Title: Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium in West End - Tours and Activities | Expedia.ca

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# Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium Tours and Activities

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/08b3384c-57fe-4032-94cb-29a1f5642abd.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/6080c32a-ab30-44ed-8e1e-9c061e280794.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/942e44b0-941b-4b80-a490-6c1e9c6090d4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/6406e669-0c4b-4804-8751-f40559c9a2e4.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

![Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium](https://images.trvl-media.com/place/6083821/8bc908c8-b743-4241-8886-c313f551faf1.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=1040&h=580&q=mediumHigh)

## Visit Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Activities

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#### Visit a red wolf habitat, watch polar bears swim and see elephants in a simulated forest environment at this unique zoo and aquarium.

The Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is home to one of the Northwest's most comprehensive collections of regional and international animals. Learn how this unique facility has helped to save the country’s red wolf population. Explore exhibits that recreate environments in Southeast Asia, the Arctic tundra and the Andes Mountains. Touch stingrays and small sharks in the South Pacific Aquarium.

Stop at the zoo’s Arctic Tundra exhibit to see polar bears swimming in a saltwater pool. This exhibit simulates a coastal environment similar to Point Hope in Alaska. Look for Arctic foxes, large muskox and reindeer.

The Asian Forest Sanctuary is an incredible 5-acre (2-hectare) complex that recreates a southern Asian environment. Head to one of the many viewing points to look for clouded leopards, a type of wildcat naturally found in the Himalayan foothills. Spot white-cheeked gibbons, Malayan tapirs and Indian crested porcupines.

Watch brightly colored fish swimming in the facility’s massive South Pacific Aquarium and catch one of the daily shark-feeding sessions. Find the North Pacific Aquarium to see ratfish, salmon and jellyfish. Interact with more than 100 budgies in the open-air, walk-through Budgie Buddies exhibit and go for a fun camel ride.

Learn how the Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium was instrumental in the recovery of the red wolf, which was facing extinction in the late 20th century. Due to ongoing efforts by this facility and other organizations, the red wolf population has grown from 14 to over 250.

Visit during the holiday season to see the zoo’s famous Zoolights event, during which over half a million lights illuminate the grounds. The decorations include 3-D animal light displays, such as a 22-foot (7-meter) wide rock crab.

The remarkable Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is located within Point Defiance Park, about 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the center of Tacoma, Washington. Ample parking is provided at the facility as well as next to the Point Defiance Park entrance.

Get up-close with more than 300 different animal species at this imaginative zoo and aquarium.

## Plan a trip to see Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.

![1 Hotel Seattle](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/2000000/1510000/1509800/1509734/523f7d04_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### 1 Hotel Seattle

Downtown Seattle

CA $937

per person

May 30 - Jun 1

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Seattle (SEA)

9.4/10 Exceptional! (258 reviews)

You MUST book a stay here. It gives the warm hug you need in your Seattle travels. This is by far the best hotel ever. The doorpersons greeting, all the friendly staff and restaurant server(Heidi) all rer winners!!! Really nice and engaging. Very knowledgeable staff in restaurant for certain. Mark the driver of the Audi car with complementary local drop off was above and beyond. Professional and very personable. This location puts you in a walkable safe area. My room is as super clean and the ascetic was uber vibey. Slept like a baby. I will most def be back. Thank you for a wonderful stay.

Reviewed on Mar 24, 2026

![@ Marbella Lane - Luxury Townhome 14 Min to Lumen](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/120000000/119900000/119897400/119897398/f9ae634f_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### @ Marbella Lane - Luxury Townhome 14 Min to Lumen

Bridle Trails

CA $1,541

per person

May 29 - Jun 2

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Calgary (YYC) to Seattle (SEA)

No reviews

![The Belltown Inn](https://images.trvl-media.com/lodging/3000000/2340000/2330600/2330513/04126f22_y.jpg?impolicy=fcrop&w=900&h=506&q=mediumHigh)

### The Belltown Inn

Downtown Seattle

CA $1,029

per person

Jun 23 - Jun 25

found 1 day ago

Roundtrip non-stop flight included

Edmonton (YEG) to Seattle (SEA)

9.2/10 Wonderful! (4,446 reviews)

The hotel was very nice, especially for the price point and location. Parking was easy to find along the street which helped to save on the cost per day at the lot across the street.

Reviewed on Apr 3, 2026

### Popular places to visit

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#### Fort Nisqually Living History Museum

Interact with interpreters in period clothing and explore replica 19th-century buildings at this living history museum.

[](https://expedia.ca/Fort-Nisqually-Living-History-Museum-West-End.d6083819.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Point Defiance Park

4/5(1 review)

One of the largest urban parks in the United States is a green space home to lovely gardens as well as a fun-filled zoo and aquarium.

[](https://expedia.ca/Point-Defiance-Park-West-End.d6083815.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Owen Beach

Why not spend a lazy afternoon at Owen Beach during your trip to Tacoma? 

[](https://expedia.ca/Owen-Beach-Tacoma.d553248635983993722.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Skansie Brothers Park

After visiting Skansie Brothers Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Gig Harbor. While you're in the area, stroll along the waterfront. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Skansie-Brothers-Park-Tacoma.d6335383.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Tacoma Chinese Garden and Reconciliation Park

Explore the great outdoors at Tacoma Chinese Garden and Reconciliation Park, a lovely green space in Tacoma. Stroll along the waterfront or experience the lively festivals in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Tacoma-Chinese-Garden-And-Reconciliation-Park-North-End.d6335421.Vacation-Attraction)

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#### Titlow Park

Explore the great outdoors at Titlow Park, a lovely green space in Tacoma. Wander the waterfront in this family-friendly area. 

[](https://expedia.ca/Titlow-Park-West-End.d6335434.Vacation-Attraction)

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## Best Lodging Options Near Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

## Check availability on hotels close to Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium

[Tonight

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[Tomorrow night

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[Next weekend

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### 

Ruston Retreat: Sauna, ice bath, Modern 4B 4BA & Stunning Water View

 Tacoma WA

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### 

Stay near Point Defiance Park in our charming 1-bedroom cottage

 Tacoma WA

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### 

The Blue Ruby - nestled in Point Defiance

 Tacoma WA

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Bodur's Nest Whispering Garden

 Tacoma WA

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### 

Walk to the waterfront - Charmwood House in Tacoma

 Tacoma WA

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### 

Walk to the waterfront! The South Sound Suite

 Tacoma WA

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Walk to the waterfront The Cozy Cottage

4710 N 46th St Tacoma WA

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Walk to the waterfront The Hobbit House

4710 N 46th St Tacoma WA

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### 

Walk to the waterfront! The Cozy Cottag

 Tacoma WA

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