Canada is the second-largest country in the world by area and contains one of the largest wilderness regions, covering millions of square miles. Because of its vast space, Canada has some of the biggest wildlife enclosures in North America. Not only do animals have plenty of room to run free, but the facilities also adhere to the highest standards of animal care. By visiting a Canadian zoo, you can be confident that your admission supports ethical and well-managed animal institutions. Discover the five largest zoos in Canada, including must-see exhibits and the ideal time to visit.
1. Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, covering over 700 acres.
Located in Toronto, Ontario, the Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, covering 710 acres. This massive zoo is divided into seven regions: Canada, Eurasia, Australasia, Americas, Africa, Tundra, and Indo-Malaya. With over 3,000 animals and over 300 species, there is no shortage of amazing animals to check out. Aside from seeing all of the animals, visitors can ride on the Zoomobile, hop on the Conservation Carousel, or fly down the Wild Rouge Zipline. You can also book an overnight stay to sleep under the stars in the African Savanna. If you’re a plant lover, be sure to visit the greenhouse.
The Toronto Zoo stays open year-round, but summer is the peak season. To escape the crowds, visit from late April through May or September through October. Plan for 5-6 hours if you have young children. For those without children, 3-4 hours should suffice. Check the Toronto Zoo’s official website to find current ticket prices and operating hours.
2. Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Calgary Zoo is one of the most-visited zoos in Canada.
©Mack Male from Edmonton, AB, Canada, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons – Original / License
The Calgary Zoo is one of the largest and most visited zoos in Canada, covering 125 acres. It is in Calgary, Alberta, east of the downtown area, and features habitats for over 4,000 different animals representing over 100 species. There are many destinations within the park to explore, including Canadian Wilds, Conservatory Gardens & Butterflies, Destination Africa, Exploration Asia, Gateway to Asia, Land of Lemurs, Penguin Plunge, and Prehistoric Park. You can also check out many special events throughout the year, such as High Tea, Safari Brunch, and Gorilla Breakfast.Â
This zoo has events for every season. Summer from May through September is the busiest time of year. The best times to visit are weekday mornings during spring and fall for cooler temperatures and smaller crowds. Adult visitors should plan for 2-3 hours during their visit, while those with children should aim for 3-4 hours. Check out the Calgary Zoo’s official site for operating hours and current ticket prices.
3. Zoo de Granby
The Zoo de Granby in Granby, Quebec is home to around 1,500 animals.
Zoo de Granby in Granby, Quebec is one of the largest zoos in Canada by animal population and species diversity. Although it sits on just 66 acres, the zoo houses around 1,500 animals from over 200 species. Destinations include Asia, Oceania, Africa, and South America. Visit Hippo River, the South Pacific Odyssey Aquarium, and the Himalayan Highlands. Check out the rare and endangered Amur River Felines and visit the largest bird of prey in the world, the Andean condor. The zoo also has a water park and an amusement park, making it a great full-day family experience.
The zoo offers a number of special and seasonal events throughout the year. Plan to spend 3-5 hours at the zoo, although families with children may take longer to see all of the exhibits. Summer from June to September is the peak season. Mid-April to mid-May is the best time of the year to visit for mild weather and fewer crowds. Visit the Zoo de Granby’s official website for ticket prices and operating hours.
4. Greater Vancouver Zoo
The Greater Vancouver Zoo features 140 species, including Siberian tigers.
©Apsara Photo/Shutterstock.com
Located in Aldergrove, British Columbia, the Greater Vancouver Zoo is a 120-acre privately run facility dedicated to education and conservation. This zoo is home to many rescued and orphaned animals and is a great learning experience for people of all ages. You can visit over 500 different animals from 140 species. Visit the Wallaby Walkthrough, where you can get up close and personal with wallabies and kangaroos. You’ll also see Siberian tigers, rhinos, giraffes, and grizzly bears, among others.
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is open all year, and the best time to visit is during the holidays and summer, especially on weekdays. The busy season runs from April to the end of September. Visitors will need at least 1.5-3 hours, but the zoo recommends 4-6 hours for breaks and a more thorough exploration. Visit the Greater Vancouver Zoo’s website for ticket prices and operating hours.
5. Zoo Sauvage de St-Félicien
Wolverines are on display throughout the year at Zoo Sauvage de St-Félicien.
The Zoo Sauvage de St-Félicien is a unique wildlife park in Saint-Félicien, Quebec covering 1,200 acres. The zoo houses 400 animals representing 75 species. The park is designed to mimic the wilderness of the world’s cold regions, where visitors can see native animals in their natural habitats. See Arctic foxes, caribou, grey wolves, polar bears, moose, wolverines, and many others. The pedestrian section consists of seven sections, such as the Arctic tundra, Mongolia, and the Rocky Mountains. Then ride the train in the Nature Trail Park, which allows you to see animals living freely in large, open landscapes.
The zoo is open year-round. While June to August is the most popular time for visitors, September through November is best to avoid the summer crowds. A visit typically takes 4-5 hours to complete the walking trails and the train ride. Check the Zoo Sauvage’s official website to see operating hours and current prices.
