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Toronto Zoo

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Toronto Zoo (Canada)

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The Toronto Zoo, located in the Scarborough district, is the largest zoo in Canada, covering 287 hectares (710 acres). Since its opening on August 15, 1974, it has become home to over 5,000 animals representing more than 450 species. The zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions: Indo-Malaya, Africa, Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Canadian Domain, and Tundra Trek. Each region is carefully designed to mimic the natural environments of the animals residing there. The zoo is internationally recognized for its leadership in conservation and research, particularly for its breeding programs of endangered species like the Western lowland gorilla and the black-footed ferret. Key attractions include the large indoor pavilions and the award-winning Gorilla Rainforest. In addition to wildlife viewing, the zoo provides educational programs and a splash pad for children, attracting over 1.3 million visitors each year. It remains a major center for environmental stewardship in North America.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jun–Aug.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-6-6-151218222218103-2
Rain mm524752686665675459676162

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Toronto Zoo is a massive zoo open year-round, requiring paid admission. Most areas can be explored on foot or via the zoo shuttle, with some indoor pavilions open seasonally.
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Typical hours
The zoo typically opens at 9:30 AM and closes between 4:30 PM and 7:00 PM depending on the season. Exact hours vary greatly, so always check the official website before visiting.
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Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the zoo, but without flash in certain animal houses. Telephoto lenses are recommended for animal shots to avoid disturbing them.
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Time needed
Allow at least 3-4 hours to see the main areas, or 5-6 hours if you want to cover all pavilions. The zoo spans 287 hectares, so time is a key factor.
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Combine with
Combine the zoo visit with the nearby Rouge National Urban Park for a full day in nature. The Toronto Zoo Discovery Walk and adjacent hiking trails make for a great addition.
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Getting there
The zoo is located in eastern Toronto, accessible by car via Highway 401. Public transit (TTC bus 86A) runs directly from Kennedy Station to the zoo entrance.
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Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning when animals are most active, and avoid holiday periods. Book tickets online in advance to skip queues and save money.

Geography

Coordinates
43.82000, -79.18300

Facts

  • The zoo covers 287 hectares (710 acres), making it the largest in Canada.
  • It houses over 5,000 animals representing approximately 450 species.
  • The Toronto Zoo officially opened to the public on August 15, 1974.
  • The African Rainforest Pavilion is home to the largest indoor gorilla habitat in the world.
  • The Tundra Trek area features specialized habitats for polar bears and snowy owls.
  • The zoo is involved in more than 30 species survival programs globally.

Explore nearby

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Niagara Falls (city)Niagara Falls (city)19 km · NWExplore →

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 Toronto Zoo (19)

Tabor Hill Monument🏺 historical

A 2,500-year-old Native burial mound in Scarborough.

Knox United Church⛪ religious

Historic church built in 1910 in Scarborough.

Knox Presbyterian Church⛪ religious

Gothic Revival church built in 1894 in Agincourt.

Islamic Institute of Toronto⛪ religious

Mosque and Islamic school in Scarborough.

Rouge National Urban Park🌿 nature

Canada's first national urban park, spanning Toronto and Markham.

Beare Hill Park🌿 nature

Restored wetland park in Scarborough.

Toronto Zoo🎡 recreation

One of Canada's largest zoos, home to over 5,000 animals.

♿

Milne Dam Conservation Park🌳 park

Milne Dam Conservation Park is a conservation park with a large reservoir and hiking trails along the Rouge River near the Toronto Zoo.

Guild Park and Gardens🌳 park

Guild Park and Gardens is a park with historic architectural ruins and sculpture gardens near the Toronto Zoo.

Doris McCarthy Art Gallery🏛 museum

Doris McCarthy Art Gallery is a contemporary art gallery at the University of Toronto Scarborough near the zoo.

🕒 Tu-Sa 11:00-16:00🆓

Iroquois Park🌳 park

Iroquois Park is a park with sports fields and a playground near the Toronto Zoo.

The Wishing Well🏛 museum

A whimsical museum at the zoo, featuring a wishing well and curious artifacts.

The Guild Inn Estate Original Building🏛 museum

The original historic building of the Guild Inn estate, now a museum on the zoo grounds.

Kao Ying Art Gallery🎭 culture

An art gallery featuring Chinese-Canadian artworks, located at the zoo.

P. C. Ho Theatre🎭 culture

An arts centre in toronto-zoo-life-v2 named after P. C. Ho.

Leigha Lee Browne Theatre🎭 culture

A theatre hosting plays and performances within the zoo.

Scott Westney House📍 landmark

A historic house preserved as a landmark on the zoo grounds.

Sloth📍 landmark

A sloth exhibit at the zoo, featuring two-toed sloths.

Canada Lynx📍 landmark

A Canada lynx exhibit at the zoo.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How big is the Toronto Zoo?
At over 710 acres, it is one of the largest zoos in the world.
How many animals live there?
The zoo is home to over 5,000 animals representing around 450 species.
Is the zoo open in winter?
Yes, it is open year-round, and many pavilions are indoors and heated.
Is there a shuttle service inside the park?
Yes, the 'Zoomobile' shuttle helps visitors get around the large site.
What zones are in the zoo?
Animals are grouped by geographic regions like Africa or Tundra Trek.
Toronto Zoo: where is it located?
Toronto Zoo is located in Canada.
Toronto Zoo: what is there to see?
Highlights include Tabor Hill Monument, Knox United Church, Knox Presbyterian Church.
Toronto Zoo: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jun, Aug.
Toronto Zoo: why is it worth visiting?
The Toronto Zoo, located in the Scarborough district, is the largest zoo in Canada, covering 287 hectares (710 acres).
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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