Calgary Zoo
1,300 Zoo Road NE., Calgary, Alberta
Possibly the city’s most popular attraction, the Calgary Zoo has been caring for animals and animal lovers since 1929. Surrounded by botanical gardens with a rain forest and butterfly enclosure, Canada’s second largest zoo is home to more than 1,000 critters representing dozens of species from all corners of the globe.
Admission to the Calgary Zoo grants visitors access to all the animal exhibits (divided into geographical regions), as well as keeper talks, feedings, and animal behavior demonstrations. You can also prebook a designated time to see the zoo’s four giant pandas. Special experiences not part of basic admission include an early morning panda breakfast before the exhibit opens to the public, and Safari Sunday Brunch in the heart of the Destination Africa area.
Most guests spend the whole day at the zoo—set aside at least four hours for your visit.
The zoo is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and wheelchairs are available to rent from the North Gift Shop and Tiger’s Den.
The zoo is just east of downtown Calgary, along St. George’s Drive. If you’re using public transit, take the CTrain’s Northeast Line to Zoo station.
The Calgary Zoo is open daily throughout the year, but hours may vary by season. Get there right when the zoo opens, when crowds are sparser and the animals tend to be most active.
Proceeds from the Calgary Zoo support its Centre for Conservation Research. Programs include whooping crane breeding, swift fox and northern leopard frog reintroduction, and burrowing owl head-starting.
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