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Assiniboine Park Zoo

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Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)

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The Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is one of Canada's oldest and most significant zoological institutions. Established in 1904, the zoo spans 32 hectares within the larger Assiniboine Park and is home to over 180 animal species. A standout feature is the 'Journey to Churchill' exhibit, a world-leading center for the research and conservation of polar bears and other Arctic species. This facility allows visitors to observe polar bears and seals through underwater viewing tunnels, providing a unique immersive experience. The zoo emphasizes the protection of northern biodiversity and operates the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre. In addition to Arctic fauna, the zoo houses species such as Siberian tigers, red pandas, and kangaroos. As an accredited member of international zoo associations, it plays a key role in global breeding programs for endangered animals. Its blend of historical heritage and state-of-the-art animal husbandry makes it a scientific and touristic anchor in the Canadian Prairies.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

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Avg °C-17-15-6512182120145-4-14
Rain mm231933377994716460432625

📋 Practical info

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Best season
Assiniboine Park Zoo is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from May to September when outdoor exhibits are most enjoyable in warm weather. In winter, indoor exhibits like Journey to Churchill are especially appealing.
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Best time of day
Morning hours are convenient when animals are most active, especially the polar bears and wolves in the Journey to Churchill exhibit. Late afternoon often features scheduled feedings, providing an extra incentive to visit.
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Etiquette
Follow all zoo rules, especially the prohibition on feeding animals or reaching over barriers. Keep children close at all times and respect animal resting areas.
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What to bring
A camera is essential for capturing the animals, especially the polar bears in their underwater viewing area. Comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are important, as the zoo is large and Winnipeg weather can be variable.
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Getting there
The zoo is located in Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba, and is easily accessible by car or public transit. Plenty of paid parking is available; buses stop right at the entrance.
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What to expect
The main attraction is the Journey to Churchill exhibit, which can get very busy at peak times. Arrive early or late afternoon to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful animal viewing experience.

Geography

Coordinates
49.87100, -97.23400

Facts

  • Established in 1904, making it one of the oldest zoos in Canada.
  • The award-winning 'Journey to Churchill' exhibit opened in 2014.
  • Home to more than 180 different species across 32 hectares of land.
  • The Polar Bear Conservation Centre is a world-leading research hub.
  • Visitors can view polar bears through the Sea Ice Passage underwater tunnel.
  • The zoo is open to the public every day throughout the entire year.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Manitoba Legislative BuildingManitoba Legislative Building10 km · NExplore →
Canadian Museum for Human RightsCanadian Museum for Human Rights12 km · NExplore →
Winnipeg Logistics HubWinnipeg Logistics Hub15 km · NExplore →
GimliGimli29 km · NExplore →
Lake WinnipegLake Winnipeg48 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Assiniboine Park Zoo (15)

Pavilion Gallery Museum🏛 museum

Art museum in Assiniboine Park featuring Canadian art.

🕒 Mo-Su 09:00-16:00🆓

Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada🏛 museum

Aviation museum housing over 50 aircraft.

🕒 Mo-Su 10:00-17:00

Assininboine Park🌳 park

1,100-acre urban park in Winnipeg with English gardens.

Historical Museum of Saint James-Assiniboia🏛 museum

A local history museum in the Saint James-Assiniboia area of Winnipeg.

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FortWhyte Alive📍 landmark

FortWhyte Alive is a nature centre in Winnipeg, with lakes, forests, and a bison enclosure.

Air Force Heritage Park🌳 park

Air Force Heritage Park is a park in Winnipeg dedicated to Royal Canadian Air Force history, with displayed aircraft.

Saint James Cenotaph🏺 historical

Saint James Cenotaph in Park Zoo was dedicated on 30 September 1990 as a war memorial.

Performance Garden🎭 culture

Outdoor garden stage for concerts and theatrical performances.

Lyric Theatre🎭 culture

Historic theatre hosting films, plays, and live events.

Tracker Aircraft📍 landmark

Decommissioned military aircraft displayed outdoors.

Voodoo Aircraft📍 landmark

Vintage fighter jet on static display.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is the most famous exhibit?
'Journey to Churchill' with polar bears is the highlight.
Where is the zoo located?
Within Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg, Manitoba.
Can you see polar bears underwater?
Yes, you can watch them swim through a glass tunnel.
How long does a visit take?
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours for your visit.
Are there restaurants in the zoo?
Yes, the Tundra Grill restaurant provides dining with a view.
Assiniboine Park Zoo: where is it located?
Assiniboine Park Zoo is located in Canada.
Assiniboine Park Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Pavilion Gallery Museum, Royal Aviation Museum of Western Canada, Winnipeg Manitoba Temple.
Assiniboine Park Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Assiniboine Park Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, is one of Canada's oldest and most significant zoological institutions.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
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Nearby cities

Brandon — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
Brandon
The second-largest city in Manitoba, a major agricultural hub.
Gimli — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
Gimli
Gimli is a lakeside community on Lake Winnipeg known for its strong Icelandic heritage and vibrant summer festivals.

History & landmarks

Manitoba Legislative Building — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
Manitoba Legislative Building
The seat of the Legislative Assembly of Manitoba, located in Winnipeg.
Canadian Museum for Human Rights — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
A national museum in Winnipeg with striking architecture.
The Forks (Winnipeg) — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
The Forks (Winnipeg)
A historic meeting place at the confluence of two rivers, now a market and park.

Nature

Lake Winnipeg — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
Lake Winnipeg
A very large but relatively shallow lake in Manitoba, a remnant of prehistoric Lake Agassiz.

More places

Fort Garry — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
Fort Garry
A former Hudson's Bay Company trading post that was central to the early history of Winnipeg and the Red River Colony.
Winnipeg Logistics Hub — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
Winnipeg Logistics Hub
Central hub for freight traffic in Canada.
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Churchill Beluga Whales
In the summer, thousands of beluga whales gather in the Churchill River estuary.
Hudson Bay — Assiniboine Park Zoo (Canada)
Hudson Bay
A large inland sea in eastern Canada that freezes in winter and is known for polar bear migrations.