Visit the Toronto Zoo: Canada’s Largest Zoo and Wildlife Conservation Destination

Why visit the Toronto Zoo?

The Toronto Zoo is a must-visit attraction for anyone exploring Toronto with kids, as a couple or solo. Recognized as one of the top zoos in North America, it offers an unmatched chance to see exotic animals and endangered species in thoughtfully designed habitats. From the Tundra Trek’s polar bears to the lush Indo-Malaya Pavilion, every visit supports global conservation efforts and wildlife education. With seasonal programming and special events, there’s always something new to discover at this iconic Toronto attraction.

Top things to do at the Toronto Zoo

Tundra Trek: Arctic Wildlife Exhibit

See majestic polar bears, Arctic wolves and reindeer in a 10-acre exhibit that mimics the Canadian tundra. This immersive zone features an authentic bush plane, ice cave and educational signage highlighting climate change and conservation efforts. Tundra Trek is a standout exhibit for wildlife photography and up-close animal encounters.

Indo-Malaya Pavilion: Tropical Rainforest Experience

Wander through lush greenery as you explore habitats home to Sumatran orangutans, Malayan tapirs, Indian rhinos and more. The newly expanded outdoor orangutan habitat is a visitor favourite, offering exceptional viewing opportunities. This indoor-outdoor pavilion showcases Southeast Asia’s most endangered species.
 

Zoomobile Ride: Guided Zoo Tour

Hop on the Zoomobile for a narrated tour through key regions of the zoo. It’s a fun and relaxing way to get an overview of the massive park, especially for families or those with limited mobility. Great for first-time visitors and a time-saving way to explore.

Plan your visit

• Location & Directions: 2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, ON; easily accessible from downtown via Highway 401 or TTC/public transit.
• Hours of Operation: Open year-round, with seasonal hours. Visit Toronto Zoo’s website for daily schedules.
• Tickets & Admission: Book online for discounts. Single-day tickets, family passes and memberships are available.
• Best Times to Visit: Arrive early or visit on weekdays to avoid crowds. Spring and fall offer milder weather and active animals.
• Accessibility: The zoo is wheelchair accessible and offers mobility device rentals, accessible washrooms and inclusive programming.
• Family-Friendliness: One of the top family attractions in Toronto, the zoo features stroller rentals, family washrooms, splash areas and educational programs.

Fun facts & history

The Toronto Zoo opened in 1974 and is now one of the largest zoos in the world by area. It was the first zoo in Canada to organize animals by geographic region. In 2015, it welcomed Canada’s first-ever panda cubs. The zoo plays a key role in global conservation and species survival programs, including work with Blanding’s turtles and Amur tigers.

More fun facts:

• The Toronto Zoo is a non-profit benefiting the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, which is committed to helping save endangered and at-risk animals from around the world
• The zoo is shrouded by several conservation areas, making it a great place to go for a hike in nature and see some wildlife out in the world
• Thanks to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, several breeding missions have resulted in new life, including one baby Masai giraffe in 2020
• The Toronto Zoo welcomes over one million visitors each year
• The largest animal at the Toronto Zoo is Samson the hippopotamus, who weighs 2.25 tonnes
• The smallest animal at the Toronto Zoo is a leaf-cutter ant that clocks in at 7.5 millimetres long
• Each day, the zoologists and their teams prepare around 1.5 tonnes of food for the animals

What’s nearby

Located near Rouge National Urban Park, the Toronto Zoo is close to hiking trails, nature lookouts and picnic areas. You can also explore the Toronto Zoo Splash Island in the summer or grab a bite at local dining spots in Scarborough. With parking and public transit options, it’s an easy day trip from downtown Toronto.