Plan Your Visit

Plan Your Visit

It’s time to make some memories. Here’s everything you need to know to plan an unforgettable day at the zoo.

Map & Directions

210 St. George’s Drive NE
Calgary, AB T2E 7V6

Parking

The North Lot is the zoo’s primary public parking lot. It is located at 210 St. George’s Drive NE, between the zoo’s North Gate entrance and Telus Spark Science Centre.

The zoo’s secondary parking lot, the West Lot, is located at the west end of St. George’s Island, off Zoo Road NE.

*The West Gate entrance is now closed for season.

More information about parking

Calgary Zoo Google Map

Daily Hours

Open 364 days a year*

Daily Admission Tickets: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS Combo Tickets: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
ZOOLIGHTS Tickets: 5:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

*Closed December 25th

The West Gate entrance is now closed for the season.

Ticket Window

What’s On Now

From family fun to adults-only nights, there’s something for everyone. Discover your next adventure at the zoo here.

Zoolights 2023

ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, is set to be BIGGER, BRIGHTER, and BOLDER than ever before! Back for its 28th season, the city’s favourite sparkling spectacle is sure to ignite your festive spirit as the zoo transforms into a magical winter wonderland.

ZOOLIGHTS

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Polar Bear

Spend your afternoon exploring the zoo and visiting your favorite animals, then stick around to experience the wonder of ZOOLIGHTS in one unforgettable visit.

Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS

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Snow Globes

Make this year’s ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, extra magical with a Snow Globe experience! Make festive memories in a private oasis surrounded by twinkling lights that will make any date night, friends’ night out, family celebration, or special occasion sparkle.

Snow Globes

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Dinner

Enjoy a holiday-themed brunch with all the trimmings, including special seasonal décor, festive dishes, delicious desserts, and fun crafts for kids!

Festive Brunch

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Make your ZOOLIGHTS evening even more memorable with a combo ticket that includes admission and a hot, tasty dinner!

ZOOLIGHTS & Carve ‘N’ Go Combo

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ZOOLIGHTS 2024

Spend your afternoon exploring the zoo and visiting your favorite animals, then stick around to experience the wonder of ZOOLIGHTS in one unforgettable visit.

In between, enjoy either a delicious Chef Carved Alberta Striploin or a hearty vegetarian Chickpea Curry as you take a break from the cold in Kitamba Café.

Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS & Carve ‘N’ Go Combo

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Dinner

Make this holiday countdown one to remember with a combo ticket that includes admission to the zoo as of 1 p.m., access to the festive magic of ZOOLIGHTS after 5 p.m., and a festive feast to warm you up and fill your belly!

Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS Holiday Feast

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Dinner

Make this holiday countdown one to remember with a combo ticket that includes access to ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, and a festive feast to warm you up and fill your belly! Wander through our enchanting light displays and take a break in cozy Safari Lodge to enjoy a delicious buffet.

ZOOLIGHTS Holiday Feast

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You’ll be able to enjoy all the fun of ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, with extra special activities added to help you ring in the New Year – including numerous countdowns and a Zoo Year’s Eve light show so your little ones don’t have to stay up too late to partake in the fun!

Zoo Year’s Eve: Family Night

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We are keeping the lights on until midnight to celebrate the New Year! This Zoo Year’s Eve: Adult Night (18+) event, presented by Orange Frog, will include the beauty of ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, and an extra special light show with a ball drop and countdown at midnight.

Zoo Year’s Eve: Adult Night (18+)

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Dinner

Countdown with the whole family on a full belly with a combo ticket that includes access to Zoo Year’s Eve, presented by Orange Frog, and a festive buffet feast!

Zoo Year’s Eve: Family Feast

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Snow Globes

Make your Zoo Year’s Eve, presented by Orange Frog, extra special by booking one of our Snow Globes. Enjoy your private winter oasis surrounded by the twinkling lights and colours of the Aurora Gardens in this one-of-a-kind experience.

Zoo Year’s Eve: Snow Globes

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    Important zoo updates

    What you need to know

    Zoo Closure: December 25 2024

    The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo will be closed on Wednesday, December 25th, for both day admission and ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company. Normal operations will resume on December 26th. Thank you for your understanding.

    Early Closure: December 31 2024

    On Tuesday, December 31st, last entry for day admission and members will be at 3 p.m. with grounds cleared at 4 p.m. to accommodate set up for our Zoo Year’s Eve event, presented by Orange Frog. Thank you for your understanding.

    Outdoor Viewing Closures: Land of Lemurs Walkthrough and Gorilla Amphitheatre

    Land of Lemurs Walkthrough & the outdoor Gorilla Amphitheatre will close for the season beginning on October 15. Lemurs and gorillas will be viewable in their indoor habitats.

    Animal Viewing Impact: African Savannah Yard

    Hartmann’s mountain zebras and ostriches will be off-view until the end of the year while we complete exciting upgrades in the African Savannah Yard, including the construction of a new Savannah Barn for the animals. Our giraffe tower will continue to be viewable throughout the project. Thank you for your understanding.

     

    Public Notice

    Pesticide application to control the invasive species Flowering Rush (Butomus umbellatus) will occur within the property boundary of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo under approval from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas. For full details or information on appeals, click here.

    Tickets

    Plan Ahead and Save

    By planning your visit in advance and purchasing your tickets online, you’ll find rates that make exploring our zoo even more accessible and affordable. Ticket prices vary from day to day and can be found anytime by clicking the buy tickets button below.

     

    The further in advance you purchase tickets, the more you are likely to save!

    Tickets

    Buy Your Tickets

    Memberships

    Become a Member

    Questions?

    View Pricing FAQ’s

    Animal Habitat Hours

    When Can You See Our Animals?

    Wild Canada – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m. (Last entry at 4:00 p.m.)
    Destination Africa – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
    Exploration Asia – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
    ENMAX Conservatory – 9:00 a.m. – 4:45 p.m.
    Penguin Plunge – 9:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (Last entry at 4:15 p.m.)
    Gorilla Amphitheatre – Closed for the season.
    Land of Lemurs – Closed for the season.
    Prehistoric Park – Closed for the season.

    African Savannah

    Visitor information

    Everything you need to know

    You have questions, we have answers. Information on accessibility, shopping, parking, and more.

    Holiday Gift Guide
    Calgary Zoo Gift Shop
    Calgary Zoo Gift Shop

      Find the Perfect Gift

      Holiday Gift Guide

      The most wonderful time of the year is here, and we’re here to make your holiday shopping a breeze. Whether you’re searching for gifts that will make a loved one’s eyes sparkle or you’re treating yourself to something special, our Holiday Gift Guide has something for everyone.

      Eat, Shop, Play

      Something for everyone

      There is lots to do besides visit the animals. Click through to discover what’s new at the zoo. It may surprise you.

      Find Out More
      Shopping

      Shopping

      Playgrounds and kids activities

      Playgrounds and Kids’ Activities

      zoo map 2023

      Zoo Map

      Thank you for supporting our sustainability initiatives by downloading our digital map.

      Our Animal Zones

      Habitats and Destinations

      We are home to more than 4,000 animals from over 100 different species. Discover wild creatures and wild worlds through our immersive habitats.

      Gorilla

      Destination Africa

      Meet the kings and queens of the animal kingdom. Discover gorillas, lions, and more when you step into the rainforest and the savannah.

      King Penguin, Cleopatra

      Penguin Plunge

      You don’t need to travel far to see four species of penguin. Watch them dive, swim, and play in this expansive habitat.

      Exploration Asia

      From grassy plains to the northern tundra, Asia is a continent full of incredible creatures designed to thrive in unique conditions.

      Wild Canada

      Canada is home to some of the world’s most incredible creatures. Whether you’re admiring our wolf pack or our whooping cranes, you’ll see Canada like never before.

      Gardens

      Dorothy Harvie Gardens

      There are more wild things than just animals. Stop and smell the roses, admire the many vibrant colours, and find a stunning backdrop for your photos.

      Butterflies

      ENMAX Conservatory & Butterflies

      Animals aren’t the only living creatures at the zoo. Transport yourself to a tropical oasis with our botanical gardens and butterflies.

      Prehistoric Park

      Prehistoric Park

      Take a journey back in time. From the triceratops to the T-rex, discover the creatures that ruled the world.

       

        Northern Leopard Frog release

        The Wilder Institute

        Let’s Make The World a Little Wilder

        The animals we care for aren’t only in the zoo. As a global authority on wildlife conservation, our efforts extend across Canada and around the world.
        Learn More