Toronto Zoo Tours and Activities

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


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.

Plan a trip to see Toronto Zoo

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Cozy resting place for one

Cozy resting place for one

Toronto
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Toronto
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New high end finishing apartment

Toronto
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Toronto
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A Luxurious Custom Built Home Designed With Passion, Located Port Union Village

Toronto
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Best Western Plus Executive Inn

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Things to do near Toronto Zoo

At the Toronto Zoo, you can enjoy a variety of activities including wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and sports. Plan a delightful day trip with family by exploring picnic areas and taking advantage of zoo vacation packages. Don’t miss the exciting Tundra Trek and consider the family zoo package for a memorable experience. The zoo offers something for everyone, making it a perfect destination for your visit.

Shopping

At the Toronto Zoo, you can shop for gifts and souvenirs at Scarborough Town Centre, 8.0km away, and Fairview Mall, 12.9km away, both offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly shops and entertainment. If you're up for a drive, visit Markville Shopping Center, located 9.7km away.

Recreation

The Markham Pan Am Centre offers a vibrant sports atmosphere with various athletic facilities to enhance your wellness journey. Cedarena provides a fun ice skating experience, perfect for recreation and adventure. Meanwhile, Scarboro Golf and Country Club invites you to enjoy the outdoors while playing a round of golf.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of bowling at Splitsville Richmond Hill, located 16.1km from the Toronto Zoo. For winter sports enthusiasts, the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, 20.9km away, offers exciting skiing opportunities. If you crave speed, head to Goodwood Kartways, 19.7km away, for an exhilarating karting adventure.

Nightlife

In Toronto, the Herongate Barn Theatre enchants with its cultural performances, just 6.4km from the Zoo. For adventure seekers, Defcon Paintball offers thrilling fun 12.9km away. Meanwhile, Flato Markham Theatre, also 12.9km from the Zoo, presents captivating shows in a romantic atmosphere.

Find the best attractions near Toronto Zoo

While visiting the Toronto Zoo, you can explore various attractions such as urban parks, modern colleges and universities, and event venues. These points of interest provide a delightful mix of family-friendly activities, outdoor adventures, and vibrant city experiences, ensuring a memorable trip for all visitors to Toronto.

  • University of Toronto Scarborough: This modern campus offers a vibrant atmosphere with beautiful architecture and green spaces, perfect for a leisurely stroll. Engage with local students and experience the dynamic culture of this urban educational hub, just 3.2km from the zoo.
  • Rouge National Urban Park: A gem for families and outdoor enthusiasts, Rouge National Urban Park features scenic trails, picnic areas, and diverse wildlife. Embrace the tranquility of nature while enjoying the city vibes, located 3.2km from Toronto Zoo.
  • Markham Village: Step back in time in this charming historic village, showcasing rich cultural heritage and quaint shops. Explore its streets filled with history and enjoy local cuisine, a delightful 9.7km from the zoo.

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.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
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

When visiting the Toronto Zoo, consider exploring nearby free activities like Scarborough Town Centre and the University of Toronto Scarborough. To save on accommodation, the cheapest months are December to February, with Sundays being the least expensive days to stay. For better deals, use Expedia to find budget-friendly hotels and package options that combine your stay, flights, and activities. Remember to sort prices from low to high to uncover the best offers and discounts on hotels near the zoo.

  • 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 choices based on your budget, preferred location, and the type of hotel you envision. To find the most affordable prices and special offers, simply sort the price filter from low to high.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Toronto Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.