Toronto Zoo
Explore diverse global habitats and hundreds of species at the expansive Toronto Zoo, a sprawling sanctuary for wildlife and conservation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Toronto Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, active animals
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse global habitats and hundreds of species at the expansive Toronto Zoo, a sprawling sanctuary for wildlife and conservation.
"It's a huge zoo, so wear comfy shoes and plan your route to see your favorites!"
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Get to the zoo right at opening for the best parking spots. Parking costs $20. :car:
🚶♀️ Skip the Steep Hill
Many advise skipping the Canadian Domain due to its steepness and distance. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
African Savanna
Africa
Witness majestic giraffes, rhinos, and zebras roaming in expansive, naturalistic habitats.
Great Ape House
Australasia
Get up close with intelligent orangutans and gorillas in their impressive indoor enclosures.
Canadian Domain
Canada
Encounter iconic Canadian wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and wolves in a vast, natural setting.
Highland Cows
Farm
Meet the adorable, shaggy Highland cow brothers, especially active in cooler mornings.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Navigate the Vast Zoo
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Get to the zoo right at opening for the best parking spots. Parking costs $20. :car:
🚶♀️ Skip the Steep Hill
Many advise skipping the Canadian Domain due to its steepness and distance. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
You can bring your own food and drinks, saving money. :forkandknife:
📱 Take a Parking Photo
Snap a pic of your parking spot number to easily find your car later. :iphone:
Toronto Zoo
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Get to the zoo right at opening for the best parking spots. Parking costs $20. :car:
🚶♀️ Skip the Steep Hill
Many advise skipping the Canadian Domain due to its steepness and distance. :athletic_shoe:
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
You can bring your own food and drinks, saving money. :forkandknife:
📱 Take a Parking Photo
Snap a pic of your parking spot number to easily find your car later. :iphone:
🛼 Stroller or Wagon Recommended
Essential for little ones due to the zoo's vast size and walking distances. :child:
❄️ Winter Visits are Great
Less crowded, and many animals (especially tundra dwellers) are very active in the cold. :snowflake:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Toronto Zoo for its vast collection of animals and diverse habitats, offering a full day of exploration. However, many note the zoo's immense size can be overwhelming, and some suggest skipping certain distant exhibits like the Canadian Domain to save time and energy. The cost of admission and parking is also a consideration for some.
"Amazing zoo! It's really big, with animals from all over the world and plenty of space to walk around and explore. The enclosures are well cared for. It's a great place for families but also fun for adults. Definitely worth a visit! 🥰"
Marie
"I visited on a very hot summer day and unfortunately many of the animals were either hiding in the shade or sleeping, which made it harder to see them. I was especially excited to see the polar bears, but they were resting during my visit. The zoo itself is quite large, and it can easily take half a day to explore all the different sections. I think going in the fall would be a better experience since the weather is cooler and the animals are likely to be more active and visible. Despite the heat, I really enjoyed walking through the different areas, and my favorite part of the zoo was definitely the Africa section with its wide variety of animals and beautiful setting. Overall, it was a fun visit and I would recommend it, but the timing of the season can make a big difference in what you get to see."
Albion
"This week wonderful time enjoyed at Toronto Zoo worth visiting for all age group.
While the kids and youngsters have most activities, others have a unique experience for the whole day.
Check their website for timings and entry fee.
The zoo arena is well mapped and accessible easily by walk and more with zoomobiles, their own ride train.
Very nicely crafted picnic spaces and food arenas all around.
Visit and enjoy animals from the first registered cattle on earth to 6000 years back generations to temple ruins!
Truly once in a lifetime experience.
Enjoy."
Hiten Rathod
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the Toronto Zoo via public transit by taking the TTC subway to Kennedy Station and then transferring to the 100A or 100B bus towards the zoo. Driving is also an option, with ample parking available (for a fee).
Yes, the Toronto Zoo offers ample parking for visitors. It is a paid parking lot, with fees typically around $20. Arriving early is recommended for the best spots.
The zoo is very large, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. For families with young children, a stroller or wagon is highly recommended. Some visitors also suggest utilizing the zoo mobile for transportation between sections.
Yes, the Toronto Zoo is accessible by public transport. You can take the subway to Kennedy Station and then catch a bus that goes directly to the zoo.
The Toronto Zoo is located in Scarborough, which is east of downtown Toronto. The drive can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes depending on traffic conditions.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Toronto Zoo admission prices vary by season and age. It's best to check their official website for the most up-to-date pricing for adults, seniors, children, and toddlers. Expect general admission to be in the range of $20-$30 for adults.
Yes, purchasing Toronto Zoo tickets online in advance is highly recommended. This often saves time at the entrance and can sometimes offer slight discounts or special offers.
Look for Toronto Zoo discount coupons or special offers on their website or through partnerships. Sometimes, membership deals can also provide cost savings if you plan to visit multiple times.
Toronto Zoo hours vary seasonally. They are typically open daily, but closing times can change. Always check the official Toronto Zoo schedule online before your visit to confirm operating hours.
While not always mandatory, booking a timed entry slot online for the Toronto Zoo can help manage crowd flow and ensure your entry, especially during peak seasons. Check their ticketing page for current requirements.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Visitors often rave about the orangutans, gorillas, polar bears, and the African savanna animals. Don't miss the new Highland cow brothers! The wolves are also a popular sight. +1
The Toronto Zoo is vast, and seeing everything can take a full day. With young children, it's realistic to cover about a third of the zoo in a few hours. Prioritize your must-see areas.
Yes, the Toronto Zoo has various food vendors and restaurants offering a range of options. However, bringing your own snacks and water is also permitted and can be a cost-effective choice.
The Toronto Zoo is generally stroller-friendly, with paved paths throughout most areas. However, some sections, like the Canadian Domain, involve steep hills which can be challenging with a stroller.
The Toronto Zoo features several indoor pavilions that are great for escaping the weather, especially during winter or hot summer days. These include the Great Ape House, the African Pavilion, and the Tundra Trek.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography at the Toronto Zoo. Animals are also often more active during these cooler parts of the day.
Tripod policies can vary. It's best to check the Toronto Zoo's official rules and regulations regarding photography equipment like tripods before your visit to avoid any issues.
The orangutans, snow leopards, red pandas, and the majestic grizzly bears are often cited as highly photogenic subjects at the Toronto Zoo. The new Highland cows are also a hit! +1
While enclosures vary, many exhibits at the Toronto Zoo are designed to allow for good viewing and photography opportunities. Telephoto lenses are recommended for capturing detailed shots of distant animals.
The viewing platforms for the African Savanna and the Great Ape House offer excellent vantage points for photography. The Tundra Trek, especially for polar bears, can also yield great shots.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Toronto Zoo's Expansive Layout
A common piece of advice from visitors is to strategically plan your route to avoid excessive backtracking and unnecessary walking. The 'Canada' section, while featuring iconic Canadian wildlife like grizzly bears and moose, is located at the far end of the zoo and involves a significant uphill walk. Many Redditors suggest skipping this section to save time and energy, especially if you have limited time or are visiting with toddlers.
Consider utilizing the zoo's internal transportation options, if available, or focusing on specific continents or pavilions that interest you most. Prioritizing indoor pavilions like the Great Ape House or the African Pavilion can also be a good strategy, especially during inclement weather or peak heat.
Best Times to Visit for Animal Activity
Visitors frequently note that on hot summer days, animals may retreat to shaded areas or indoor enclosures to stay cool, making them less visible. Therefore, visiting during the spring or fall is often recommended as the weather is more temperate, leading to increased animal activity throughout the day.
If you are visiting during the summer, aim to arrive right at opening to catch animals before the heat sets in. Observing feeding times or keeper talks can also provide opportunities to see animals at their most active and engaged.
Family-Friendly Tips for the Toronto Zoo
When planning your route with kids, it's wise to focus on a few key areas rather than trying to see everything. The indoor pavilions, such as the Great Ape House and the African Pavilion, offer a great respite from the weather and are often captivating for children.
Remember that animals can be unpredictable, and sometimes the most memorable moments are spontaneous discoveries. Embrace the opportunity to let your children explore and enjoy the wonders of the animal kingdom at their own pace.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit