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African Lion Safari

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Animal habitat
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African Lion Safari (Canada)

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African Lion Safari is a family-owned drive-through wildlife park located in Hamilton and Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, covering approximately 300 hectares. Since its opening in 1969, the park has focused on the conservation of endangered species and provides a habitat for more than 1,000 animals representing over 100 different species from around the world. The facility features seven distinct drive-through reserves where animals like lions, giraffes, rhinoceroses, and cheetahs roam in large, enclosed areas, allowing visitors to observe them from their vehicles. In addition to the safari trails, the park includes walking areas, bird shows, and an elephant swim, emphasizing educational experiences about wildlife biology. The park has been successful in breeding several species, including Asian elephants and various birds of prey, contributing significantly to international conservation efforts. Its unique approach to animal management and visitor interaction has made it one of Ontario's most visited wildlife attractions for over five decades.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-6-161319222217103-3
Rain mm514852707473786370746356

📋 Practical info

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Best season
Open from May to October; Ontario's summer provides the warmest temperatures and best animal activity. In May and June many young animals are visible.
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Best time of day
Animals are most active in the morning after opening when it is still cool. Arrive early to experience the feedings and demonstrations.
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Etiquette
Stay in your vehicle during the drive-through and keep windows fully closed. Do not feed the animals and do not overtake other vehicles.
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What to bring
Binoculars help see animals in the more distant enclosures. Bring a camera to photograph the lions and giraffes up close.
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Getting there
The park is located near Hamilton, Ontario, and accessible via Highway 6. Follow signs to African Lion Safari; parking is available.
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What to expect
On weekends and holidays queues can form at the enclosures. Allow at least half a day and enjoy the drive at your own pace.

Geography

Coordinates
43.34200, -80.18300

Facts

  • The park officially opened to the public on August 22, 1969.
  • More than 30 Asian elephant calves have been successfully born at the facility.
  • The grounds are divided into seven distinct drive-through wildlife reserves.
  • It maintains one of the largest captive herds of Asian elephants in the world.
  • The facility is a founding member of the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
  • An average of over 500,000 visitors attend the park annually during the season.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Guelph Industrial HubGuelph Industrial Hub4 km · SEExplore →
GuelphGuelph8 km · SEExplore →
BrantfordBrantford10 km · SExplore →
Nanticoke Steel PlantNanticoke Steel Plant14 km · NWExplore →
CambridgeCambridge15 km · SExplore →
Collingwood / Blue MountainCollingwood / Blue Mountain22 km · EExplore →
Halton HillsHalton Hills28 km · NExplore →
Wasaga BeachWasaga Beach29 km · NEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

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

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town African Lion Safari (9)

Little Ray’s Nature Centre🎭 culture

Little Ray’s Nature Centre houses reptiles and has educational wildlife shows.

Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration🎭 culture

A daily flying demonstration with eagles, hawks, and owls.

Parrot Paradise🎭 culture

An aviary filled with colourful parrots from tropical regions.

Misimu Bay Wetplay🎡 recreation

Misimu Bay Wetplay is a water play area with sprinklers and splash features.

African Safari📍 landmark

A drive-through safari where animals like zebras and giraffes roam freely.

Puslinch Lake Irish Creek Research Area🌿 nature

A protected research area along Puslinch Lake focused on wetland ecology.

African Lion Safari🎡 recreation

Drive-through safari park with lions and elephants in Cambridge, Ontario.

💶

Valens Beach🎡 recreation

Valens Beach is a sandy swimming beach on Valens Lake.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Can I drive my own car through?
Yes, though a safari bus service is also available.
Are there warnings for cars?
Monkeys may remove loose parts like windshield wipers.
When is the park open?
Typically from May to September, around 10 AM to 5 PM.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are strictly prohibited in the entire park.
What should I bring?
Sunscreen and a camera are highly recommended.
African Lion Safari: where is it located?
African Lion Safari is located in Canada.
African Lion Safari: what is there to see?
Highlights include Little Ray’s Nature Centre, Birds of Prey Flying Demonstration, Parrot Paradise.
African Lion Safari: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
African Lion Safari: why is it worth visiting?
African Lion Safari is a family-owned drive-through wildlife park located in Hamilton and Cambridge, Ontario, Canada, covering approximately 300 hectares.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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Nearby cities

Mississauga — African Lion Safari (Canada)
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A large suburban city in the Greater Toronto Area on Lake Ontario.
Brampton — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Brampton
A diverse city in the Greater Toronto Area, known as the 'Flower City of Canada'.
Hamilton — African Lion Safari (Canada)
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A port city on the western tip of Lake Ontario, known for its industrial heritage.
London — African Lion Safari (Canada)
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A city in southwestern Ontario, known for its university and its nickname 'The Forest City'.
Markham — African Lion Safari (Canada)
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A high-tech city in the Greater Toronto Area with a large Asian population.
Vaughan — African Lion Safari (Canada)
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A fast-growing city north of Toronto, home to Canada's Wonderland amusement park.
Kitchener — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Kitchener
A city with a strong German heritage, part of the Tri-Cities region.
Windsor — African Lion Safari (Canada)
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Canada's southernmost city, located directly across from Detroit, USA.
Oakville — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Oakville
An affluent suburban town west of Toronto on Lake Ontario.
Richmond Hill — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Richmond Hill
An affluent town north of Toronto with many parks.
Burlington — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Burlington
A city between Hamilton and Toronto, often ranked as one of Canada's best places to live.
Oshawa — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Oshawa
A city east of Toronto, historically known for its automotive industry.
Greater Sudbury — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Greater Sudbury
A city in Northern Ontario famous for its nickel mining industry.
Barrie — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Barrie
A city on Kempenfelt Bay of Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto.
Guelph — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Guelph
Known for its high quality of life and the University of Guelph.

History & landmarks

Stratford — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Stratford
Stratford is renowned for its annual classical theatre festival and well-preserved Victorian architecture along the Avon River.
Toronto City Hall — African Lion Safari (Canada)
Toronto City Hall
A distinctive modernist building located at Nathan Phillips Square.