The Calgary Zoo
The Calgary Zoo
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
From the splendor of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo takes you to see over 1,000 animals from around the world. Trek through the African Rainforest to see the gorilla troop, safari over the African Savannah to watch the hippos swim, or climb the Canadian Wilds to see grizzly bears! Cool off and practice your waddle with 4 species of penguins in our popular Penguin Plunge or visit endangered red pandas and Amur tigers in Exploration Asia! Wind down your trip with a walk through our fragrant Dorothy Harvie Gardens or sit with the butterflies (seasonal) in the ENMAX Conservatory. You'll love knowing that every visit helps protect endangered animals at home and in the wild. NEW in 2021 is the unique and immersive permanent Gateway to Asia building featuring Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, and a Malayan tapir. Coming in December 2023 is the return of an iconic Canadian species - polar bears!
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Southeast Calgary
With a unique blend of urban sophistication and suburban comfort, Southeast Calgary teems with recreational opportunities and cultural diversity. The iconic Calgary Zoo, home to over 1,000 animals, and the stunningly beautiful Inglewood Bird Sanctuary, are just a few of the neighborhood's numerous green spaces and attractions. The culinary scene is equally impressive, with a plethora of globally inspired eateries and local breweries that satisfy every palate. Convenient public transportation, including buses and the C-Train, make navigating through the neighborhood and reaching downtown Calgary a breeze. From nature lovers to food enthusiasts, Southeast Calgary offers an experience that is both rich and varied.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.4
4,567 reviews
Excellent
2,627
Very good
1,437
Average
347
Poor
103
Terrible
53
These reviews have been automatically translated from their original language.
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Dirk R
Germany596 contributions
Jan 2025 • Couples
We stayed at the zoo in winter, and can recommend this zoo with a calm conscience.
Almost all enclosures were larger than average (compared to other zoos), and the network of trails was very well signposted and pleasant to experience.
The C-train station is directly connected to the zoo, making it easy to reach.
Almost all enclosures were larger than average (compared to other zoos), and the network of trails was very well signposted and pleasant to experience.
The C-train station is directly connected to the zoo, making it easy to reach.
Automatically translated
Written February 15, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
holidaymaker91
EAST SUSSEX39 contributions
Sept 2024 • Couples
We had a fabulous day at the Zoo. I appreciate zoos can be controversial but we honestly felt that that this particular zoo has it spot on. The animals have plenty of space and seemed content and the experience for the visitor was excellent. We particularly enjoyed the Wild Canada area. It was easy to get to from downtown Calgary and we felt it was good value.
Written October 3, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pushkin Shukla
Calgary, Canada793 contributions
Mar 2024 • Family
From the splendour of the Rocky Mountains to the heart of Destination Africa, the zoo houses over 1,000 animals worldwide. Here are some highlights:
African Rainforest: Trek through this area to see the gorilla troop.
African Savannah: Safari over this region to watch the Hippo's swim.
Canadian Wilds: Climb to see grizzly bears.
Penguin Plunge: Cool off and observe four species of penguins.
Exploration Asia: Visit endangered red pandas and Amur tigers.
Dorothy Harvie Gardens: Wind down your trip with a fragrant garden walk.
ENMAX Conservatory: Sit with the butterflies (seasonal).
Notably, every visit helps protect endangered animals at home and in the wild. The zoo also features the unique and immersive Gateway to Asia building, which includes Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, and a Malayan tapir.
African Rainforest: Trek through this area to see the gorilla troop.
African Savannah: Safari over this region to watch the Hippo's swim.
Canadian Wilds: Climb to see grizzly bears.
Penguin Plunge: Cool off and observe four species of penguins.
Exploration Asia: Visit endangered red pandas and Amur tigers.
Dorothy Harvie Gardens: Wind down your trip with a fragrant garden walk.
ENMAX Conservatory: Sit with the butterflies (seasonal).
Notably, every visit helps protect endangered animals at home and in the wild. The zoo also features the unique and immersive Gateway to Asia building, which includes Komodo dragons, white-handed gibbons, and a Malayan tapir.
Written April 8, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Canada360
Okotoks, Canada10 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
The Calgary Zoo is one of the best places to visit!! We had so much fun looking at all the new animals that just arrived or we hadn't seen them at all yet. The line to see the penguins is super long so make sure to come early to see them. One sad thing about the Zoo is they just got 2 new polar bears and one of them sadly died while wrestling underwater when the other polar bear cut off their breathing tube a sadly died. We also love the penguin walk. It is were the penguins walk out side of their habitat and explore the real world!!
Written October 18, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ziamka
Kharkiv, Ukraine77 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Having walked around the Calgary Zoo, I was impressed by its organization and variety of animals. From huge giraffes to cute penguins, you can meet representatives from different continents here. Each animal lives in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat, which creates a favorable atmosphere for observation and learning. There were also interesting educational activities that make the visit even more exciting for all ages. The Calgary Zoo is the perfect place to spend a day with family or friends.
Written April 30, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PMedKing
Moose Jaw, Canada739 contributions
Apr 2024 • Family
We took our granddaughter to the Calgary Zoo for her first visit. She absolutely loved it. The highlight was definitely the giraffe’s and the hippopotamus’ as they were quite active compared to the other animals who were busy napping. Unfortunately the penguin exhibit was closed which was a bit of a bummer. I would definitely return in the future.
Written April 11, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrea T
Edmonton, Canada75 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
This was one of the best zoo trips I’ve had. The animals were out and about the temperature was about 18 degrees that day. Arrived between 1-3 and was able to watch the animals get fed, that definitely attracted them so close to fences for some amazing pictures. Highly recommend visiting and checking out the new Polar bear exhibit
Written July 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy M
6 contributions
Jun 2024 • Family
What a great place for everyone. Staff very helpful and friendly. You can bring lunch in or you can buy it there. Lots to see. Lots of different parks for kids to play at. So parents need to read the signs that this park is for 3 to 5 year olds.
Written July 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom L
Calgary, Canada28 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Attended the Polar Bear special event night. Absolutely amazing to experience. Firstly a private viewing at 5PM to see the astounding new enclosures with is plunge pools, water cooled rocks and cold showers that the bears activate by standing on a sensor pad. Then a really good 4-course gourmet meal, cash bar and 3 excellent presentations. I learned so many incredible things about our largest land mammals.. The size of these bears (1,100 lbs) and their height standing (over 10 feet) is incredible to see up close. We will do this again, as there are so many fun facts to learn.
Thanks to our amazing zoo, and to Baffin and Siku.
Thanks to our amazing zoo, and to Baffin and Siku.
Written April 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cb-heir
Vancouver, Canada44 contributions
Aug 2024 • Family
I was travelling with my 17 y/o nephew. I was a bit worried that my cool teen would find the zoo lame or boring. Not at all, we had a blast, we stayed there 5 hours. Walked, talked, laughed, and enjoyed seeing all the animals. The zoo is beautiful, easy to navigate, the animals look happy and healthy, the staff was amazing. Excellent and fun way to spend the day in Calgary.
Written August 27, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
steveandchriskelly
Victoria, Canada
Many years ago before we moved to BC, we would take our 3 year-old to the zoo dressed in his sleep suit on Winter weekend mornings to the zoo heated areas.
Our grownup son would now like to take his 6 year-old child to the zoo. Is this still permitted? Thanks.
Written January 30, 2023
steveandchriskelly
Victoria, Canada
Is the zoo heated during the winter months?
Written January 30, 2023
Some exhibits at the Calgary Zoo are inside heated buildings.
Written February 25, 2023
Is there handicap parking close to the north entrance
Written August 28, 2022
How long do you need to see the zoo ( family with teenagers)? In winter how much time would be outside vs inside and is it worth visiting in winter? Considering visiting in late Feb when we are in Calgary.
Written February 12, 2022
You can spend the best part of a day there. I would say about half the exhibits are outside. Not sure about the weather since we are not from Calgary
Written February 13, 2022
what's the policy through this covid-19? do we need to book ticket and time to visit soo?
Written September 5, 2020
Yes, you must book ahead. They have created one-way routes throughout the park. At first, they didn't have many of the indoor exhibits open, but I think they've now opened up more.
Written September 9, 2020
Can we bring our own foldable wagon?
Written July 31, 2020
Yes you can.
It is a beautiful Zoo.
Written July 31, 2020
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