Toronto Zoo Tours and Activities

Toronto Zoo which includes signage and zoo animals as well as a large group of people
Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo which includes zoo animals, land animals and dangerous 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.

Popular places to visit


Top Toronto Zoo Hotel & Accommodation Deals

Cozy resting place for one

Cozy resting place for one

Toronto
Cozy resting place for one
Room for rent

Room for rent

Toronto
Room for rent
Modern Port Union Townhouse - Port Union Paradise

Modern Port Union Townhouse - Port Union Paradise

Toronto
Modern Port Union Townhouse - Port Union Paradise
Stylish 2BR: w/free parking & streaming!

Stylish 2BR: w/free parking & streaming!

Pickering
Stylish 2BR: w/free parking & streaming!
A Luxurious Custom Built Home Designed With Passion, Located Port Union Village

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

Toronto
A Luxurious Custom Built Home Designed With Passion, Located Port Union Village
Best Western Plus Executive Inn

Best Western Plus Executive Inn

3 out of 5
38 Estate Drive, Toronto, ON
Best Western Plus Executive Inn
Family-sized lower unit w/firepit, close to great hiking trails.

Family-sized lower unit w/firepit, close to great hiking trails.

Toronto
Family-sized lower unit w/firepit, close to great hiking trails.
cozy one bed room complete home

cozy one bed room complete home

Toronto
cozy one bed room complete home
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 Toronto Zoo

At the Toronto Zoo, visitors can engage in a variety of exciting activities, including sports, wildlife observation, and birdwatching. This stunning venue offers a chance to connect with nature while exploring diverse animal habitats and enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Whether you're keen to learn about different species or simply enjoy a day outdoors, the zoo provides a perfect blend of education and entertainment for all ages.

Shopping

At Toronto Zoo, you can shop at Scarborough Town Centre, just 8.0km away, offering a vibrant mix of business and entertainment. For a larger selection, if you're up for a drive, visit Pacific Mall or Shops at Don Mills, both around 6 to 16.1km away, brimming with family-friendly vibes.

Recreation

At the Markham Pan Am Centre, enjoy various sports activities in a vibrant atmosphere. Play a round at Angus Glen Golf Club, surrounded by beautiful landscapes. For a touch of luxury, unwind at Bayview Golf & Country Club, where you can relax in an elegant setting after a game.

Adventure

At Rail Yard Wake Park, located 40.2km from Toronto Zoo, enjoy thrilling water sports amid a vibrant atmosphere. Splitsville Richmond Hill, 16.1km away, offers a fun bowling experience perfect for families. For snow enthusiasts, the Earl Bales Ski and Snowboard Centre, 20.9km distant, provides excellent skiing and snowboarding opportunities.

Nightlife

After a day at the Toronto Zoo, catch a show at Herongate Barn Theatre, just 6.4km away, for a charming family experience. For a romantic film night, Cineplex Cinemas Pickering, 8.0km away, is perfect. For some adventure, head to Defcon Paintball, 12.9km away, for an exhilarating night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Toronto Zoo

When visiting Toronto Zoo, you'll discover a range of attractions including urban parks, modern universities, and historic villages, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Nearby, you'll find guesthouses and hotels for accommodation, along with other local attractions to explore. Don't miss the opportunity to experience the vibrant city centre of Toronto, making your trip truly memorable.

  • Markham Village: Explore the charming streets of Markham Village, a historic locale that exudes cultural vibes. With its quaint shops, heritage buildings, and quaint cafes, it's a delightful spot to soak in the local history and community spirit, located 9.7km from the zoo.
  • Seneca College: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Seneca College, a modern institution situated 12.9km away. With its dynamic campus and diverse student body, it's a hub of innovation and learning, offering a taste of city life.
  • Guild Inn Gardens: Enjoy a peaceful retreat at Guild Inn Gardens, an urban park located 8.0km from the zoo. This scenic space boasts beautiful gardens, walking trails, and stunning views, perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

Best time to go to Toronto Zoo

The best time to visit Toronto Zoo is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January and February are its coolest month on average. At the time of February, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
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

For a budget-friendly visit to Toronto Zoo, plan your trip during the off-peak months of December to February, when accommodation prices dip. Sundays are the best days to secure cheaper stays, while Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find the best hotel rates by filtering for eco-friendly options and sorting by price. Consider booking a package deal that combines your hotel, flights, and activities for additional savings. Lastly, make use of public transport to explore the city affordably, as it offers a cost-effective way to get around.

  • 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: Expedia’s search tool enables you to set your budget, choose your desired location, and much more. You can arrange your search results by price, starting from the lowest, so you can easily find the most affordable accommodation. Additionally, you have the option to narrow your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will display sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save some dollars by combining your hotel stay near the Toronto Zoo with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.