Greater Vancouver Zoo
Greater Vancouver Zoo
3
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
Open year-round and located only 45 minutes from Vancouver, Let your Curiosity come Alive at the Greater Vancouver Zoo! Discover the sights and sounds of over 140 species on 120 acres in the beautiful Fraser Valley!
Suggested duration
2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
48 within 5 kms
Attractions
26 within 10 kms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
3.0
199 reviews
Excellent
47
Very good
57
Average
33
Poor
22
Terrible
40
Peter W
Surrey, Canada1 contribution
Aug. 2022
I agree with Billy the Kid. We were told that we had to buy our train tickets at the station but not to get them then for the time we wanted so when we went to buy them at 1:30 we were told the next available train was at 4:20. We had been there since11:00 and had enjoyed the park but were looking forward to the train but were not going to wait 3 hours. If we had been told at the gate when we asked to buy train tickets that we should do it right then at the station we would have. Educate your staff at the ticket booth.
Written August 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Billy the Kid
Vancouver, Canada1 contribution
Aug. 2022 • Family
This is the worst zoo by far. Would never recommend anyone to come here. Some of the spots were actually laughable.. 10 rubbermaid buckets full of mud as a display for frogs . I would seriously have a better time going to a pet store for free than this.
The train rides sold out but instead of telling you that when buying tickets, they tell you to go inside and check. The most entertaining this was a turtle eating a leaf. If you have the chance go to Calgary for a great time.
The train rides sold out but instead of telling you that when buying tickets, they tell you to go inside and check. The most entertaining this was a turtle eating a leaf. If you have the chance go to Calgary for a great time.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Sarah B
1 contribution
Jul. 2022 • Family
The zoo is definitely pricy, and at first it did not feel worth it to spend all that money.
The enclosures where you allegedly supposed to see the animals are huge, therefore a lot of the animals are hidden. Which is great for them- I'm glad they have space to roam and all, but I didn't get to see what I paid for lolol.
However what redeemed this zoo was the big cats. My family got very lucky and we got to walk along snow leopards, jaguars, a cougar, lions, and a tiger. If they were hidden and not moving like everything else I probably would've turned into a Karen to ask for a refund.
So ya go at your own cost, if you're lucky it's worth it, if not then L.
The enclosures where you allegedly supposed to see the animals are huge, therefore a lot of the animals are hidden. Which is great for them- I'm glad they have space to roam and all, but I didn't get to see what I paid for lolol.
However what redeemed this zoo was the big cats. My family got very lucky and we got to walk along snow leopards, jaguars, a cougar, lions, and a tiger. If they were hidden and not moving like everything else I probably would've turned into a Karen to ask for a refund.
So ya go at your own cost, if you're lucky it's worth it, if not then L.
Written July 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Connector586486
Clermont, FL3 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Family
So, here’s the good - you did see most of the animals, even the lions. It’s a pleasant area with trees making for lots of shade on the day we went - @28c. The bad? Washrooms a mess, they didn’t have any staff in animal areas to talk to you about the animals. Price is overpriced in my opinion. Rental bikes over priced and hard to pedal up small rises. Lots of overgrowth in many areas- intentional or just not kept up. It’s a 3/5 for us.
Written June 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
p999pm
3 contributions
Jun. 2022 • Family
Not sure why this zoo is getting so many bad reviews. Must be people who just don't like zoo's. I had a great time with my family today. Kids between 2 and 4 loved it. The animals all seemed fine and no different to any zoo I have seen before and I live in europe. The dinasaur area was also great. My litter boys loved it. The only suggestion would be to try and do it more like in europe with less cages in the way for viewing. That's done by putting the animals in areas surrounded by water or digging the pens deeper into the ground. Maybe gives us some more background Info on each individual animals and their names.
Written June 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mimi T
1 contribution
Mar. 2022
I remember going to the zoo as a child. It was my favourite activity - mom took me often in the summers. Fast-forward 20 years, and I was just as excited to visit the zoo, unfortunately I left feeling super sad. The animals looked unhappy and cramped. Their spaces are way too small, and nothing like their natural habitats. We need to do better. We need to ensure the animals get a chance to feel free even if in captivity. There are many zoos around the world that have achieved a better balance, we should learn from them.
Written April 26, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chris N
1 contribution
Apr. 2022
What a horribly depressing place to visit. I can't get the image of the Arctic Fox out of my head. It seemed to be traumatized, running non-stop along the perimeter of the cage, almost crazed. So sad. Zoos like this are cruel and unnecessary.
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Krystal G
2 contributions
Apr. 2022
As enjoyable as my visit was, I was curious whether the animals in captivity were treated with care and respect behind closed doors, away from the public eye. I noticed the giraffe was unusually nibbling and incessantly licking the metal bars. The black bear, lion, and tiger were also pacing frantically showing signs of distress. Finally, the hippos appeared defeated – their space was empty. I don’t know why they’re separated from one another, but these poor animals certainly did not look happy. As beneficial as it is for us to keep these animals in captivity – for both education and entertainment purposes – we need to put THEM first.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kim Hyggen
Edmonton, Canada4 contributions
Apr. 2022
Great zoo for Little ones, but take stroller, lots of walking. The train is also a fun add one. but the cost of the peddler bikes was too much. $23/hr.
Written April 22, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Karry E
2 contributions
Mar. 2022
Explore. Learn. Discover. Yes, we did that. We discovered and learned how incredibly sad the situation was for the animals in this zoo. Enclosures are a fraction of the space they would live in were they in the wild. Little to no natural, instinctual stimulation that would keep their minds active. Endless pacing of a number of animals. Lions, giraffes, tigers and others that do not belong in our climate. Hippos in small enclosures and sad pools that are truly horrible conditions for them to live in. I have had the wonderful opportunity to see a Lynx/Bobcat in the wild, in the forest near my home in North Vancouver. I may never have that opportunity again as they are quiet and solitary animals but the lynx here, pacing back and forth, wearing down a path is a very sad version of the wild creature that I saw last year. I can't go back and when my family from eastern Canada come to visit, I will tell them to spend their money elsewhere. It's a prison. You are gawking at captives. At least I can say that I am glad to have gone before I ever suggested it as an option otherwise I may actually have sent people here.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Cost 1 person
PauloFritzzz
Burnaby, Canada5 contributions
Check the website for current price
Mary J
Owen Sound, Canada
Planning to visit in September 2019. Will we be able to get any snacks, drinks or food? What are the food prices like?
CTF01
Edmonton, Canada132 contributions
There are snack foods (fries, dogs, etc.) available at typical prices for a tourist place. The gift shop is not worth a stop. Overall this is a nice but limited zoo. Take the train (5$ extra each at the entrance) or rent the bikes (18$/hr) because you will see far less on foot.
Mary J
Owen Sound, Canada
Planning to visit in September 2019. Will we be able to get any snacks, drinks or food? What are the food prices like?
Trekkerchel
London, England, United Kingdom2 contributions
What’s the best way to get to the zoo using public transport from downtown Vancouver?
Carolturkia
Jaco, Costa Rica34 contributions
They have a service here called Car2go maybe it goes that far you could look into it.
Is there wheelchairs available at the venue to use
Yes, you can rent them from the zoo for $10 with picture ID.
Is it wheelchair/walker accessible or recommended?
Bill M
Olympia, WA995 contributions
I would say that the vast majority of it is very wheelchair accessible.
is there a waterplay area or pool
Chris D
Aldergrove, Canada21 contributions
No. There is a standard playground but no waterpark.
What is the walking distance of the path around the zoo?
Chris D
Aldergrove, Canada21 contributions
I would say be prepared for 4-5k if you want to see everything. It's flat and well maintained. You can rent a large pedal cart that fit two adults and two young kids but honestly walking it is best.
Nicole L
Victoria, Canada1 contribution
Is it true that you can camp there??
GVZoo
Aldergrove, Canada
Hello, Yes we do have overnight camping at the zoo! For an exciting adventure in the wild, you can join us for a family sleepover! On the Saturday evening, sent up your tent, go on a night walking safari, and play games/stories around a campfire! On Sunday morning, enjoy a light continental breakfast, meet a keeper to learn about an animal, and enjoy a ride on our Safari Miniature Train! Please visit our website for more information!under "what to do" and "Night In The Wild". We hope to see you this summer!
Are wheelchairs available?
GVZoo
Aldergrove, Canada
Hello, The Greater Vancouver Zoo has three kilometres of paved pathways and is completely accessible for wheelchairs, bikes, strollers, scooters, in-line skates, wagons and the like. We also have wheel chairs for rent!
GREATER VANCOUVER ZOO (Aldergrove) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Greater Vancouver Zoo
- Greater Vancouver Zoo is open:
- Sun - Sat 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
- Hotels near Greater Vancouver Zoo:
- (1.10 km) Comfort Inn & Suites Langley
- (7.99 km) BROOKSIDE INN Boutique Hotel
- (1.08 km) Eagle Wind RV Park
- (13.71 km) Sweet Dreams Luxury Inn
- (13.47 km) Sandman Hotel & Suites Abbotsford
- Restaurants near Greater Vancouver Zoo:
- (1.25 km) Holy Falafel & Shawarma House
- (11.99 km) Atlas Steak + Fish
- (11.94 km) Annora Restaurant
- (5.36 km) Hilltop Diner Cafe
- (8.62 km) Brodeurs Bistro