Skip to main content
Image
penguins on hill

Frequently Asked Questions

Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo FAQ

Below you’ll find answers to commonly asked questions.

Visit our Hours and Admission page to plan your visit or purchase tickets.

Admission & Plan Your Visit FAQ

  • Do children under 3 years of age also need a day admission ticket?

    No, children under 3 do not need a day admission ticket.

  • If I have purchased a day admission ticket online and no longer wish to visit the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, can I obtain a refund?

    For guests that have pre-purchased daily admission tickets (general admission), please contact our Guest Relations team to explore your options. Guest Relations can be reached at [email protected] or via phone at 403-232-9300.

     

  • Do you offer any admission discounts?

    Current discount programs such as the Calgary Recreation Fair Entry are accepted at the North Entrance. Visit our Coupons, Discounts and Special Offers page for all current offerings.

    Please note the following:

    • The Alberta Motor Association (AMA) discount on zoo admission is no longer offered. This discount ended as of July 2, 2023.
    • As of October 1, 2023, the Air Miles Dream Miles reward voucher for Single-Day Admission will no longer be available. You can continue to redeem your Air Miles Dream Miles points for a Single-Day Admission voucher up to and including September 30, 2023. As of October 1, 2023, the Air Miles Dream Miles reward voucher for Single-Day Admission will no longer be available as a reward option. Single-Day Admission vouchers redeemed up to and including September 30, 2023, are valid for 12 months from the date they are purchased. No extensions will be provided. Expired vouchers will not be honoured.  
  • Once I enter the zoo grounds, am I limited in how long I can spend on zoo grounds?

    No. You’re welcome to enjoy the zoo grounds for as long as you like until closing!

  • Can I leave the zoo and come back in?

    No, once you exit the zoo you can not re-enter the same day without a new day admission ticket.

  • What if I buy a ticket and discover I'm unable to attend on the date I selected?

    Day admission tickets are non-refundable but may be rescheduled up to 7 days from the date of purchase. Please email [email protected] for assistance.

  • How much does parking cost?

    Parking is managed through ParkPlus, by the Calgary Parking Authority and is $13 per day.

    Payment machines are located in the following locations:

    • North Lot (Alberta Plaza)

    • West Lot (Please note the West Gate entrance is closed for the season. If visiting the zoo from September 5, 2023 - June 2024, you should park and enter via the North Lot/North Gate entrance.)

    Parking is valid for 24 hours from time of entry. Tickets for failure to pay for parking will be issued by the Calgary Parking Authority. Note: Engage and Inspire members can register with ParkPlus to receive free parking. Learn more about member parking.

  • Are concessions and restaurants open?

    Yes! Click here to view the current concessions hours of operation. Please note some concessions may be open after hours during special experiences, including ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company. 

  • Are retail shops open?

    Yes! The North Gift Shop and Bamboo-tique are open. Tiger's Conservatory Den remains closed. Click here to view the current retail hours of operation.

  • Are playgrounds open?

    Yes! The Brawn Family Foundation Bugtopia*, Calgary Co-op Kids Zone, and Kinsmen Zooventure playgrounds are open.

    *Starting on September 5th through October 6th, changes are coming to the Canadian Wilds South Path which will temporarily close the Brawn Family Foundation Bugtopia. Learn more here.

  • Are wagon, wheelchair and/or powerchair rentals available?

    Wagon Rentals

    Wagon rentals are available at the North Gift Shop, located by Penguin Plunge, for a rental fee of $10. Keep your receipt and return your wagon before 4:45 p.m. to get $2 back.

    Wheelchair and Power Chair Rentals

    Wheelchairs are available at the North Gift Shop for a rental fee of $20. This cost includes a $10 refundable deposit and GST. A limited number of power chairs are also available, for a rental fee of $25.

    Please note that all rental equipment has a limited supply and will be rented out on a first come first served basis. Reservations are not taken, nor is there a waiting list available throughout the day.

  • What buildings or amenities are closed?

    The following closures are in effect:

    • Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge due to ongoing construction projects - at this time the North American river otters are unavailable for viewing.

    • Some indoor facilities, including: Karsten Discovery Centre; Tigers Den Gift Shop. The following washroom locations are also closed: North Gate (entrance), Brawn Family Foundation River Lodge, and Karsten Discovery Centre. 

  • Can we redeem gift cards for memberships?

    Thank you for your support of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo! You can use your gift cards for online purchases, including memberships and tickets.

  • Is Prehistoric Park open?

    Yes, Prehistoric Park is open for the season, including the animatronic dinosaurs. Please note the animatronic dinosaurs will be turned off as of October 12, 2023. Prehistoric Park will close for the season as of November 1, 2023.

     

  • Is Land of Lemurs Open?

    Land of Lemurs is open daily from 10:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. The walkthrough last entry is 4:15 p.m. The walkthrough will close for the season as of October 12, 2023.

  • Are all of the animals viewable?

    To create some exciting new habitats and spaces in the Canadian Wilds, we are undergoing a massive construction project which will temporarily shift pathways and move some animals offsite until the construction is completed in late 2023:

    • Muskox, wood bison, bighorn sheep, woodland caribou, whooping crane, North American river otters, Rocky Mountain goats, and the residents of the Jihad Shibley Rocky Mountain Aviary are not viewable. 

    • Cougars, black bears, grizzly bears, gray wolves, North American porcupine and moose are currently viewable but will have adjusted viewing for gray wolves and moose starting on September 5, 2023. Learn more here.

    We’re working hard to minimize impacts while providing the best possible experience for our visitors and the animals we love and care for. We look forward to welcoming visitors back to the space when the new Wild Canada zone officially opens on December 1, 2023.

Thank you for supporting wildlife conservation.

We hope you have a WILD visit!