Park

Morningside Park is just one of the places to see in Toronto, so why not enjoy the other things to explore during your travels? Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Guild Inn Gardens

After visiting Guild Inn Gardens, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Toronto. Amble around this vibrant area's beautiful beaches or experience its entertainment choices.

University of Toronto Scarborough

Explore the campus of University of Toronto Scarborough as part of your travels around Toronto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Cedarena

You can take time to visit Cedarena during your travels to Markham. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Colonel Danforth Park

Explore the great outdoors at Colonel Danforth Park, a lovely green space in Toronto. Attend a sporting event or simply enjoy the top-notch restaurants while you're in the area.

Top Hotel Deals

Meadowvale Apartment Hotel

30 Dean Park Rd Toronto ON

Comfort Inn Pickering

533 Kingston Rd. Pickering ON

Best Western Plus Executive Inn

38 Estate Drive Toronto ON

Centennial Place Student Residence Scarborough

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Holiday Inn Express Toronto East - Scarborough by IHG

50 Estate Dr Toronto ON

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Idlewood Inn

4212 Kingston Rd Toronto ON

Cozy Home

9 Spangler Rd Markham ON

Pickering Casino Resort Hotel

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See all 1,118 properties in Toronto Zoo

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.

Experience the top activities and must-see sights in Toronto Zoo

Experience the natural beauty and wildlife of Toronto Zoo, a perfect destination for nature lovers and families. Immerse yourself in the diverse flora and fauna, while enjoying the friendly atmosphere and stunning views of the beach and lake. Explore the park's well-maintained grounds and be captivated by the wide range of bird species. Take a leisurely stroll through the park and enjoy a picnic amidst the picturesque surroundings. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the vibrant and colorful flowers in full bloom. Toronto Zoo is truly a haven for adventure seekers and those looking to connect with nature.

Colonel Danforth Park: Just 4.8 km away from Toronto Zoo, this urban park offers a serene escape with its beautiful lake and beach. Enjoy nature walks, birdwatching, and picnicking in a peaceful setting.
Rouge National Urban Park: Located 2.91 km away from Toronto Zoo, this park is a paradise for nature enthusiasts. Explore the stunning landscapes, wander along the trails, and discover the diverse wildlife that calls this park home.
University of Toronto Scarborough: Just 3.98 km away from Toronto Zoo, this modern college university is surrounded by natural beauty. Take a leisurely walk around the campus, enjoy the nearby beach, or simply relax in the peaceful atmosphere.

Discover the flavours of Toronto Zoo

When visiting the Toronto Zoo, you can indulge in a unique dining experience that showcases the local cuisine and highlights of the region. The zoo offers various dining options, including restaurants and food stands, where you can sample delicious dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. From Canadian classics like poutine and butter tarts to international flavours like Asian stir-fry and Mexican tacos, there's something to satisfy every palate.

One highlight of the dining experience at the Toronto Zoo is the opportunity to try unique dishes inspired by the animals themselves. For example, you can enjoy a "panda bowl" with bamboo shoots and tofu, or a "lion burger" made with lean game meat. These creative dishes not only provide a memorable culinary experience but also help raise awareness about wildlife conservation. So, while exploring the zoo and admiring the incredible animal exhibits, be sure to take a break and savor the local flavours that the Toronto Zoo has to offer.

Best time to go to Toronto Zoo, Scarborough

Scarborough boasts a year-around average temperature of 9.0°C, peaking at 21.0°C in July, August, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of -3.3°C in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 82.6mm annually, with June seeing the heaviest showers and February being the driest month.

Month	Temperature (Celcius)	Rainfall (mm)
January	-3.3	69.8
February	-2.2	61.0
March	0.9	76.2
April	6.9	88.9
May	12.8	90.2
June	18.6	93.2
July	21.0	91.4
August	21.0	91.4
September	16.9	88.9
October	10.6	76.2
November	4.1	87.6
December	0.5	76.2

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