zoo safari toronto

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Hit Refresh with a Health & Wellness Trip to Toronto

Ideas & inspiration, 6 top toronto spas for last-minute spontaneous pampering, the perfect toronto weekend itinerary for maple leafs fans, 5 life-changing weekend getaways in toronto, wine & cocktails, toasty treats: where to find the best warm cocktails in toronto this season, toronto's best sports bars for watching the big game, the classics, local picks: top 10 spots for comfort food in toronto, global tastes, toronto's best restaurants for plant-forward dining, culture & entertainment, 10 toronto blue jays fan experiences at rogers centre, museums, galleries & attractions, 10 amazing toronto escape rooms & games for all ages, 5 great toronto attractions if you are blind or visually impaired, shopping guides, women-owned businesses you should know about in toronto, where to buy uniquely toronto gifts & souvenirs, style & design, an architecture buff’s guide to queen’s park, 5 iconic toronto buildings for architecture buffs, outdoor adventures, 6 fun outdoor winter activities you must try in toronto right now, discover the best parks in toronto for winter fun, toronto’s best skating rinks for every kind of skater, indigenous stories, 10 ways to support indigenous creators.

In the Spotlight: Toronto Zoo

Plan your visit to canada’s largest zoo, connecting people, animals and conservation science since 1974. .

With a walking map, exclusive one-of-a-kind tours and a drive-thru safari, there’s no shortage of ways to see the hundreds of species at this gorgeous zoo. With a focus on conservation and protecting the environment, your ticket to the Toronto Zoo (2000 Meadowvale Rd.) will contribute to helping keep these striking animals thriving for as long as possible.

The Toronto Zoo is divided into seven zoogeographic regions—Indo-Malaya, Africa, the Americas, Australasia, Eurasia, Canadian Domain and the Tundra Trek. With animals from all over the world, you can spend days here, so make sure to decide exactly who you want to see before you set off. Animals like apes, tigers, lions and bears can be seen indoors in tropical pavilions and outdoors in their habitats.

Toronto Zoo tickets vary by age and season (adult tickets are usually around $30). Visit the Toronto Zoo website for more information on ticket prices. 

Toronto Zoo Food & Drinks

With plenty of restaurants and food stands to choose from, you’ll find something to satisfy the whole family during your visit to the zoo.

Peacock Café

Conveniently located right where you walk into the zoo, the Peacock Café is a mainstay with staples like Tim Hortons coffee, pastries and easy sandwiches.

Simba Safari Lodge

This themed restaurant has fast food like burgers, chicken fingers and more kid-friendly options. Located right by the white rhino exhibit, visitors of age can enjoy a pint on the Simba Patio while they watch the animals play below.

Polar Patio

This fully licensed eatery has a delicious poutine and plenty of beers to choose from. Enjoy some sunshine while you sip a cider and munch on some nachos.

Smoke’s Poutinerie Trailer

All the poutine toppings you could ever want, wrapped up in one small trailer. Ask for whatever you like on your poutine at this simple but satisfying eatery located in the front courtyard.  

Toronto Zoo Activities

With more than 5,000 animals to see, clearly the wildlife is the best part of a visit to the Toronto Zoo. The animals hail from all over the world, making it a truly diverse experience. You’ll also have plenty of opportunities to shop for plush animals to remember your trip by, or stop for lunch in an unforgettable zoo-themed restaurant.

From wildlife encounters to informational signs, there are tons of ways to experience the zoo. Plan your walk through the zoo with pre-mapped walking tracks provided by the zoo. One-way routes throughout the zoo will allow you to see many of your favourite animals and ensure that you won’t miss a thing. 

While much of the zoo is outdoors, you can pop into the pavilions for some air conditioning and to see some of the coolest animals the zoo has to offer. This includes the African Rainforest Pavilion, Australasia Pavilion, Indo-Malaya Pavilion, Giraffe House, gift shops, the Membership Building, washrooms and restaurants.

You can also book drive-thru visits with the zoo’s Scenic Safari. See the animals from a whole new perspective using staff-only roads, normally closed to visitors. Take a tour from the comfort of your own car with zookeeper commentary to learn about the animals as you drive along—even through the lion caves!

One-of-a-kind Wild Encounters tours will take you behind-the-scenes to experience some of the animals and habitats up close. Book one of these experiences before you get to the zoo to ensure you can get up close and personal with your favourite fuzzy creature.

Wildlife preservation is a hot topic and the Toronto Zoo offers great tips and research about fighting extinction, like adopting your very own zoo animal. The Toronto Zoo also participates in many conservation initiatives including captive breeding and reintroduction, habitat and species research and much more.

Let staff bring the zoo to you with activities and other resources that make learning fun for the kids and easier for you. With interactive virtual learning opportunities, you can now see more of the zoo from home or the classroom than ever before.

You can also get up close and personal with the animals and zookeepers without leaving your couch. Have burning questions for the zookeepers? Ask away during the daily interactive live streams and spend some time learning about the animal of the day from different parts of the zoo.

Fun facts about the Toronto Zoo

• The Toronto Zoo is a non-profit benefiting the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, which is committed to helping save endangered and at-risk animals from around the world
• The zoo is shrouded by several conservation areas, making it a great place to go for a hike in nature and see some wildlife out in the world
• The zoo opened in 1974
• Thanks to the Toronto Zoo Wildlife Conservancy, several breeding missions have resulted in new life, including one baby Masai giraffe in 2020
• For the first time ever, the Toronto Zoo opened a drive-through safari during the coronavirus pandemic in 2020
• The Toronto Zoo welcomes over one million visitors each year
• The largest animal at the Toronto Zoo is Samson the hippopotamus, who weighs 2.25 tonnes
• The smallest animal at the Toronto Zoo is a leaf-cutter ant that clocks in at 7.5 millimetres long
• Each day, the zoologists and their teams prepare around 1.5 tonnes of food for the animals
• The rocks in Toronto Zoo habitats come from all over Ontario and match what the animals would have in their natural environments

How to get to the Toronto Zoo

By car : Take highway 401 East or West to Meadowvale Road and go north on Meadowvale Road following directional signs to the Toronto Zoo.

By TTC : Take the 86A Bus from Kennedy Station during the summer or the 85 Sheppard East bus from Don Mills Station and Rouge Hill GO station.

By GO Train : Take the TTC 85 Sheppard East bus from the Rouge Hill GO station.

You may also like

Must-see attractions.

Here’s what you probably didn’t know about Toronto’s must-see attractions and...

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

Explore Canada’s largest indoor aquarium with 20,000+ marine animals.

Canada’s Wonderland

It’s really no wonder that Canada’s Wonderland is one of the country’s premier...

African Lion Safari in Ontario

African Lion Safari

Unlike the traditional zoo where visitors freely roam the grounds observing animals in cages, the African Lion Safari near Toronto , Ontario, is set up to allow visitors to drive at their own pace around multi-acre reserves in which the animals roam freely.

Open daily between May and October, the African Lion Safari also stages animal shows and workshops and has a splash pad and playground.

Though the African Lion Safari is more acceptable in terms of animal welfare than zoos and amusement parks like the atrocious Marineland in Niagara Falls , which has been criticized for its animal cruelty, the elephant shows and rides at the African Lion Safari do seem archaic and humiliating to the animals while offering no educational value for viewers.

Tips for Visiting

Dennis Jarvis / Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0

• Driving your own vehicle around the animal reserves is at your own risk. Baboons have been known to jump on and scratch cars, pull at antennas or remove windshield wipers. Take the Safari Bus if you are concerned about your car being damaged.
• If you decide to drive your own vehicle, you have the option of a monkey-free route; monkeys tend to be the biggest car hazard.
• The park is less busy and not so hot if you arrive for the 10 am opening.
• As with most theme parks, food is generally unhealthy and overpriced. Pack a picnic lunch or at the least bring a snack and a water bottle.
• July and August can be very hot; be prepared with water, sunscreen, hats, and bring bathing suits for the kids to take advantage of the splash pad.
• Slightly rainy days are good days to visit, with fewer visitors and animals that are more active than on very hot, humid days.
• If you want to see some of the shows (Birds of Prey, Parrot, Elephants), find out their start times before you do anything else, and plan your activities around these times.

See the Animals

Derek Hatfield / Flickr / CC BY 2.0 

Animals wandering the African Lion Safari reserves include giraffes, zebras, rhinoceroses, ostriches, lions, cheetahs, baboons, and more.

Birds of prey, including eagles, hawks, owls, vultures, and falcons as well as parrots can be seen during demonstration and shows.

Gentle animals, such as baby goats, can be handled and pet at the Pets' Corner.

How Much Time to Spend at the Safari

African Lion Safari 

Visitors should plan on spending at least three hours at the African Lion Safari. The drive through the animal reserves takes between an hour and two hours, but the other amenities will keep you at the park for longer. Many people arrive for the 10 am opening and stay the whole day.

Getting There

Google Maps

Located in a rural part of Cambridge, Ontario, the African Lion Safari is about an hour from Toronto and 1.5 hours from Niagara Falls. Note that depending on your source, the location may be given as - not Cambridge - but Hamilton or Flamborough.

The route is marked clearly with blue Ontario attraction signage.

While You're in the Area

Little Louie's Burger Joint & Soupery

• Where to eat:  Enjoy delicious Mexican food in a casual atmosphere at Latinoamerica Unida. Slightly more sophisticated than a food truck, Little Louie's Burger Joint & Soupery serves up delish fast food.
• Where to stay: Several hotels are in the vicinity of the African Lion Safari - mostly mid-range. Homewood Suites by Hilton is particularly convenient for families as each guest room has at least one bedroom plus full kitchen and double sofa sleeper. If you're looking for something a little swankier, Langdon Hall is a Relais & Chateaux property in the area.
• Other attractions: A lot of green space, farmland, and conservation areas surround the African Lion Safari. Some charming towns within 20-minutes travel include Elora and Fergus - famous for 19th-century architecture and a preserved mill - and St. Jacobs Country - popular with tourists because of the hiking trails, strong Mennonite presence, and artistic offerings.
• The Donkey Sanctuary of Canada is a less touristy, quieter way to observe animals roaming freely, namely, donkeys who have been rescued from abuse and/or neglect.

The Top 5 Places to See Leopards in Africa

A Guide to the Houston Zoo

Akagera National Park, Rwanda: The Complete Guide

The 10 Best Things to Do in Ontario

Serengeti National Park, Tanzania: The Complete Guide

Action Wildlife: A Photo Tour

Toronto Pearson International Airport Guide

Irish Animal Encounters

18 Best Things to Do With Kids in Toronto, Ontario

Malaria Free Safaris in Africa

Toronto Water Parks

New York's Central Park Zoo: A Complete Guide

Is Going on Safari Dangerous?

The Top 8 Attractions in Scarborough, Toronto

How to Go on Safari in Tanzania

Wild Wilderness Drive-Through Safari

New Scenic Safari By Car At Toronto Zoo

By family fun toronto | july 22, 2020.

The Toronto Zoo has a new way for you to view your favourite animals in their habitats! Head on a 90-minute Scenic Safari by car while listening to the guided tour commentary on their podcast channel. You will be travelling on staff-only roads, never before opened to the public. Scenic Safaris are available by ticket on Monday’s, when the Zoo is closed to walking traffic. You can get all the details on the Toronto Zoo website, along with the route map and ticket information.

Toronto Zoo Scenic Safari:

Website : torontozoo.com

Looking for more information on what is reopening in Toronto and surrounding areas? Find regular updates, articles and information  here!

Categories: Past Events Tags: Toronto Zoo

Family Fun Toronto

Next Post »

Calendar of Events

Sign up for email updates.

Don't miss out on the fun!

About Family Fun Toronto

Family Fun Toronto is a complete resource of events and activities for your family to enjoy in Toronto and surrounding areas!

Disclaimer:  While we endeavour to provide the best, most up-to-date information on fun events and activities in and around Toronto, we cannot guarantee the information on times, dates, admission, etc. These things out of our control, and we encourage you to call the facility before you head out on your fun activities!

Popular Posts

• Revue Cinema: Mother’s Day Screening – “The Sound of Music”
• Young Minds Explore Languages, Numbers and STEM at OAKLearning Center Summer Camps!
• Kids Get Cooking and Learn Life Skills at COOKSMART Summer Camp!
• Privacy Policy
• Submit Event

• Summer Camps
• Arts and Crafts
• Cheapies & Freebies
• Concerts & Shows
• Community Sales
• Food and Drink
• New Year’s
• Valentine’s Day
• Mother’s Day
• Father’s Day
• Thanksgiving
• Remembrance Day
• Movies & More
• Special Events
• Sporting Events
• March Break
• Teens & Tweens
• Birthday Parties
• Indoor Play Places
• Indoor Pools
• Major Attractions
• Cross-Country Skiing
• Downhill Skiing
• Outdoor Pools
• Outdoor Skating Rinks
• Parks & Pathways
• Skateboard Parks
• Spray Parks
• Tobogganing
• Preschool & Childcare
• Recreation Centres
• March Break Camps
• Winter Break Camps
• Travel Blog

• Things to Do
• Restaurants
• Vacation Rentals
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Toronto Zoo Drive Thru Safari. - Toronto Zoo

• Canada    
• Ontario    
• Toronto    
• Toronto - Things to Do    
• Toronto Zoo

Toronto Zoo Drive Thru Safari.

This is a great idea to get paying customer through the doors but unfortunately it just does not cut it. We drove thru today and saw the top of a rino, the legs of a giraffe and zebra all from a distance. This was all in the first 15 minutes. Followed was a monkey in a tree, the back of a hyena and some big horned cattle. Worthy of a photo were flamingos and a tiger behind glass. The Siberian horse are worthy of a mention and then it was all over. We passed a number of pens but could not make out if we were looking at an animal lying down or a rock. So in an hour we spent a lot of time sitting in traffic, something we did not have to do on the 401 during our trip from Barrie. $44 is not a huge amount of money but I am sure many kids went home unhappy with the trip unless of course if they got am overpriced stuffed animal at the start. Don't rush to this, wait until you can walk in and enjoy the full experience.

Safari was organized pretty well with podcast during this pandemic. It was a nice day out for our animal lover, who really miss the safari. We could able to see most of the animals. Need some kind of patient to get online ticket.

We were lucky to book a spot for the scenic safari considering the long online wait for tickets. We arrived super early because we were coming from outside the GTA. The main parking lot has been adjusted to include some kiosk outdoor shopping and bathrooms. We stayed clear of all that though. There are tons of pylons all over and signage was unclear in the parking lot part. Since it wasn't busy, we moved through the zig zag car line quickly. A woman (contactless) scanned out ticket and off we went into the zoo. We got in about 1/2 hour before our scheduled time and nobody checked or seemed to care. No verification of number of people in the car either. The route is well mapped with signs and there are staff at stations along the way to usher vehicles as needed. The route passes giraffes, flamingos, rhino, tigers, red pandas, owls, zebras, sheep, goats, lions, hyenas, orangutans, and a bunch of other pens. Since it wasn't too hot and a bit rainy, lots of animals were outside and visible. You drive by quite close to some of the pens, but that doesn't mean you will see the animals (just like walking). You also see some beautiful waterfalls and foliage through the tour too. Posted speed is 5 km. At times we were backed up waiting for cars to move, but mostly we crawled through at our own pace and lingered to see animals when there wasn't a car behind us. Passing isnt an option so you are going at the pace of those ahead of you. The podcast was informative and simple to follow, not sure if it is available in anything other than English. At the end of the tour, there is a staff parking lot so you can get out to buckle kids up or get stuff from your trunk. At 60$ for about 45 min it certainly isn't cheap or accessible for many families, but we were glad we went and our kids loved getting out of the house to do something different. We likely won't do the tour again, but it was a great break from our usual routine.

i thought this was a good idea that the zoo had come up with but after experiencing it, it must have thought up around a back yard bbq and beers. I know the fact that we might not see all the animals but we only seen 3, rhino off in the distance, some jackasses and not the board of the zoo, and a llama, oh a forgot we seen canda geese. and for the price for the 2 of us 49.00 dollars, what a rip. At least when you go to the African lion safari its cheaper and you do see the animals. They might not be moving around but they are there. My opinion don't waste your money or time. Also one last thing is the vocal description of the tour is put through tour phone on twitter or something, so if there was no phone, no description.

We jumped at the chance to visit the zoo at this time when we are all staying home. Our expectations were not super high, but we thought it was worth supporting the zoo when they need to feed animals and pay staff. When you arrive at the main parking lot, you have an opportunity to use the porta-potties which an attendant cleans after each user, as there is no washroom at the end of the tour. There was also a concession stand and souvenir shop of sorts. We forgot to download the zoo's podcast for the tour, so we did it quickly in the parking lot. You line up and from there it's a lot of stop and start as you drive through the zoo. We got the timing of the podcast muddled up but there are signs that tell you when to play, pause and where in the podcast you should be. We saw more animals than expected: rhinos, zebras, a cheetah, hyena, parrot, monkey, alpaca, etc. About 12-15 in total and we brought binoculars which helped because sometimes an animal was way in a corner or to the side. There was always staff around with masks on to monitor the cars and wave to you. There is a small parking lot at the end of the tour to get out and stretch your legs. We thought the zoo did a really good job putting this together and appreciate it. It's not perfect, but it was a fun trip just to get out of the house.

Boring as hell. Hardly any animals. There were more animals 20 years ago. This place is sad. The drive through safari was absolute torture. This was not a safari. We paid up the nose to sit through traffic and not really see more than three animals. I would give zero stars if there was the option.

African Lion Safari

Top ways to experience nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Also popular with travellers

African Lion Safari Guide - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

• Mon - Fri 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Sat - Sun 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
• (15.93 km) Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa
• (12.33 km) Homewood Suites by Hilton Cambridge-Waterloo, Ontario
• (14.09 km) Best Western Plus Cambridge Hotel
• (14.22 km) Hilton Garden Inn Kitchener
• (14.03 km) Cambridge Hotel and Conference Centre
• (0.23 km) African Lion Safari
• (12.12 km) Abigail's Tea House
• (10.91 km) Amici
• (13.39 km) Grain Of Salt
• (11.08 km) Cambridge Mill
• (11.11 km) Hamilton Family Theatre Cambridge
• (3.93 km) Westfield Heritage Village
• (10.80 km) Reid Chocolates
• (2.04 km) SOSA Gliding Club
• (14.13 km) Donkey Sanctuary of Canada

• BUCKET LISTS
• TRIP FINDER
• DESTINATIONS
• 48HR GUIDES
• EXPERIENCES

• DESTINATIONS South Carolina 3 Ways to Get Wet and Wild in Myrtle Beach BY REGION South America Central America Caribbean Africa Asia Europe South Pacific Middle East North America Antarctica View All POPULAR Paris Buenos Aires Chile Miami Canada Germany United States Thailand Chicago London New York City Australia
• EXPERIENCES World Wonders 14 Landmarks That Should Be Considered World Wonders BY EXPERIENCE Luxury Travel Couples Retreat Family Vacation Beaches Culinary Travel Cultural Experience Yolo Winter Vacations Mancations Adventures The Great Outdoors Girlfriend Getaways View All POPULAR Cruising Gear / Gadgets Weird & Wacky Scuba Diving Skiing Hiking World Wonders Safari
• TRIP FINDER Peruvian Amazon Cruise BY REGION South America Central America Caribbean Africa Asia Europe South Pacific Middle East North America Antarctica View All POPULAR Colors of Morocco Pure Kenya Costa Rica Adventure Flavors of Colombia Regal London Vibrant India Secluded Zanzibar Gorillas of Rwanda
• Explore Bucket Lists
• View My Bucket Lists
• View Following Bucket Lists
• View Contributing to Lists

Canada's Drive-Thru Safari Rivals the African Savanna

Most families head to the zoo to look at animals, assuming exotic creatures are a luxury that can only be found on safari. But, don't write it off just yet. A corner of Canada specializes in phenomenal animal experiences rivaling those found in the African Savanna. In Hamilton, Ontario, visitors can view and interact with more than 100 species of animals — all of which can be enjoyed right from the backseat of your car.

Visitors to African Lion Safari will tell you nearly every corner of the park is photo worthy and all the animals seem to bask in the limelight, vying for attention. A little over an hour from popular travel destinations like Niagara Falls, Buffalo, and Toronto, not a lot of people know about this hidden gem so you won't have to fight the crowds to get a good shot. It's an easy day trip for families looking to experience more than just a day at the zoo.

There are two ways to get through the park: by bus or on your own. While a guide will offer additional information about the animals on the bus tour, drivers are in for a rare treat when they opt to take their own vehicle. All the animals are used to the constant activity and aren’t shy about getting close. Baboons will frolick on top of cars, giraffes will lick your windows clean, and an ostrich will gladly peak in through the sunroof to say hello. By the end of the day, you may leave wondering if the animals are the main attraction — or if you are.

But the African Lion Safari is more than just a drive-thru zoo. Some of its most popular exhibits include railroad tours, boat cruises around the primate and bird islands, and hands-on exhibits, like the Birds of Prey. The daily Elephant Swim is a seasonal favorite where guests can watch the entire herd of Asian Elephants splashing around to keep themselves cool. Park leaders try to keep the animals on a schedule so you know exactly when to come.

3 Ways To Tour Toronto Like a Local

See the better side of niagara falls, 48 hours in toronto, about the author, corinne edmiston.

Five Foot Explorer - Eat. Sleep. Travel. Repeat.

5 Sydney Selfies You Need to Make Everyone Super Jelly

China in a nutshell: 7 not to miss gems for a newbie, saskatchewan, don’t miss: mineral spas in saskatchewan, world wonders, these are the most peaceful countries on the planet, the great outdoors, deserts in bloom: 6 spots for springtime wildflower watching, how to plan a luxury safari to africa, british columbia, yoho national park is the most incredible place you've never heard of.

• Editorial Guidelines
• Submissions

The source for adventure tourism and experiential travel guides.

PRESS RELEASES

Hamilton Halton Brant

Find your way to the Heart of Ontario

Plan Your Trip

• Arts & Entertainment

African Lion Safari

Go “On Safari!™” and get CLOSER than you ever imagined to over 1,000 exotic birds and animals that roam free in large Game Reserves! See lions, giraffe, rhino, and many more animals from around the world! “Trek” along 9 km of safari trail in your own vehicle or aboard a guided, air-conditioned Safari Tour Bus. Enjoy a full day of family fun!

2023 Season: Open Daily May 6 – September 4 and select dates from September 5 – October 8.

Your adventure starts at lionsafari.com

1386 Cooper Road, Hamilton, ON, N1R 5S2

1-519-623-2620 1-800-461-WILD (9453) Send Email

Trip Ideas View All >>

Sneaky spring savings, 6 easy good news surprises to give your kids this summer, 10 tips for an amazing day at african lion safari, 9 budget-friendly family trip ideas, let us be your guide, top 10 attractions for kids, fast track to fun, summer day trips for teens, summer day trips for toddlers, wake up the wild at african lion safari, a+ summer day trips for grade schoolers, explore more attractions.

Royal Botanical Gardens

Dundurn Castle – National Historic Site

Whitehern Historic House & Garden – National Historic Site

Hamilton Museum of Steam & Technology – National Historic Site

Fieldcote Memorial Park & Museum

Springridge Farm

Treetop Trekking

Dyment’s Glen Drummond Farm

Adventure Village

Hamilton Children’s Museum

iFLY Toronto

The Mattamy National Cycling Centre

The Hamilton Military Museum

Cameron Speedway & Amusements

Wild Waterworks

FunSplash Sports Park

Brantford Twin Valley Zoo

Earl Haig Family Fun Park

The Hamiltonian

Devil’s Punchbowl

The Sunshine Doughnut Co.

Accommodations, attractions, museums & heritage sites, nature areas & trails, entertainment, food & drink, tour companies & outfitters, cities & towns, campgrounds, visitor services, golf courses, farms & agriculture, arts & galleries, get  travel offers ,  event details  and planning ideas  for your next trip.

Sign up to receive the latest Hamilton Halton Brant travel news delivered right to your inbox.

Email Sign Up

Where is Hamilton Halton Brant?

Just a short drive from Toronto, London, Kitchener-Waterloo, Niagara and Buffalo, all roads lead to Hamilton Halton Brant…

Getting Here ›

Privacy Overview