Calgary Zoo

Calgary Zoo showing zoo animals, a city and modern architecture
Calgary Zoo showing zoo animals, a city and modern architecture
Calgary Zoo which includes a city
Calgary Zoo which includes zoo animals
Calgary Zoo showing zoo animals and mist or fog


Explore the botanical gardens to see a diverse array of exotic animals and view re-creations of interesting habitats from Africa to South America.

Situated on St. George’s Island and the embankments of the Bow River, Calgary Zoo, Botanical Gardens and Prehistoric Park contains a staggering range of creatures of all sizes.

For those visiting on a Sunday, the safari brunch in the Destination Africa area is a great way to start your visit. The adventure really begins in the cool Antarctic area with the Penguin Plunge exhibit. Here, visitors will learn about and meet four types of penguin – the Humboldt, Gentoo, Rockhopper and King – with a whole variety of interactive activities to enjoy.

The dinosaur park is located close by and houses some outstanding replicas of many different dinosaur species which are hidden within the prehistoric plant life. For those who want to discover the dinosaurs of our time, the nearby Canadian Wilds habitat allows visitors to come face to face with some of Canada’s native species of bear, moose, buffalo, puma, otter, marmot and many more besides.

Discover the fabulous creatures of Eurasia, South America and Africa by crossing over the footbridge to St. George’s Island. Keep an eye out for red river hogs and their charming piglets as well as gorillas and their young. The zoo has had particular success in recent years with breeding programmes. It’s worthwhile visiting the Eurasian habitat, where visitors can see a diverse range of different species, including snow leopards, Amur tigers, Japanese snow monkeys and red pandas. The marmosets and other monkeys in the South American habitat are also an absolute must-see.

One of the Zoo’s most popular attractions is the beautiful botanical garden. The Dorothy Harvie Gardens has 2.4 hectares of native plants, and the conservatory contains a wide range of species of birds and invertebrates. It is divided into four themed sections: the tropical garden, arid garden, rainforest and butterfly garden.

Calgary Zoo is situated in Bridgeland, just a short drive east from Calgary, and has two, paid, on-site parking areas. It is also accessible on public transport by taking the C-Train from the downtown area of Calgary. Calgary Zoo is open every day with the exception of Christmas Day and charges a fee for admission.

Tours & day trips

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Private & custom tours

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Food, drink & nightlife

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Wildlife & nature

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Popular places to visit


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Things to do near Calgary Zoo

Shopping

The nearest shopping opportunities are TD Square, CORE Shopping Centre, and Eau Claire Market Mall, all located 3.2km from Calgary Zoo, offering a vibrant mix of business, entertainment, and family-friendly atmospheres. If you're up for a drive, you can explore additional shopping centres around Calgary for more unique finds.

Recreation

The Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, a theatre rich in culture, offers captivating performances just 4.8km from Calgary Zoo. Max Bell Centre provides an exhilarating ice skating experience, only 1.6km away, perfect for sports enthusiasts. Meanwhile, Festival Hall, located 644m away, hosts vibrant music concerts for entertainment seekers.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of skiing at Canada Olympic Park or WinSport, both a mere 12.9km from Calgary Zoo, perfect for outdoor adventure enthusiasts. For a different kind of excitement, try your skills at The Shooting Edge, located 6.4km away, offering a unique shooting experience.

Nightlife

Calgary Zoo offers a unique evening experience with its seasonal Night Lights events, where illuminated exhibits create a magical atmosphere. For a lively night out, explore nearby venues like the Zoo's restaurant for a delightful dinner or head to the vibrant East Village for bars and live music.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Calgary Zoo

Calgary Zoo, a premier attraction in Calgary, Alberta, offers a delightful blend of culture, family experiences, and urban exploration. Visitors can enjoy various points of interest including entertainment facilities, scenic streets, and modern towers. To enhance your visit, consider exclusive vacation packages, admission tickets, and local attractions around the zoo, ensuring a memorable experience for all types of travellers.

  • Scotiabank Saddledome: This iconic arena offers a vibrant atmosphere with thrilling sports events and concerts, perfect for families seeking entertainment. Experience the excitement of a live game or show in this multi-purpose venue.
  • 17 Avenue SW: Known for its bustling city vibes, this lively street is lined with trendy shops, restaurants, and bars. It's an ideal spot for leisurely strolls, dining, and soaking in the urban culture of Calgary.
  • Colonel Walker House: Immerse yourself in Calgary's rich history at this charming museum. The beautifully preserved house showcases local heritage and culture, providing a fascinating glimpse into the past.

Best time to go to Calgary Zoo

The best time to visit Calgary Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Calgary Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Calgary Zoo falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January17.6°F (-8.0°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February17.2°F (-8.2°C)No RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March27.0°F (-2.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April37.8°F (3.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
May50.4°F (10.2°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June57.4°F (14.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
July62.8°F (17.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
August62.2°F (16.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September54.1°F (12.3°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October40.1°F (4.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
November26.2°F (-3.2°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
December16.2°F (-8.8°C)No RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low

Tips to save on your trip to Calgary Zoo

  • Take advantage of package deals on Expedia and combine flights, hotels, or car rentals for a convenient and cost-effective trip to Calgary Zoo.
  • Consider traveling during the off-peak season (typically December to February) for more affordable package holidays to Calgary Zoo.
  • Use the Price per traveler filter on Expedia to find a package deal that suits your budget.
  • Check the VIP Access properties filter to discover outstanding hotels with added member perks at select properties.