Visit the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo and get up close to 4,000 wildlife, while supporting conservation at this world-class zoo. Be transported to incredible adventures across the world.

PRICE: $28
per person

 

Explore the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, a world-renowned wildlife facility located on scenic St. George Island, just 5 minutes from downtown Calgary. As a leader in conservation, education, and wildlife research, the zoo plays a vital role in protecting endangered species and ecosystems.

Discover over 4,000 animals representing more than 100 species. The zoo is organized into 7 immersive, themed zones that transport visitors to different parts of the world, each designed to reflect the natural habitats and behaviors of its residents.

1. Wild Canada: showcasing the diverse ecosystems of Canada. Highlights include the Taylor Family Foundation Polar Bear Sanctuary, home to polar bear Siku, in a two-acre habitat featuring temperature-controlled pools and enrichment activities. Other residents include river otters, woodland caribou, grey wolves, and whooping cranes.

2. Destination Africa: see the majesty of the animal kingdom up close, from towering giraffes to powerful lions, and The Land of Lemurs, discover the world’s most incredible creatures.

3. Exploration Asia: currently undergoing a multi-phase redevelopment, with the Asia Highlands phase focusing on species from Southeast Asia, the Eastern Himalayas, and Northeast Asia. Residents include red pandas, snow leopards, and Komodo dragons. The redevelopment aims to provide larger and improved habitats for these species.

4. The Penguin Plunge: from the shores of Peru to Antartica, four species of penguin showing off the diversity of this incredible bird.

5. ENMAX Conservatory: Escape indoors to a tropical greenhouse filled with exotic plants and fluttering butterflies—an oasis of warmth and floral beauty all year-round.

6. Dorothy Harvie Gardens: From fruit trees to nectar-filled flowers, our gardens have it all. You’ll discover the plants that bring colour throughout the warmer seasons and enjoy sparkly lights in the wintertime.

7. Prehistoric Park: walk among life‑size creatures that ruled Alberta once upon a time! From T‑rex and triceratops to hands-on Dino Dig and Dino Slide—great for kids and dino-lovers alike.

Available from November 14th, 2025, to January 4th, 2026, if you select the Sunlight to ZOOLIGHTS combo ticket, you will have a special offer that allows you to visit both the zoo during that afternoon and ZOOLIGHTS, presented by Olympia Trust Company, in the same day with a single discounted ticket. It offers an exciting and cost-effective way to enjoy multiple experiences in one day.

To make the most of your combo ticket, we suggest allowing at least 2 hours to explore the zoo grounds and at least 90 minutes to enjoy ZOOLIGHTS. That said, your combo ticket grants entry to the zoo anytime from 1:00 p.m., so you can customize your visit based on your schedule!

Please note:

The last entry to Wild Canada is at 4:00 p.m.
The last entry to Penguin Plunge is at 4:15 p.m.
The last entry to all other animal buildings is at 4:45 p.m.
ZOOLIGHTS begins at 5:00 p.m.

Explore 7 immersive zones and see over 4,000 animals from around the world
Get up close to wildlife in Destination Africa and Wild Canada
Visit the Taylor Family Foundation Polar Bear Sanctuary and see Siku
Discover the majesty of the animal kingdom, from giraffes to lions
Enjoy a family-friendly day out with rides on the Wildlife Carousel

Admission ticket
Access to all available indoor and outdoor habitats
Access to Wildlife Carousel rides
Access to the Virtual Reality Experience for an additional ticket that is available for purchase on-site ($12+ CAD)
Food and beverages
Tour guide
Parking fees
Wagon rentals (available at the North Gift Shop)

 

 

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