Toronto Zoo

Visited the Toronto Zoo recently with high expectations, especially for a fun family outing, but it ended up being somewhat underwhelming. A large number of animals were either not available in their enclosures or sleeping, making it difficult to engage the kids or enjoy the experience fully. It felt like more than half the exhibits were either empty or inactive. There weren’t any proper kids shows or interactive programs during our visit, which was disappointing—especially considering it’s advertised as a family-friendly place. We were hoping for more structured activities to keep the little ones entertained. Another concern was the lack of staff presence near many animal areas. There was no one around to share information or guide visitors, which made it feel more like a walk through a park than an educational or engaging zoo experience. Overall, the facility is spacious and clean, and the concept is great—but the execution fell short. For the price and travel time, it didn’t feel worth it this time. Hopefully, they can improve staff availability, increase engagement, and ensure better visibility of animals in the future.
Daniyal Saleem Syed - a week ago

Great experience. Would come again. I recommend coming with friends or family and spending a good 3-4 hours walking around. Preferably when the weather is nice. We went there during a heat event in the summer, so walking around in the sun was pretty brutal. It didn't help that many of the animals were not visible either. However, it was still a net positive experience. I was surprised that the polar bears didn't have a cooled indoor area.
Khuzemah Hassan - 2 weeks ago

The Toronto Zoo is truly a fantastic place for a day out! The expansive grounds allow the animals plenty of room to roam, which is wonderful to see, and they have such an impressive variety of species from all corners of the globe. It's clear that a lot of care goes into the animals' well-being and the conservation efforts are truly commendable. My only minor suggestion would be to improve some of the signage around the park. A few more clear directional signs or updated exhibit information could make navigating the large zoo even easier, especially for first-time visitors. Overall, it's an absolutely worthwhile visit for families and animal lovers alike, and I always leave feeling inspired!
Mehrzad Mehrvarz - 3 weeks ago

We visited the Toronto Zoo on Sunday, and it exceeded all our expectations. The zoo is spotless, with clean pathways, well-maintained enclosures, and a spacious layout that makes navigating easy. The staff were friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to share facts about the animals, making the experience even more enjoyable. The Tundra Trek exhibit was a highlight—seeing polar bears and Arctic wolves in such an immersive setting was incredible. It felt like stepping into the Arctic itself! We highly recommend visiting early to avoid crowds, and with ample parking ($20 which you can buy online or on counter) available, it was easy to get in and out without hassle. Canoo members (newcomers) don't need to wait in ticket line and they can directly go to entrance and use the check-in option from the app. Staff members will enter the code and you can go inside. Our kids had an amazing time, and there’s so much for families to enjoy. We also attached some stunning ~50 photos and videos here for anyone interested in seeing more of the zoo. It’s a fantastic day out, and we’ll definitely be back!
Viresh Shah - a month ago

I recommend planning at least 5–6 hours for your visit, ideally arriving in the morning. Many animals tend to rest in shaded areas during the afternoon, so you might miss seeing them active if you go later in the day. Tips for a smoother experience: • Buy tickets online in advance to skip long queues. • Pick up a map at the entrance — it’s a big place and easy to get turned around. • If you’re driving, don’t forget to purchase a parking ticket. You’ll need to scan the QR code when exiting. • The zoo has plenty of clean washrooms throughout. • Food and drinks are available, but a bit pricey. If you’re going with kids, it’s a great idea to pack some snacks or light meals. There are lots of benches and shaded areas for breaks. Overall, it’s a fun and well-maintained zoo with a wide variety of animals. A great place for families, especially if you plan ahead.
ram pratap - a month ago