Logistics
The Toronto Zoo is located at 2000 Meadowvale Rd. Toronto, ON
Cost: Adults $27.99 +tax
Senior $23.15 +tax
Child $18.30 +tax
Parking $14.00
We booked a hotel as it is over 2 hours away for us and our 2 year old can’t handle that much time in the car. A quick Google Search brought up plenty of Toronto hotels for us to choose from.
I think it is obvious but, pets are not welcome on Zoo property. This includes the parking lot. There is a Kennel just off the highway next to the Zoo if you are travelling with your fur babies.
We went in May 2022 and the hours were 9am- 8pm on a Wednesday. This was plenty of time for us to see everything we wanted to see (at least that was available to see).
Our Visit
We went through the week (Wednesday) in May 2022. We loved this option! It was not too crowded and the animals were very visible. There was plenty of parking and no lines for anything. We walked right in with our pre purchased tickets, including pre purchased parking.
Once inside we had ample room to make a general plan using the map they provided. We started, like I imagine most people do by heading to Africa. We saw the Rhino having lunch and the Tiger having a nap right at the glass of his space. *You do have to wear masks when you are inside the buildings at the Toronto Zoo (at time of publishing). This is to protect guests, but also the animals. Most people honored this, but there are always a few rebels. We did find around the Gorillas people were very good about wearing their masks (in this area you have to wear the mask even outside).
A highlight for us was visiting the Polar Bears. We met Juno and her brother Hudson. We had Juno all to ourselves. It was amazing, Juno loved ‘playing’ with Audrey and watching her run and dance for her. Juno’s keeper came in while we were there and told us Juno is 600lbs, (Hudson is 1300lbs!). Juno was born on 11/11 so was named after Juno Beach, because of this she was granted Military Status, which I am sure she is honored about. We also learned her favourite food is cantaloupe.
The weather in May was perfect for the day at the Zoo. We all wore jeans and sweaters, and of course our comfy shoes, it is a lot of walking. No crowds and cooler weather I think made for more active animals. A downside of going so early in the season? Construction. There were a couple habitats that were under renovation so we could not see those animals, for example the Hyenas. They were also paving some of the walkways so those were closed, which meant (for us) we could not see the Lions, which was a bummer. When we were there Avian Flu was going around so all of the bird habitats were closed. While we were disappointed we couldn’t see the flamingos, (mostly the Lions though), we really appreciate the care that the Toronto Zoo provides to the animals. We struggle with whether or not we should support zoo operations, as we genuinely want to best support the animal’s welfare. The Toronto Zoo focuses on Animal Conservation, Fighting Animal Extinction and Animal Health, all things that DB Adventures loves. This is something we can do to be more sustainable in our travels. While there are places with really amazing animals, that we would NEVER go to, that does not mean that we cannot support any animal tourist spots. What it means is that you have to be smart and respectful. Don’t support roadside zoo’s, sure they are easy and often cheaper, and maybe you can get “up close and personal” with the animals. But honestly for the $30 to go to the Toronto Zoo and know the animals are looked after, I would gladly spend the extra money. Also the “up close and personal” experiences at roadside Zoo’s are dangerous, for the human and the animal. I just can’t do it. When I see that I think to myself how would I feel if I was the one in the cage, being manhandled by gawking tourists? Pretty damn sad, that’s how. I say this knowing that I am not perfect. I do not always make the best choices. But I try and I do better when I know better. Okay….ending rant now.
There are a few shows you can see at the Zoo, as well as some feeding opportunities where you can actually be apart of meal time for specific animals, with the support of the qualified zoo handlers.
Our best tip for visiting the Zoo? Bring a picnic lunch. Save money, waste and time. We found an amazing table front and center with the Rhino’s to eat our lunch. It was the best lunch I have had in a long time. 10/10, beats a Michelin Star restaurant any day.
Overall this was an absolutely fantastic visit. We highly recommend a visit to the Toronto Zoo, especially in the Spring.
General Info
Toronto Zoo is wagon/stroller friendly. We highly recommend a wagon. We loved having our Wonderfold. It provided plenty of room for Audrey to sit, our coats, water bottles and picnic lunch. You can also rent wagons once you arrive.
For accessibility there is also a shuttle bus you can take to visit the highlights. We did not notice the shuttle driving around, but like I said it was not very busy. I can imagine that the heat of the summer increases the riders on the shuttle.
Take advantage of the Kids Zone, petting zoo and splash pad. These were not open for our visit due to Covid and the fact that it was May and not August 😊. But they looked awesome and Audrey would have loved them. On the other hand if you want to make sure your kids do not see these sites (parents you get it) they are easily avoidable. The carousel however, is not. It is of course front and center as soon as you walk through the gate and costs $3 per rider for 2 minutes, (they did not charge the parent who had to ride with the 2 year old).
If you want to see all of the exhibits and animals we would recommend planning out your visit in advance. Also book more than 1 day.
Set expectations. These are real animals. You cannot guarantee that they will be active or even visible when you are there. Be realistic, and enjoy whatever you do get to see.
We want to know, have you been to the Toronto Zoo? What is your opinion of Zoo’s? Do you like them? Do you have boundaries? Certain animals you will not see as a form of protest? Let us know in the comments or on Instagram @thedbadventures
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