Every visit to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo supports wildlife conservation. Not only will you see tigers, hippos, penguins, and giraffes on an island in the heart of Calgary, your admission will support the critical work of fighting the extinction of animals and plants, both locally and globally.
Sign up for the FREE Calgary Attractions Pass to save 15% on daily admission tickets (up to 4 people) during your visit to the Zoo!
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is home to more than 4,000 animals, from over 100 different species. These animals are divided into six distinct ‘zones’, each bringing you up close to some of the world’s most incredible species. Below outlines several species that can be found in each zone:
Dinosaur fans will love Prehistoric Park where you can step back in time to when Alberta was ruled by dinos. Photo-ops are everywhere as you wander past hoodoos and life-sized dinosaurs. Kids can even become a paleontologist for the day by discovering bones in the Dino Dig.
Prehistoric Park is open from May to October each year and is included with admission.
Rediscover Destination Africa at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and enjoy a newly opened indoor habitat known as Savannah Crossing which is now home to Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras and Southern Ostriches all year round. As a part of this update, the zoo has also redeveloped the Savannah Plains habitat, which is an outdoor co-habitat space home to Giraffes, Hartmann’s Mountain Zebras, Southern Ostriches, and Grey Crowned Cranes.
Discover the all-new Savannah Plains habitat in Destination Africa (Photo Credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
Lion at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo (Photo Credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
The perfect place to sit down for a snack or grab some lunch is the Kitamba Café. It has indoor and outdoor seating, a wide menu selection, and a dedicated coffee shop. You can expect comforting classics like hot dogs and hamburgers, as well as a hearty homemade chili.
There are also seven grab-and-go options placed around the park, so you’re never far from a tasty treat. Fan favourites in the winter months include the Camel Canteen and Penguin Café!
There’s always something to see and do at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Check back often to see what events are coming up that you and your family can enjoy, including several Wild After Hours adult-only events.
The Sunday Safari Brunch is a one-of-a-kind Calgary experience, featuring decadent treats, breakfast classics, and a free-flowing chocolate fountain. It’s the perfect way to celebrate special occasions with custom menus offered during holidays like Easter, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and Halloween. Best of all, a Safari Sunday Brunch Combo ticket includes admission, so you can keep exploring after breakfast.
Sunday Safari Brunch takes place each Sunday from January to November in the Safari Lodge.
Wild After Hours: Visitors enjoying the vibes at ZooBrew! (Photo Credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
Watch tigers prowl across their habitat in Exploration Asia. (Photo Credit: Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo)
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is just 5 minutes east of downtown Calgary and has its own stop on the “Blue” line of the C-Train called ‘Zoo Station’ making it very easy to get to. It is also only a 20-minute drive south on Deerfoot Trail from the Calgary International Airport. If you prefer to walk or bike to the zoo, the park is conveniently located just off the Bow River Pathway.
The main parking option is the North Lot off St. George’s Drive. The lot is open year-round but does require payment.
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is very wheelchair accessible. Every exhibit has automatic sliding doors and there are ramps where needed. Wheelchairs are also available for rent. Qualified attendants are given complimentary access to the zoo with proper ID.
If you have kids in tow, you’ll appreciate that there are wagons available for rent. There is also a caregiving room at Kitamba Cafè.
If you think you might feel overwhelmed during your visit, you can borrow a sensory bag which includes fidget and tactile items, and over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones.
There are no hotels right at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, but there are plenty of great options that you can walk to from a CTrain station or that you can drive to in under 10 minutes.
