Toronto Zoo: Hours, Address, Toronto Zoo Reviews: 4/5
Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo
4
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Tuesday
2:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Your Toronto Zoo is committed to connecting people, animals and conservation to fight extinction and we are excited to be welcoming back you and your families. Take a drive on the WILD side and experience our Zoo comfortably from your own vehicle with our Scenic Safari Drive-Thru or enjoy our new one-way walking routes. To further enrich your visit, why not add on a Wild Encounter to get up close and personal with some of our animals! For more information, including hours of operation, please visit our website: http://www.torontozoo.com/
Suggested duration
More than 3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Scarborough
Situated astride Lake Ontario, Scarborough is a district heavily influenced by immigration. With a number of low-rent shopping and dining options making it a highly affordable part of town, and boasting one of Toronto's largest shopping malls, the otherwise green suburban neighborhood is a good place to go for bargains and discounts. It also draws in photographers. The spires, archways, and cavernous rooms of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir Palace are filled with breathtaking art, architecture, and detailed reliefs – it’s like entering a different world, The ruins of columns and installation art at the Guild Inn makes a free-for-all exploration site, while the big-name draw for young photographers is the menagerie at the Toronto Zoo. While many visitors shirk Scarborough as too suburban, its houses are some of Toronto's most mystical and haunting architectural beauties. And for adventure lovers, it has river-rafting and some unique hiking trails.
Best nearby
Restaurants
121 within 5 kms
Dairy Queen
1
0.1 kmFast food
Tim Hortons
4
0.8 km

Pizza Pizza
23
1.4 km$ • Pizza

Tim Hortons
10
2 km$ • Canadian
Go 4 Pizza & Wings
1
2 km

Wendy's
8
2 km$$ - $$$
Mr Jerk
7
2.2 km$

Caribbean Wave
19
2.3 km$$ - $$$ • Caribbean • Vegetarian Friendly

Swiss Chalet
22
2.2 km$$ - $$$ • Canadian

Tropical Nights Restaurant & Lounge
17
2.2 km$$ - $$$ • Chinese • Caribbean • Vegetarian Friendly
Attractions
43 within 10 kms

Rouge National Urban Park
54
0.5 kmNature & Wildlife Areas • Parks

Toronto Pan Am Sports Centre
2
3.1 kmSports Camps & Clinics

Scarborough Town Centre
124
Shopping Malls

Frenchman's Bay Marina
54
Marinas

Morningside Park
7
4.1 kmParks

Guild Park
61
Parks

Cedarena
19
4.6 kmArenas & Stadiums

Petticoat Creek Conservation Park
74
Nature & Wildlife Areas

Colonel Danforth Park
9
4.6 kmParks

Adams Park
2
4.4 kmParks
Contribute
Popular mentions
4.0
4,942 reviews
Excellent
2,384
Very good
1,602
Average
617
Poor
207
Terrible
132
Megan B
Clayton, NY12 contributions
Jun. 2022
This was a great trip. We walked and would definitely want whole day if we were to do it again . So, half day buy the Zoomobile passes. Whole day, walk! Animals were out and about, this was super. The grounds as a whole were in great condition. Although often we see that rest areas are in need of extra attention, I would really stress that this should be an area of focus, and should be updated. Everything else was really great, we loved the later hours.
Written June 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
James & Beth
Hockley, TX203 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
So this might have been a getting adjusted to Covid, but the animals weren’t out. I don’t mind looking, but they have to at least be there. Goose poop all over. Might need a few more months to get back up to speed. If you have a better zoo option take it or wait for this one to come back.
Written May 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Diddlydancer
East Sussex, UK277 contributions
May 2022 • Family
As other reviews have mentioned, so many empty enclosures. Birds are not on show due to avian flu.
A bit dishonest to charge full admission with so many missing animals.
A bit dishonest to charge full admission with so many missing animals.
Written May 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Karen N
Guelph, Canada146 contributions
May 2022 • Family
This was my daughter and my first trip to the zoo, and my husbands in a long time. We read some negative reviews prior to going so we’re a bit concerned. However, our concerns went away quickly upon arriving. It was so much bigger and grander than I expected - and so many animals despite recent reviews saying there are not. There are many birds away due to the bird flu, and because animals are given a lot of space, as opposed to being forced into viewing areas, they are not always visible. Most of the big animals have several viewing areas so you can usually find them if you really look.
I love that they let you bring in your own food. We were hit with a bad storm, that came suddenly, and some kind young staff let us shelter with them until the hail died down.
We will be back!
I love that they let you bring in your own food. We were hit with a bad storm, that came suddenly, and some kind young staff let us shelter with them until the hail died down.
We will be back!
Written May 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
mapleleafsWinnipeg
winnipeg21 contributions
Mar. 2022
70% of it is closed off or empty. The whole place looks shabby and neglected. So disappointed. There is seriously nothing open. Well, a sorry looking Orangutan and some sad giraffe, but that's basically it.
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Norm J
Sydney, Canada34 contributions
Apr. 2022
The zoo lacks animals and it extremely over priced for what is has to offer! I have been to this zoo many times over a 40 year time span. It has been 7 years since last visit. Very disappointing, the price is way too high. $ 190 for 2 senior, 2 adults, 2 children under 6 and 2 cars. Good live with price if the zoo had more animals, the Africa area is the worst and it used to be great. Many exhibits are closed, others with only 1 or 2 animals, yet there is not a reduced price even though it is a reduced zoo. Website is not accurate or up to date, ie feeding times do not exist. I realize because of covid they are been cautious but tell us first and reduce price for a reduced product.
Written May 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Greg s
Canada22 contributions
Apr. 2022
Overpriced for what you get!! Waited in line for 45 minutes just to get in despite buying tickets online in advance. Their system to get in is highly inefficient, instead of having one link that allows the cashier to process all tickets at once, I had to open a different link for each family member to get in. Due to COVID a whole bunch of the animals were taken off display, which is fine and understandable, but they should then reduce the admission price to compensate for that. Went to get food and waited for an hour for 5 slices of pizza. A bunch of teens/20 somethings running the food stand in a highly unorganized manner. It should not take so long for 5 slices of pizza (which were sitting there in plain sight) to be put on a plate. The food quality was also horrible, it was cold by the time we got it and we got sick from it (vomiting etc.). The workers at the food stand wear gloves, but that is a total joke, they are touching everything and then going back to the food. Clearly a lack of proper training. Also, having 4 people prepare on box of poutine is ridiculous, they should be delegating their food service to be more efficient. They also do not monitor their exhibits, it was clearly stated that masks should be worn. As we walked through, many people were not wearing masks and no one was there to monitor or say anything. Then trying to get out, we paid for parking in advance and then when we wanted to leave the machine was broken. The woman tried to charge us again for the $14 dollar parking fee to get out. This zoo is a waste of money and lacks properly trained staff to manage the guests.
Written April 27, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
IAl
Toronto, Canada202 contributions
Mar. 2022 • Family
There’s so much to see here during all seasons. We went during March Break and I liked that it’s mostly outdoors, except for the interesting and unique pavilions; thus the place didn’t feel crowded. You definitely need good walking shoes while visiting and snacks and water while visiting (many of the eating places weren’t open).
Our favourite area was the Western Lowland Gorilla area (Africas area), the Giraffe House (did feel bad for the lone giraffe just standing there and eating), the Orangutan exhibit with its giant dominant male one, the coral reefs exhibit in the Australasia area and the gigantic reticule python! The gorilla was particularly cool as the gorillas are pretty much right beside you, doing their own thing, and only separated from you by a glass.
It’s a fantastic place and spend at least a minimum of 3hrs here, so you don’t feel rushed.
Please note: Toronto Zoo still requires proof of vaccination and mask wearing in the indoor pavilions. They have hand sanitizing stations everywhere too.
Our favourite area was the Western Lowland Gorilla area (Africas area), the Giraffe House (did feel bad for the lone giraffe just standing there and eating), the Orangutan exhibit with its giant dominant male one, the coral reefs exhibit in the Australasia area and the gigantic reticule python! The gorilla was particularly cool as the gorillas are pretty much right beside you, doing their own thing, and only separated from you by a glass.
It’s a fantastic place and spend at least a minimum of 3hrs here, so you don’t feel rushed.
Please note: Toronto Zoo still requires proof of vaccination and mask wearing in the indoor pavilions. They have hand sanitizing stations everywhere too.
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Michele M
18 contributions
Oct. 2021
The Toronto Zoo is a great place to visit. It's a lot of walking, but there is lots to see. Yes, sometimes, the animals are not right near the front of an exhibit, but there are so many different animals at the zoo that it's easy to see a lot of them. It's also a perfect place to go for a walk as the grounds are very well kept. Would highly recommend to families or couples.
Written October 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
kerri33029
Ontario19 contributions
Sep. 2021
The Toronto Zoo is amazing! They are handling the covid restrictions perfectly! Everyone has to make a reservation and the zoo experience is less stressful due to the lack of crowds. We were able to enjoy so much more than we have before.
We had my mom in a wheelchair this time (she has a bad knee) and gave ourselves a workout. There are lots of hills around the zoo so my daughter and I took turns pushing her.
We had brought subway sandwiches with us and enjoyed a picnic overlooking the African exhibits from a pavilion right beside the zebras. That was pretty awesome.
Our favourite was the polar bears though. One of the polar bears was swimming while we were watching. He did the back stroke, swam on his side, pushed himself off the side of his pool. It was a joy to watch! My daughter took a video of it. :)
We love this zoo very much. They are doing a great job educating the public and providing conservation and protection measures for the animals in their care. I applaud them for their work and hope to visit again real soon.
We had my mom in a wheelchair this time (she has a bad knee) and gave ourselves a workout. There are lots of hills around the zoo so my daughter and I took turns pushing her.
We had brought subway sandwiches with us and enjoyed a picnic overlooking the African exhibits from a pavilion right beside the zebras. That was pretty awesome.
Our favourite was the polar bears though. One of the polar bears was swimming while we were watching. He did the back stroke, swam on his side, pushed himself off the side of his pool. It was a joy to watch! My daughter took a video of it. :)
We love this zoo very much. They are doing a great job educating the public and providing conservation and protection measures for the animals in their care. I applaud them for their work and hope to visit again real soon.
Written September 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Are there any electric car charging stations in the Zoo parking lot?
Bradgl
Toronto Ontario26 contributions
As of today, March 24, 2022, they are finalizing the installation of approximately 20 chargers. According to the staff they should be working by the middle of April
Em_ P
11 contributions
Hi there is may an okay time to come? would love to see the polar bear!
Jacqueline C
Toronto, Canada42 contributions
May is a great time to visit. The zoo is open all year and less people visit during the cooler months. Even if it's raining, pop into a pavilion.
BostonExec101
Newton, MA55 contributions
Hi Cross27, We are from Boston and our 2 little zoo's pale in comparison to Toronto's zoo. The Franklin and Stoneham zoos are small and have mostly common animals that you can find in any zoo. I take a lot of pride from living in Boston but the zoos here are not a strong point. You mentioned that you would travel here for it but not sure that should be the focal point. Zoos that are comparable to Toronto are the National zoo in DC and the North Carolina Zoo.
Demijour
Toronto19 contributions
The Toronto Zoo is a great place to visit especially if you have a love of seeing big and small animals, wild animals and insects etc. The zoo is sectioned off into different countries so make sure you grab a map from the entrance. There is a lot of walking so a great idea is to buy a train bracelet. You can jump on and off and get a lot more covered. Also, there is a person who stays on the train and gives wonderful facts and informations about the Zoo and the animals. Have fun :)
Sandra S
Whitby, Canada
Are you aloud to go back to your car once you enter zoo or is it a enter once policy?
cruiserpat63
Christ Church Parish, Barbados11 contributions
No there is no restriction at all just show yur ticket at the gate if you go out
Cross27
59 contributions
Do they have assistance for people with medical conditions that prevent them from walking too much
Gaga22
Ontario Canada19 contributions
Yes, they have ride on carts like in the grocery stores. You can get them at the front gate just after entry. Not sure if there is a charge or not. Sorry.
Cross27
59 contributions
Do they have assistance for people with medical conditions that prevent them from walking too much
Livingtheslowlife
Toronto, Canada39 contributions
The zoo does have a limited number of electric scooters for rent on a first come first serve basis.
There is also the zoo mobile, that you can pay to take the train around the park, saving having to walk greater distances.
Most paths are accessible to wheelchairs, save some areas like the Canadian section that has a large hill.
Perhaps reaching out to the park to discuss specific limitations may help you to better understand if the persons specific needs around mobility can be supported for the trip. They do have an accessibility program out of guest services who would be most helpful. 416-392-5932
Andrea B
Edmonton, Canada34 contributions
Hey! We are coming to the Zoo in early August and I am trying to figure out the best place to stay and/or the best way to get there
CHIMO...eh
Kingston, Canada29 contributions
We stayed at the Holiday Inn Express in Scarborough and took us about 10 minutes, the GPS said 7 minutes.
No issues driving there pretty straightforward.
Enjoy and bring your walking shoes 👞. We had fun.
Hope this helps you guys out.
Thornhillian
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Does anyone know of any discount codes for the zoo? The admission is very steep if going with a family with kids over 2yrs.
Reymando E
Toronto, Canada26 contributions
Affiliated companies and even when you know who the companies are, you still need a proof of employment or ID. I normally make it in for myself due to media access.
Vanessa N
St. Catharines, Canada1 contribution
For the Serengeti Bush Camp....is there somewhere to charge your phone? Do you ring your own sleeping bag?
Cynthia S
Toronto, Canada13 contributions
Good day!
The Serengeti Bush Camp has 2 electrical outlets where cell phones can be charged. One would have to bring their own electrical plugs.Yes, one would have to bring one’s own sleeping bags.
How to Prepare for Camp
Please dress appropriately for the weather. Please ensure that all personal items are labelled. Here is a checklist of how you can prepare for camp:
• Sunscreen - Please ensure that you bring sufficient sunscreen with you for the day
• A labelled water bottle and/or labelled re-useable plastic cup
• Change of clothes for the following day
• Comfortable footwear
Please ensure that you have comfortable shoes or footwear as you will be active throughout the evening. Running shoes are the best footwear for Bush Camp due to the walking during tours of the Zoo. Flip flops, Crocs, and/or insecure footwear are not recommended.
• Sun hat
• Rainwear or umbrella
• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Mosquito repellent (optional)
• Hand towel and wash cloth
• Warm sweater/sweatshirt/jacket/raingear
• Deodorant and other toiletries
• Pillow, sleeping bag/blankets and Flashlight
I hope that answers your questions! Have a fun time.
Frequently Asked Questions about Toronto Zoo
- Toronto Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sun 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Tue - Tue 2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Wed - Wed 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Thu - Thu 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- Fri - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
- Sat - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m.
- We recommend booking Toronto Zoo tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Toronto Zoo tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Toronto Zoo:
- (4.03 km) Toronto Large 4 Bedroom House Clean Beautiful Private Convenient Location
- (14.88 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Ajax, Ontario, Canada
- (15.69 km) Hilton Garden Inn Toronto / Markham
- (5.57 km) Best Western Plus Executive Inn
- (13.76 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Toronto-Markham
- Restaurants near Toronto Zoo:
- (0.12 km) Dairy Queen
- (0.81 km) Tim Hortons
- (8.92 km) Peters Fine Dining
- (1.38 km) Pizza Pizza
- (8.20 km) Big M Burgers
- Attractions near Toronto Zoo:
- (0.49 km) Rouge National Urban Park
- (12.89 km) Epic Sportfishing
- (10.07 km) BATL - The Backyard Axe Throwing League
- (12.89 km) We Pound Em Sportfishing
- (15.18 km) BG Tours Canada - Toronto to Niagara Falls Day Tour