Overview
Welcome to the Toronto Zoo, Canada's largest and most celebrated wildlife park.
Sprawling across 287 hectares (710 acres) in the scenic Rouge Valley, the zoo is a world-class institution dedicated to conservation, education, and connecting people with the natural world.
Home to over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species, it offers an immersive journey across seven distinct zoogeographic regions.
The Toronto Zoo is an essential experience for families, nature enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a full day of adventure and discovery.
Its innovative habitats, commitment to animal welfare, and significant conservation programs make it a leader among North American zoos.
The grounds are situated on the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples.
What to See & Do
With over 10 kilometres of walking trails, the Toronto Zoo is a destination that rewards a full day of exploration. Each region offers a unique blend of indoor pavilions and expansive outdoor habitats.
- Tundra Trek: This award-winning, 10-acre exhibit is a must-see. Get face-to-face with polar bears through a spectacular underwater viewing area. The Trek is also home to majestic snowy owls, Arctic wolves, and Arctic foxes.
- African Savanna: Feel the pulse of the Serengeti as you watch Masai giraffes, Grévy's zebras, white lions, and white rhinoceroses roam in one of the zoo's largest habitats. This is a prime spot for photography, capturing the animals against a vast, open backdrop.
- Gorilla Rainforest: Step inside a lush, humid pavilion to visit the zoo’s impressive troop of Western lowland gorillas. This indoor habitat allows for year-round viewing and provides a fascinating glimpse into the complex social dynamics of these incredible primates.
- Indo-Malaya: Explore the jungles of Southeast Asia in this vibrant indoor pavilion. It houses critically endangered Sumatran orangutans, graceful clouded leopards, and a variety of other tropical species.
- Other Key Regions: Don't miss the Australasia Pavilion with its kangaroos and wallabies, the Eurasia Wilds featuring snow leopards and red pandas, or the Canadian Domain, home to iconic Canadian wildlife like grizzly bears, moose, and wood bison.
Facilities & Amenities
The Toronto Zoo is well-equipped to ensure a comfortable and convenient visit. Numerous facilities are spaced throughout the park, so you're never far from what you need. Ample green spaces and picnic tables are available for guests who wish to bring their own lunch.
- Food & Drink: Multiple restaurants and concession stands are located throughout the zoo, including the Africa Restaurant and the BeaverTails Grotto. Options range from full meals to snacks, ice cream, and coffee.
- Shopping: The Zootique and other retail kiosks offer a wide range of souvenirs, apparel, educational toys, and gifts to commemorate your visit.
- Amenities: Public washrooms are plentiful and clearly marked on the zoo map. Stroller and wheelchair rentals are available near the main entrance on a first-come, first-served basis.
- For Kids: The zoo features a Kids' Zoo area, providing interactive exhibits and play spaces designed for younger visitors. During warmer months, a splash pad offers a fun way to cool down.
Getting There
The Toronto Zoo is located in the eastern part of Toronto, easily accessible by car or public transit.
- Address: 361A Old Finch Avenue, Toronto, ON, M1B 5K7.
- By Car: The zoo is located just north of Highway 401. Take exit 389 (Meadowvale Road) and follow the signs. Paid parking is available on-site for a daily flat rate.
- By Public Transport (TTC): The 86A Toronto bus route operates from Kennedy Station to the zoo year-round. In the summer, the 200 Toronto Zoo seasonal express bus runs from Don Mills Station and Kennedy Station. The 85 Sheppard East bus route also stops near the zoo entrance.
Best Time to Visit
The Toronto Zoo is a year-round destination, but the best experience depends on what you're looking for. The summer months (June to August) boast the longest hours and the most animal activity, but also the largest crowds. For a more tranquil visit, consider a weekday in the late spring or early autumn when the weather is still pleasant.
To make the most of your day, arrive when the zoo opens. Animals are often most active in the cooler morning hours.
Visiting during the winter offers a unique perspective, with fewer visitors and a chance to see cold-climate animals like snow leopards and Amur tigers thriving in the snow. Many indoor pavilions provide a warm escape regardless of the weather.
History & Significance
Opened on August 15, 1974, the Toronto Zoo was established to replace the outdated Riverdale Zoo. It was designed with a modern approach, emphasizing spacious, naturalistic habitats organized by geographic region. Owned by the City of Toronto, the zoo has grown into a globally recognized centre for wildlife care and conservation.
The Toronto Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a distinction that signifies the highest standards in animal welfare, veterinary care, and conservation. It actively participates in Species Survival Plans (SSPs) for dozens of endangered species, contributing to breeding programs that are vital for global biodiversity.
Walks & Trails
The zoo itself is a network of over 10 kilometres of scenic, paved trails. While there are no formal, named hiking trails as in a park, navigating the zoo's regions constitutes a significant walk.
- Full Circuit: Walking a complete loop of the main zoo path is approximately 5-7 kilometres and can take 4-5 hours at a leisurely pace, including time to view the animals. The terrain is a mix of flat areas and gentle hills.
- Regional Loops: For a shorter visit, focus on one or two regions. The African Savanna and Tundra Trek loop is a popular combination that covers some of the most spectacular exhibits. The paths are generally wide and suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, though some inclines may require assistance.
Visitor Tips
A little planning can make your zoo adventure even more memorable. Here are some insider tips for your visit:
- Buy Tickets Online: Purchase your admission tickets in advance on the official Toronto Zoo website to save time at the entrance and often save money. - Wear Comfortable Shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking. Comfortable footwear is essential to enjoying the vast park. - Check the Schedule: Pick up a map at the entrance or check the website for daily keeper talk and feeding schedules to catch your favourite animals at their most active. - Stay Hydrated: Bring a refillable water bottle. Water fountains and filling stations are available throughout the grounds. - Getting Around: For an additional fee, the Zoomobile ride can help you navigate the large park and save your energy, especially if visiting with small children. - Be Sun Smart: The zoo has many open areas. On a sunny day, be sure to bring hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
