Calgary Zoo Tours and Activities

Photo provided by Calgary Zoo
Photo provided by Calgary Zoo
Photo provided by Calgary Zoo
Photo provided by Calgary Zoo
Photo provided by Calgary Zoo


See exotic animals and even dinosaurs as you wander through botanic gardens and re-creations of diverse habitats ranging from Africa to South America.

Catch the C-Train from downtown to the Calgary Zoo and gardens located on St. George’s Island and the banks of the Bow River. Here you’ll find creatures large and small, and even prehistoric! If you’re visiting the zoo on Sunday, kick off your visit with a safari brunch in the Destination Africa area.

Start your zoo exploration at the Penguin Plunge, in the chilly Antarctic area. Meet four types of penguin: the Humboldt, gentoo, rockhopper and king. On this side of the water you’ll also find the dinosaur park, where you can get close to life-sized replicas of dozens of dinosaur species lurking in prehistoric foliage. Nearby in the Canadian Wilds habitat you will encounter local species of bear, moose, buffalo, puma, otter, marmot and many more creatures that are difficult to spot in the wild.

Take the footbridge over to St. George’s Island, where the creatures of Eurasia, South America and Africa await. Keep your eyes peeled for the red river hogs in the African Savannah as they often have cute piglets. The Calgary Zoo has also had success with gorilla breeding programs.

Be sure to visit the Amur tigers in the Eurasian habitat, where you’ll also see snow leopards, Japanese snow monkeys and red pandas. In the South American habitat, the marmosets and other monkeys steal the show.

As you walk through the different habitats of the zoo, keep an eye out for the changes in flora. One of the most striking features of the zoo is its botanical garden. The Dorothy Harvie Gardens has almost 6 acres (2.4 hectares) of native plants. The conservatory here houses many species of birds and invertebrates, and has four themed sections: the tropical garden, arid garden, rainforest and butterfly garden.  

Calgary Zoo is located in Bridgeland, a few minutes’ drive east of downtown. There are two on-site parking lots, which charge a daily fee. The zoo is open daily, except for Christmas Day, and has an admission fee.

Plan a trip to see Calgary Zoo

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Best Lodging Options Near Calgary Zoo

Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG

Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG

3.5 out of 5
1250 Mckinnon Dr NE, Calgary, AB
Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG
Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown

3.5 out of 5
209-4th Avenue SE, Calgary, AB
Delta Hotels by Marriott Calgary Downtown
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire

4 out of 5
255 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary, AB
Sheraton Suites Calgary Eau Claire
Alt Hotel Calgary East Village

Alt Hotel Calgary East Village

3.5 out of 5
635 Confluence Way SE, Calgary, AB
Alt Hotel Calgary East Village
Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport

Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport

3 out of 5
3515 - 26 Street NE, Calgary, AB
Divya Sutra Plaza and Conference Centre Calgary Airport
Hotel Arts

Hotel Arts

4 out of 5
119 12th Ave SW, Calgary, AB
Hotel Arts
Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown

Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown

3 out of 5
Suite A-711 4th St SE, Calgary, AB
Hilton Garden Inn Calgary Downtown
Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown

Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown

3 out of 5
Suite B-711 4th St. SE, Calgary, AB
Homewood Suites by Hilton Calgary Downtown
McGill Loft | Trendy | Iconic | Best Location

McGill Loft | Trendy | Iconic | Best Location

Calgary
McGill Loft | Trendy | Iconic | Best Location
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 Calgary Zoo

Calgary Zoo offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including zoo trips to explore its diverse animal exhibits and area sightseeing to appreciate the natural beauty surrounding the zoo. For those seeking more fun, the Oasis Waterpark provides a splash of adventure, while outdoor activities and entertainment attractions ensure a memorable experience for all ages. Don't miss out on the chance to enjoy Calgary's vibrant offerings both within and beyond the zoo!

Shopping

At Calgary Zoo, enjoy nearby shopping at TD Square, Eau Claire Market, and CORE Shopping Centre, all within 3.2km, offering a vibrant mix of family-friendly and entertainment vibes. If you're up for a drive, check out Chinook Centre, located 8.0km away, for an extensive shopping experience.

Recreation

McMahon Stadium offers an energetic atmosphere for sports enthusiasts, located 6.4km from Calgary Zoo. For a fun ice skating experience, visit the Max Bell Centre, just 1.6km away. Enjoy live music at Festival Hall, a vibrant venue only 644m from the zoo, perfect for entertainment lovers.

Adventure

At the Calgary Zoo, you can explore the wildlife and exhibits, then head to Canada Olympic Park, a ski resort 14.5km away for thrilling outdoor activities. Enjoy the excitement of skiing at WinSport, also 14.5km away, or race at Speeders Indoor Prokarts, located 8.0km from the zoo.

Nightlife

After your visit to Calgary Zoo, enjoy a night at Theatre Calgary for a captivating performance, or try your luck at Cowboys Casino for a thrilling experience. For more entertainment, check out Loose Moose Theatre for family-friendly shows, all conveniently located 1.6km away.

Find the best attractions near Calgary Zoo

Calgary Zoo offers a delightful mix of attractions for all types of visitors. Explore popular points of interest such as the nearby entertainment arenas, vibrant streets, and modern towers. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences, family-friendly activities, or a taste of city life, there's something for everyone to enjoy within and around the zoo, making it a perfect spot for a memorable day out in Calgary.

  • Scotiabank Saddledome: Located 1.6km from Calgary Zoo, this iconic arena offers a vibrant atmosphere filled with family-friendly entertainment. It's the perfect spot to catch a thrilling hockey game or a concert, making it a must-visit for sports and music lovers alike.
  • Calgary Tower: Also 1.6km away, the Calgary Tower provides stunning panoramic views of the city and the Rocky Mountains. Ascend to its observation deck for an unforgettable experience that showcases Calgary's skyline and natural beauty.
  • BMO Centre: Situated 1.6km from the zoo, the BMO Centre is a bustling event and conference venue. It hosts a variety of exhibitions and conventions, making it a hub for business and networking in Calgary.

Best time to go to Calgary Zoo

The best time to visit Calgary Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendar iconCalendar Monthtemperature iconTemperaturerain iconPrecipitationmostly cloudy iconCloudinessoccupation rate iconOccupancyprice iconPricing
January17.6°F (-8.0°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February17.2°F (-8.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March27.0°F (-2.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
April37.8°F (3.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September54.1°F (12.3°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
October40.1°F (4.5°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November26.2°F (-3.2°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageAverage
December16.2°F (-8.8°C)No Rain (Dry)Mostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Calgary Zoo

For a budget-friendly visit to Calgary Zoo, consider exploring nearby free attractions like Chinook Centre and 17 Avenue SW. The best time to visit is during the off-peak months of December to February, with the cheapest accommodation available on Mondays. Use Expedia to find deals by filtering for your budget and preferences, and consider booking a package that includes hotel stays, flights, and activities for extra savings. Remember to compare hotel reviews and look for last-minute deals to maximize your experience without overspending.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Calgary Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, 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 Calgary Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Calgary Zoo is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Utilize Expedia’s search tool to refine your preferences, such as your budget, desired location, and preferred type of accommodation. To find the best prices and deals available, simply arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save some money by combining your hotel stay near the Calgary Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.