Not only is it the best zoo in the Toronto area, it's considered one of the best in Canada. And with more than 5,000 animals from over 450 species, its really no surprise. They have an amazing wildlife collection at the Toronto Zoo, and it's the ideal place in Toronto for kids on vacation.
Like most zoos, the grounds are divided up by geographic region so you have exhibits for the Americas, the African rainforest, Malayan woods, Eurasia, the popular African savannah and the specifically Canadian Domain. Here are just a few of the animals you can see:
- Komodo dragons
- Cheetahs
- Hippos
- Elephants
- Giraffes
- Lions
- Bald eagles
- Grizzly bears
- Kangaroos
- Camels
- Red pandas
- Spider monkeys
Many of the enclosures are outdoors, but the smaller pavilions hold aquariums and tanks for many fish and insect displays too. The zoo is quite spread out, but the Zoomobile can help you get around (though the tickets aren't included in admission). Stroller rental can be handy for anyone with smaller children.
When you get hungry, you can either sit down for a meal at the Africa Restaurant, Peacock Cafe or Simba Safari Lodge. Snacks are also available at ice cream carts and other locations around the park. Even the famous Canadian beaver tails.
The zoo is open every day of the year, except for Christmas Day (yes, its open all winter!). The hours vary depending on the season, but the zoo typically opens at 6am and closes at 6pm or 7:30pm. During the winter months, closing is at 4:30. Their website has a detailed list of seasonal hours. Tickets for adults are $23, kids between 4 and 12 are $13. Kids under 3 are free. You can also get a discount on your tickets with a Toronto CityPass.
For zoo-lovers in the Toronto area, you can also get a yearly membership for one person or the whole family. You get free entry for the entire year, and it pays for itself about about 3 visits to the zoo.
It's located just north of the 401 on Meadowvale Road, at exit 389. You really can't miss the signs. You can also just grab a TTC bus from several subway points for an easier ride in. Routes 86A and 85 go right onto the zoo grounds.
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