#1000towns choice
Amina Rizwan
Canada has some well-maintained zoos giving us the opportunity to interact with wildlife from all over the world. Zoos are amazing family destinations.
Zoos also serve as a great way to learn more about the Earth. We can visit them to familiarize ourselves with the animal kingdoms. It is basically an informal learning experience.
#1000towns will tell you about the best zoos to visit in Canada to get the ultimate experience!
Photo by Adam Bishop – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0
#1
Toronto Zoo
2000 Meadowvale Rd, Toronto, Ontario
The Toronto Zoo is the largest zoo in Canada, about 710 acres. It was opened in 1974 and was formerly known as the Metro Toronto Zoo.
It is home to over 5,000 animals consisting of approximately 500 species. The zoo is divided into 7 regions, representing the 7 continents, allowing us to see animals in their natural habitat.
Must see: Scenic Safari Drive-Thru – connect with animals from the comfort of your own vehicle.
Photo: https://www.torontozoo.com/animals/Ostrich
#2
Calgary Zoo
210 St. George’s Drive NE, Calgary, Alberta
The Calgary Zoo, opened in 1929, is one of the best family destinations. It is comprised of 125 acres and consists of approximately 1000 animals, that is roughly 200 species.
The Calgary Zoo is internationally recognized for world-class animal care and habitat design.
Must see: Penguin Plunge – watch these adorable penguins swim, waddle, dive, and play!
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/thecalgaryzoo
#3
Zoo de Granby
Town: Granby, Quebec
1050 Boulevard David-Bouchard N, Granby, Quebec
This is one of the major zoos in Canada. It has about 1,500 animals from over 225 exotic species and 90 underwater species. Visitors suggest the interactive dinosaur exhibit is a must-see!
Fun Fact: Ambika, the baby elephant, was given to the children of Granby by Jawaharlal Nehru, the former prime minister of India.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zoogranby
#4
Assiniboine Park Zoo
2595 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg, Manitoba
The Assiniboine Park Zoo is home to about 150 animal species. It is an 80-acre zoo located just at the west end of Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg.
The Zoo is best known for its “Journey to Churchill” exhibit, which is one of the best arctic species exhibits in the world! Visitors have the chance to see polar bears and seals swimming right above them in the amazing Sea Ice Passage.
Fun Fact: The Assiniboine Park Zoo has 10 polar bears!
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/assiniboineparkzoo
#5
Edmonton Valley Zoo
13315 Buena Vista Road & 87th Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta
The Edmonton Valley Zoo opened in 1959 and is one of the smallest zoos in Canada. It has a focus on animal conservation. This Zoo is home to about 350 animals, consisting of 100 species. It raises awareness and funds for endangered animals like the red pandas and has a conservation fund initiative for lemurs.
Fun fact: The zoo participates in the Species Survival Plan, which aims to put endangered animal populations back into the wild.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/edmontonvalleyzoo
#6
Magnetic Hill Zoo
125 Magic Mountain Rd, Moncton, New Brunswick
The Magnetic Hill Zoo is one of the largest in Atlantic Canada and is home to lemurs, Amur tigers, and Gibbon Apes. Throughout the year, the Zoo holds multiple events and fundraisers to support their conservation initiative.
Fun fact: The Zoo is divided into 4 distinct areas: The Americas, Africa, Asia, and Discovery.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/zoodemagnetichillzoo/
#7
Greater Vancouver Zoo
Town: Aldergrove, British Columbia
5048 264 St, Aldergrove, British Columbia
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is the home to many rescued, orphaned, and donated animals. They are dedicated to education and conservation by engaging the community. The Zoo has about 140 species.
Fun fact: In 2021, the Greater Vancouver Zoo received the Colonel G.D. Dailley Conservation Award for its work in the Oregon Spotted Frog recovery.
Photo: https://www.facebook.com/greatervancouverzoo