ZOO TRIPS · CANADA ZOOS
Good zoos fill up weeks ahead and the great ones go first. Below: the 8 to book early, what each includes and how they differ.
At Zoo Sauvage de Saint-Félicien, walk through six animal sectors and ride the Boreal Train through the Nature Trails Park. Animals live in broad, natural-looking spaces while you ride inside a mesh-sided train. Your admission also covers trails, animal snacks, and a multisensory film.
Spend a flexible day meeting wildlife native to Quebec, from black bears and wolves to foxes, eagles, reptiles, amphibians, and fish. The Ecomuseum Zoo is about 30 minutes from downtown Montreal, with free parking, accessible paths, and occasional educational presentations.
“Staff were very helpful. A lot of the animals and birds were alone or in pairs. The cages for the birds gave them some room to fly but did not feel high enough. We came away feeling sad for them.”
Walk through a warm tropical garden where up to 70 butterfly species fly free among flowers, ponds, birds, frogs, turtles, and iguanas. Add the insectarium for insects from around the world. Allow 45 to 120 minutes, and dress for humid conditions.
“Great experience to see all the animals in the same atea… exotic birds from big to Little turtles Koi fish. The surroundings were very natural and I love it. We had a great time. Got some great pictures.”
Spend a full day exploring Toronto Zoo’s seven habitat zones, from Tundra Trek to the Canadian Domain. Your $22 admission covers more than 3,000 animals across 300 species, plus Kids Zoo, Waterside Theatre, and Splash Island. The zoo is wheelchair accessible and open daily.
Spend 1 to 7 hours exploring BC Wildlife Park at your own pace. See grizzly bears, Clover the Kermode bear, wolves, cougars, and birds, then ride the Wildlife Express train, visit the family farm, and cool off at the spray park. Mobile admission includes parking.
“Its nice to spend time out there , we enjoy a lot, connect with the wild life , lot of information about the Animals and it good for Kids.”
Enter Victoria Butterfly Gardens for a self-guided walk through an enclosed tropical jungle. You’ll see about 70 butterfly species, free-flying birds, frogs, tortoises, iguanas, a flamingo, tropical plants, a waterfall, and an insectarium. Admission is valid for one day.
“Horrible. Deceptive purchase. I googled Butterfly Exhibit in Seattle and without realizing it I clicked on "purchase tickets now" and was charged for a Victoria Canada Exhibit. When I called they would not refund my money.”
Spend a full day at Kamloops’ BC Wildlife Park, a rehabilitation and education center with more than 200 animals. Meet bears, Arctic wolves Sijja and Marraq, foxes Raven and Mia, reptiles, and birds. Your ticket covers entry, but not the mini train or daily animal encounters.
“A classic park, not particularly interesting as there are few animals and most of them are difficult or impossible to see. There is a mini train service in the park but you can only pay in cash (it's not very expensive but you need to be told about it, it could be included in the entrance fee). If we had to do it again, we wouldn't visit this park.”
Travel by air-conditioned bus from downtown Montreal to Granby Zoo for about five hours of independent zoo time. See more than 1,800 animals from Africa, Asia, and South America, with a seasonal fruit-picking option. Zoo admission, lunch, and a mobile ticket are not included.
“I have enjoyed my visit at the Zoo of Granby discovering Kangourou, Lama and Pandas. Thank you for your offer”
Pick a kind of park, a ticket, or an animal.
