Every visit to the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo supports wildlife conservation. So not only will you see tigers, hippos, penguins, and giraffes on an island in the middle of Calgary, your admission will support the critical work of fighting the extinction of plants and animals, both locally and globally.
Sign up for the FREE Calgary Attractions Pass to save 10% at the retail shop 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:
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.
Watching polar bears, like Siku, swim is a magical experience (Photo Credit: Colin Way)
Land of Lemurs features a walk-through where you’re actually in the enclosure with the lemurs (Photo Credit: Kati Macoun)
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 include the chicken and waffles at Dinny’s Diner, bubble tea at Tiger’s Den, and Screamers (slushie served with soft serve ice cream) at the Dairy Bar.
There’s always something special happening at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. Check to see what events are coming up.
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, Halloween, Mother’s Day, and Father’s Day. 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.
ZOOLIGHTS is one of Calgary’s favourite holiday traditions. More than one million lights stretch across the park creating a sparkling winter wonderland from mid-November to the start of January. Enchanting backdrops, cozy firepits, and plenty of hot chocolate make this a must-try experience.
When conditions are just right, typically January to mid-March, the penguins are offered a daily ‘winter enrichment activity’. The penguins that want to go, waddle down from Penguin Plunge and go for a walk that is open to the public. It’s as cute as you’d imagine.
If the timing works out, make sure to check out the Penguin Walk (Photo Credit: ROAM Creative)
ZOOLIGHTS is pure magic (Photo Credit: Travel Alberta / CakeWalk Media)
The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is just east of downtown and has its own stop on the “Blue” line of the CTrain making it very easy to get to.
It is also located just off the Bow River Pathway which provides easy access if you prefer to walk or bike there.
The TELUS Spark Science Centre is right next door, making it convenient to visit both attractions in one day.
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.
