Toronto Zoo
Toronto Zoo
4
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
Features animals
Learn more about animal welfare in tourismSuggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingFull view










Top ways to experience nearby attractions
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
131 within 5 kms
Attractions
42 within 10 kms
See what other travellers are saying
- Banense315 contributionsReview of giraffe Wild EncounterThis is specifically a review of the giraffe Wild Encounter experience. Our guide was knowledgeable and friendly, and first showed us behind the scenes in the giraffe pens and some of their enrichment and food. But the real highlight which we were all there for were the giraffes themselves! The keepers did an excellent job of keeping them near us most of the time and answering all our questions. There was plenty of time to take tons of pictures and videos, and to ask as many questions as you wanted. No rush at all. They lured the giraffes to you with food so you can get really close up shots, I even had one of their heads right next to mine at one point! It was a great experience to be so up close to these gentle giants and learn so much about them. My only complaint is that, because of COVID, you can't touch them and feed them as you otherwise could, which is understandable, but the price you pay for the experience is still the full price even without that benefit. I think the price should be lowered if you can't take full advantage of everything you otherwise would have been able to do in the experience. Otherwise I think these Wild Encounters are a win-win for the zoo. Many other zoos and aquariums have them, so it was long overdue they did this here too. I would love to go back another year and do more, such as the experience with the African penguins and the one with the meerkats. It is really a great draw to have people return to the zoo for a new experience!Visited August 2020Written August 31, 2020
- BritCrit57Toronto, Canada122 contributionsExpensive for what you getScenic Safari - It was interesting in concept but not in reality. Whilst it was nice to be in an air conditioned car in 31C outdoors, it felt a little expensive to not see very much. We saw hyenas (vaguely) mountain goats, yak, wild horses, flamingos, zebras, a macaw parrot, a camel and a pelican. NO lions, tigers, cheetahs, orangutans, apes, spider monkeys, polar bears, giraffes or elephants, the usual kind of animals you go to a zoo to see. Timewise it took 1 hour and 15 minutes which was not bad. We came from Aurora and turned onto Zoo Road, as per GPS instructions, only to find the road closed to incoming traffic. We had to go back the way we came and find another entrance that then took us through the parking lot which is the line for the scenic safari. We were looking for signs to the washroom but failed to find it. They sold ice cream and drinks along the tour - at rip off prices. We downloaded the podcast and that at least made it more enjoyable. At least we knew what to look out for, even if we didn't see them as we'd hoped. There are signs to tell you when to hit play on the podcast after it told you to pause. It was also a good thing that at the play button it told you where you should be on the podcast. A car for 2 of us was $49 and change after tax, so not a cheap hourly drive. Just not really that impressive for the price.Visited July 2020Written July 2, 2020
- Michele G-WLondon, Canada448 contributionsLoved our zoo visit!My husband and I decided to last minute pack up and head to the zoo! We were able to walk the zoo and it was perfect. They have done such a good job with limiting the amount of visitors in that it didn't feel crowded at all. Also many paths were one way onlys. All indoor buildings were mandatory masks for anyone 2 years old and up. Everyone was following the guidelines. The longest line was for the bathrooms but the staff were only allowing 1 person/1 family in at a time than going in to clean after so worth the wait. We saw soo many animal's even with it being over 30+ degrees. It was very hot walk. The baby giraffe is adorable!! But it was a great feeling of normality almost back due to Covid. I highly recommend anyone who is debating on a visit go. You won't regret it.Visited July 2020Travelled as a coupleWritten July 25, 2020
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.
Contribute
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
5,014 reviews
Excellent
2,403
Very good
1,615
Average
629
Poor
222
Terrible
145
beerstein
Toronto, Canada17 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Family
It's one full day of lions, tigers and bears and otters, penguins, wolves, gorillas...just to name a few. Plus there's a family of giraffe which is the best thing ever. You can walk a trail through kangaroo hoping around you.
Plan for a full day and bring food if you can as it's not cheap to eat and especially healthy.
There's 1 restaurant that serves bowls but it's $18 each and cold and not very big. It's definitely not freshii.
The zoo is great but don't have the highest expectations in comparison to some other zoos. Some things haven't exactly aged well.
The really promote the new outdoor orangutan area but there wasn't a single one out and it was a gorgeous day. They also only had 1 inside.
Nothing is perfect and they make it up in quantity over quality.
Still love it though so thats the reason for 4 stars.
One last thing don't go on run day. They'll ruin the first couple of hours for you as they take over the place.
Plan for a full day and bring food if you can as it's not cheap to eat and especially healthy.
There's 1 restaurant that serves bowls but it's $18 each and cold and not very big. It's definitely not freshii.
The zoo is great but don't have the highest expectations in comparison to some other zoos. Some things haven't exactly aged well.
The really promote the new outdoor orangutan area but there wasn't a single one out and it was a gorgeous day. They also only had 1 inside.
Nothing is perfect and they make it up in quantity over quality.
Still love it though so thats the reason for 4 stars.
One last thing don't go on run day. They'll ruin the first couple of hours for you as they take over the place.
Written September 16, 2023
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.
dunia h
1 contribution
Sep. 2023 • Friends
It was messy, most of the cages were empty, and a lot of space- which leads to a lot of walking of empty cages. I love zoos and in all my trips abroad I make sure to visit the zoo there, this is by far the worst zoo I have visited.
The zoo needs to be wiped out and rebuilt to be a good zoo.
The zoo needs to be wiped out and rebuilt to be a good zoo.
Written September 14, 2023
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.
Tilly
Aberdeen, UK275 contributions
Sep. 2023 • Couples
Lots of walking but cause of my health I hired an electric scooter which was just perfect. It was a very warm day and a lot of the animals were asleep and rightly so. I love orangutans and gorillas, I felt there wasn’t a huge amount of animals to see but the ones they had were very well looked after. Been to the zoo before 25 years ago obviously lots of changes. All the animals looked so healthy.
Written September 10, 2023
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.
Matt M
Whitby, Canada1 contribution
Aug. 2023 • Family
Our visit about3 weeks ago was rather disappointing. There were many exhibits that were empty with the animals removed and a note saying the same. There are no elephants for the last few years and the Bison hang out about 300 meters away. You need a good scope the see them. The moose area was fenced off and looks like they arent even there. The cheetah also hangs out about 100 meters out. Even the racoon was in hiding in its den. Its not easy to see the animals except for some cows, lions and goats. Some of the cleaning takes place while we are visiting so they keep the amimals away. Be prepared to watch cleaning in progress. Never going back.
Written September 3, 2023
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.
Neil
Massey Drive, Canada52 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Family
Our family really enjoyed seeing all of the animals, and we walked 15000 steps in the process! The restaurant had gluten free and dairy free options. We would visit again!
Written August 27, 2023
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.
Allie W
22 contributions
Aug. 2023
My family loves the zoo and we try to visit any time we're near Toronto. I had a recent knee injury and was concerned with all the walking, but we took advantage of the Zoomobile, and there were wheelchair rentals available too. The animals seemed happy (except the tigers, who seemed stressed). We had a lovely time visiting the orangutans and baby Wali, and got up close and personal with a polar bear.
Wish there were more gluten free options for kids, but also very happy we could bring in our own food.
Wish there were more gluten free options for kids, but also very happy we could bring in our own food.
Written August 26, 2023
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.
Heatha4357
Goodells, MI7 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Couples
This place was huge, the enclosures for the animals were spacious and all the animals looked to healthy.
Definitely worth the trip. We spent the entire day and still didn’t see everything. It was great exercise and the animals weee very active.
You will be walking a lot so make sure if you are with kids that you have snacks and strollers ready to go!
Definitely worth the trip. We spent the entire day and still didn’t see everything. It was great exercise and the animals weee very active.
You will be walking a lot so make sure if you are with kids that you have snacks and strollers ready to go!
Written August 22, 2023
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.
margatemensch2016
Coconut Creek, FL777 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
Recently,I visited the Toronto Zoo and I was very disappointed.The 33 dollar cost of admission is exhorbitant.This zoo has a very confusing layout.At this zoo.I saw relatively few animals,considering the high admission price.On the positive side,I appreciated the giraffes,polar bears,hippos,tigers,elands,and zebras.I prefer the easier to negotiate zoo in Buffalo.Furthermore,it takes a very long time to get to this zoo from downtown Toronto with public transportation.
Written August 16, 2023
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.
Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines6,235 contributions
Aug. 2023 • Solo
Divided into different areas (Africa, Asia, Americas, etc.), this zoo is huge and you would need the whole day to explore it. Prepare to do a lot of walking, although there's a shuttle that can facilitate your movement from one place to another. Still I say walking is the best option. It allows you to enter spaces not directly accessible to the shuttle service. Besides, it's a good exercise. I suggest that you come early since it really gets hot during summer. You may also want to use a sunblock or a parasol. Both kids and adults fond of animals will definitely love this place. Lastly, don't forget that you get a discount by presenting your PRESTO card.
Written August 12, 2023
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.
Jay J
Osgoode, Canada19 contributions
Jul. 2023 • Family
Was really disappointed as most of the major animals we went to see weren’t available for whatever reason. On top of that all the rides were closed. No mention if that when we purchased full priced tickets but only got half the experience. They could have mentioned that or else we probably wouldn’t have gone. We came from Ottawa and met family from Edmonton to go to the zoo. Feel very ripped off.
Written August 5, 2023
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.
Can you bring a dog to the zoo?
MaxBerardi
Rome, Italy188 contributions
Yes you can
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
12 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
Bridgetown, Barbados11 contributions
No there is no restriction at all just show yur ticket at the gate if you go out
Cross27
69 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
69 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.com
Toronto, Canada27 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.
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listingTORONTO ZOO - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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.
- Hotels near Toronto Zoo:
- (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
- (13.85 km) Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Markham
- (13.76 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Toronto-Markham
- Restaurants near Toronto Zoo:
- (0.12 km) Dairy Queen
- (1.38 km) Pizza Pizza
- (8.92 km) Peters Fine Dining
- (2.42 km) Tahinis Restaurant (Milner Ave)
- (8.20 km) Big M Burgers
- Attractions near Toronto Zoo:
- (0.49 km) Rouge National Urban Park
- (12.89 km) Epic Sportfishing
- (15.18 km) BG Tours Canada - Toronto to Niagara Falls Day Tour
- (10.07 km) BATL Axe Throwing
- (1.50 km) Pumpkin Kart