Tucked away in the heart of Toronto’s largest public park, High Park Zoo in High Park is a hidden gem that offers a unique and enriching experience for visitors of all ages. Established in 1893, this historic zoo has been a beloved destination for families, nature lovers, and animal enthusiasts for over a century. Unlike many other wildlife attractions, High Park Toronto Zoo is completely free, making it one of the best zoos in High Park for those looking to enjoy an educational and interactive day out without spending a fortune. Home to a diverse range of animals, from bison and capybaras to llamas and peacocks, this zoo provides an up-close look at fascinating species while being surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of High Park. Whether you’re feeding llamas, joining an adventure game, or simply soaking in the natural surroundings, it’s easy to see why this is considered one of Toronto’s best zoos.
History of High Park Zoo
High Park Zoo in High Park has a rich history dating back to 1893, making it one of the oldest zoos in Canada. It originally began as a modest deer enclosure, where visitors could observe native wildlife in a natural setting. Over time, the zoo expanded, adding more species and enclosures, eventually evolving into one of the best zoos in High Park.
Unlike many other wildlife attractions, High Park Toronto Zoo has remained free to the public, allowing generations of visitors to enjoy its exhibits without an admission fee. Despite its long-standing presence, the zoo faced financial uncertainty in 2012 when the City of Toronto withdrew funding. To ensure the zoo’s survival, the non-profit organization Friends of High Park Zoo (FHPZ) was formed, securing donations from individuals and businesses. By 2014, city funding was restored, but FHPZ continues to lead fundraising efforts, supporting upgrades and conservation initiatives to keep High Park Zoo in High Park accessible and thriving for future generations.
Animals at High Park Zoo
High Park Zoo in High Park is home to a diverse range of animals, making it one of the best zoos in High Park for wildlife enthusiasts and families. The zoo features 11 paddocks, each housing different species from around the world. These enclosures allow visitors to observe the animals in a natural setting while learning about their behaviors and habitats.
Resident Animals at High Park Zoo
- Barbary Sheep – Known for their curved horns and agility in rocky terrains.
- Bison – One of North America’s most iconic species, often seen grazing in the paddocks.
- Capybara – The world’s largest rodent, native to South America and a favorite among visitors.
- Emu – Large, flightless birds known for their speed and unique appearance.
- Llama – Friendly and social animals, popular for interactive feeding experiences.
- Mouflon Sheep – A wild sheep species recognized by their distinctive curled horns.
- Peacock – Vibrant and eye-catching, these birds are often seen displaying their colorful feathers.
- West Highland Cattle – Hardy cattle with long, shaggy coats suited for colder climates.
- Yak – Large, woolly animals native to the Himalayas, adapted to withstand harsh winters.
As one of Toronto’s best zoos, High Park Toronto Zoo provides an opportunity to see these fascinating animals up close while enjoying a free and educational outdoor experience.
Unique Features of High Park Zoo
High Park Zoo in High Park stands out as one of Toronto’s best zoos, offering a completely free and family-friendly experience. Located within High Park Toronto Zoo, the city’s largest public park, it provides a unique combination of wildlife observation and outdoor recreation.
What Makes High Park Zoo Unique?
- Free Access – Unlike many other attractions, High Park Zoo remains free to the public, making it one of the best zoos in High Park for budget-conscious visitors.
- Prime Location – Situated inside High Park, the zoo is surrounded by scenic trails, nature walks, and other attractions.
- Family-Friendly Experience – With interactive opportunities like the Llama Pen and adventure games, it’s an ideal spot for children and families.
- Nearby Attractions – The zoo is within walking distance of Jamie Bell Playground, a popular destination for kids, and Grenadier Café, a great place to relax after a zoo visit.
These features make High Park Toronto Zoo a must-visit destination for locals and tourists looking for an engaging outdoor experience.
Visitor Experience & Things to Do
A visit to High Park Zoo in High Park offers a fun and educational experience for families, animal lovers, and outdoor enthusiasts. As one of the best zoos in High Park, it provides a variety of interactive activities and seasonal events that make each visit unique.
Family-Friendly Attractions
- The zoo is designed for easy walking, with short distances between enclosures, making it ideal for young children and seniors.
- Visitors can explore 11 paddocks featuring bison, capybaras, llamas, peacocks, and more.
Llama Feeding Experience
- Available on weekends and holidays from 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM.
- Cost: $2 per person.
- A favorite attraction for families, offering an opportunity to feed and interact with llamas.
- Temporarily closed in winter due to seasonal changes.
Adventure Games & Interactive Experiences
- Colours, Countries & Critters – A digital scavenger hunt designed for kids under 10 and their parents. $25 per game.
- Bonnie & Clyde’s High Park Escapade – A more challenging outdoor adventure for ages 8-16 and adults. $39 per game.
Special Events & Seasonal Activities
- Snowflake Walk (December) – A festive evening walk featuring holiday lights, carolers, and Santa visits.
- Holiday Trees Event – A seasonal initiative where decorated trees are placed inside animal enclosures for enrichment.
With its mix of interactive experiences, special events, and year-round accessibility, High Park Toronto Zoo remains one of Toronto’s best zoos for a free and engaging day out.
Friends of High Park Zoo & Conservation Efforts
High Park Zoo in High Park is not only a cherished community attraction but also a site of ongoing conservation and improvement efforts, largely supported by the Friends of High Park Zoo (FHPZ). This volunteer-driven, non-profit organization plays a vital role in maintaining and enhancing one of the best zoos in High Park.
Role of FHPZ in Maintaining and Improving the Zoo
- Established in 2012 when City funding was cut, FHPZ ensured the zoo remained open through community donations.
- Even after the restoration of municipal funding in 2014, FHPZ continues to lead fundraising efforts for long-term improvements.
- The organization is responsible for educational initiatives, visitor engagement programs, and infrastructure upgrades.
Funding Efforts and Community Support
- FHPZ raises money through individual donations, corporate sponsorships, and fundraising events.
- Programs like Llama Wool Sales, Holiday Events, and Adventure Games contribute to ongoing zoo support.
- Community involvement ensures that High Park Toronto Zoo remains one of Toronto’s best zoos with free public access.
Current Projects: Phase 2 of the Master Plan
FHPZ is currently working on Phase 2 of its long-term improvement plan, which includes:
- Bison Enclosure Expansion – Creating a larger, more natural habitat.
- Bioswales and Rain Gardens – Improving water management and sustainability.
- Tree Planting and Green Space Enhancements – Increasing shade and biodiversity for both animals and visitors.
Through these conservation efforts, High Park Zoo in High Park continues to evolve, ensuring a free and enriching experience for generations to come.
Supporting the Zoo: Donations & Sponsorships
As one of the best zoos in High Park, High Park Zoo in High Park relies on community support to maintain its operations and fund improvement projects. Visitors can contribute through donations, sponsorship opportunities, and unique fundraising initiatives.
How to Donate or Sponsor the Zoo
- Donations can be made directly to Friends of High Park Zoo (FHPZ), a registered charity dedicated to supporting the zoo’s development.
- Contributions help fund animal care, habitat improvements, and educational programs at High Park Toronto Zoo.
Sponsorship Opportunities
- Visitors can honor loved ones by sponsoring a commemorative bench plaque.
- Engraved metal plaques are mounted on benches within the zoo, creating a lasting legacy while supporting one of Toronto’s best zoos.
Purchase Llama Wool to Support Conservation Efforts
- High Park Zoo offers skeins of llama wool sourced from its resident llamas, including Jet, Stardust, Honey, and more.
- Each 100g skein (175 yards, three-ply worsted weight) costs $50, with all proceeds supporting conservation and zoo enhancements.
- Llama wool can be purchased by contacting [email protected].
These fundraising efforts help ensure that High Park Zoo in High Park continues to provide a free and accessible experience for future generations.
Nearby Attractions & Activities in High Park
A visit to High Park Zoo in High Park offers more than just animal encounters—it’s also surrounded by some of the most popular outdoor attractions in Toronto. As one of the best zoos in High Park, it is located within High Park, a vast green space with scenic trails, gardens, and recreational spots that visitors can explore before or after their zoo visit.
Jamie Bell Playground
- A large, castle-themed playground designed for kids of all ages.
- Features slides, climbing structures, and open spaces for play.
- Located just a short walk from High Park Toronto Zoo, making it a perfect stop for families.
Grenadier Pond
- A picturesque pond where visitors can enjoy wildlife observation and peaceful nature walks.
- Home to ducks, swans, and other local bird species.
- A popular spot for fishing (seasonally permitted) and photography.
High Park Trails & Gardens
- Several walking and hiking trails wind through High Park, offering scenic views and access to diverse plant life.
- Features include the Hillside Gardens, Rock Garden, and Maple Leaf Garden, showcasing seasonal blooms and native plants.
Cherry Blossoms in Spring
- One of Toronto’s best zoos is also located near one of the city’s most famous cherry blossom viewing areas.
- Every April to May, the park’s Sakura trees bloom, attracting visitors for stunning seasonal displays.
- The cherry blossoms are concentrated around Hillside Gardens and Grenadier Pond, making it easy to enjoy both nature and wildlife in one visit.
These nearby attractions make High Park Zoo in High Park part of a well-rounded outdoor experience, offering activities for visitors of all ages.
Location & Accessibility
High Park Zoo in High Park is conveniently located at Deer Pen Road, Toronto, ON, within High Park, the city’s largest public green space. This central location makes it one of the best zoos in High Park, easily accessible by public transit, car, and on foot.
- Address: Toronto, ON M6R 0A1, Canada
- Contact: +1 416-396-7378
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How to Get There
By Subway: The nearest subway stations are High Park Station and Keele Station, both within walking distance of the zoo.
By Streetcar: Visitors can take the #506 Carlton Streetcar westbound to the Howard Park stop. From there, a short walk through High Park leads directly to the zoo entrance.
By Car: Parking inside High Park is free, but keep in mind that vehicle access is restricted on weekends and statutory holidays. For GPS directions, use 77 Deer Pen Road, Toronto, ON.
Accessibility
High Park Zoo is stroller and wheelchair-friendly, with paved paths and accessible viewing areas, ensuring that all visitors can explore one of Toronto’s best zoos comfortably.
Admission & Hours of Operation
One of the standout features of High Park Zoo in High Park is that it offers free admission to all visitors. As one of the best zoos in High Park, it provides an accessible and budget-friendly experience for families, nature lovers, and tourists exploring Toronto.
Operating Hours:
- Spring, Summer, and Fall: 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM
- Winter: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
The zoo remains open year-round, making it one of the best zoos in Toronto to visit in any season. However, some seasonal activities, such as the Llama Pen Experience, are only available during warmer months and close for the winter.
Visitors are encouraged to check the official website before planning their trip to High Park Toronto Zoo to stay updated on any schedule changes or special events.
Visitor Guidelines & Important Information
To ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for both visitors and animals, High Park Zoo in High Park has a few essential guidelines that must be followed. As one of the best zoos in High Park, it is committed to animal welfare and visitor safety.
Do Not Feed the Animals
- All animals at High Park Toronto Zoo are on specialized diets, and feeding them outside food can cause serious health issues.
- Signs are posted near enclosures as a reminder that feeding is strictly prohibited.
No Flash Photography
- Flash photography can startle and distress animals, disrupting their natural behaviors.
- Visitors are encouraged to take photos without flash to respect the well-being of the zoo’s residents.
Respect the Enclosures and Zoo Rules
- Climbing on fences or crossing barriers is strictly prohibited for visitor and animal safety.
- Parents should supervise children to ensure they follow the rules while enjoying one of Toronto’s best zoos.
- Littering is not allowed—help keep High Park Zoo in High Park clean by disposing of waste properly.
Following these guidelines ensures that High Park Zoo remains a safe, educational, and enjoyable destination for all visitors.
FAQs
- Is High Park Zoo in High Park free to visit?
Yes, High Park Zoo in High Park is completely free to the public and open year-round. - How can I get to High Park Zoo by public transit?
Take the subway to High Park or Keele Station, or take the #506 Carlton streetcar to Howard Park, then walk into High Park. - What animals can I see at High Park Zoo?
The zoo is home to bison, capybaras, llamas, peacocks, Barbary sheep, emus, mouflon sheep, Highland cattle, and yaks. - Can I feed the animals at High Park Zoo?
No, feeding the animals is strictly prohibited as they have specialized diets. However, you can participate in llama feeding sessions on weekends and holidays. - Are there interactive activities at High Park Zoo?
Yes, the zoo offers interactive adventure games like Colours, Countries & Critters for young kids and Bonnie & Clyde’s High Park Escapade for older children and adults. - What are some nearby attractions in High Park?
Visitors can explore Jamie Bell Playground, Grenadier Pond, High Park’s trails and gardens, and the cherry blossoms in spring. - Can I take photos at High Park Zoo?
Yes, photography is allowed, but flash photography is not permitted as it can disturb the animals.