Top Zoos and Aquariums to Visit in Ontario, Canada

Ontario, Canada's most populous province, is rich in natural beauty and biodiversity, offering fantastic opportunities to explore wildlife up close. Whether you're a nature lover, family adventurer, or education enthusiast, Ontario’s zoos and aquariums provide excellent venues for learning about animals, conservation efforts, and wildlife from around the globe. Here's a guide to some of the best zoos and aquariums to visit in Ontario.

1. Toronto Zoo

Location: Toronto, Ontario

The Toronto Zoo is one of the largest and most famous zoos in Canada, spanning 710 acres and housing over 5,000 animals from more than 500 species. It’s divided into various regions representing different parts of the world, including Africa, the Americas, Australasia, and the Indo-Malaya. Visitors can see everything from majestic lions and giraffes to exotic reptiles and vibrant birds.

• Highlights:

  • The Tundra Trek, where you can meet polar bears, Arctic wolves, and snowy owls.

  • Gorilla Rainforest, one of the most extensive indoor pavilions for gorillas in North America.

  • Kid-friendly activities like the Discovery Zone, which includes a splash park and interactive exhibits.

• Conservation Efforts: Toronto Zoo is a global leader in conservation programs, including initiatives for endangered species like the Vancouver Island Marmot and the black-footed ferret.

2. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Location: Toronto, Ontario

Located at the base of the iconic CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada offers a stunning glimpse into underwater ecosystems. This state-of-the-art facility houses over 20,000 aquatic animals, including sharks, jellyfish, stingrays, and vibrant tropical fish. It's the perfect place to explore the beauty of marine life from across the world without leaving Toronto.

• Highlights:

  • The Dangerous Lagoon, an immersive tunnel where visitors can walk among sharks, sea turtles, and stingrays.

  • The Rainbow Reef, featuring brilliantly colored fish and corals from tropical waters.

  • The Discovery Centre, with hands-on experiences like touching horseshoe crabs and learning about aquatic species.

• Family-friendly: The aquarium offers regular educational shows, interactive displays, and kids' zones, making it a popular destination for families.

3. African Lion Safari

Location: Hamilton, Ontario

If you want to experience animals in a more natural environment, African Lion Safari is a unique safari park where visitors can drive through animal habitats and watch species roam free. Covering 750 acres, the safari park offers a chance to see giraffes, zebras, rhinos, lions, and cheetahs up close, all from the safety of your own vehicle or the park’s guided bus tours.

• Highlights:

  • The drive-through game reserves offer the thrill of seeing lions, elephants, and cheetahs in wide open spaces.

  • Elephant Swim, where visitors can watch the park’s elephants enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.

  • Birds of Prey flying demonstrations, showcasing majestic eagles, hawks, and owls.

• Conservation: African Lion Safari is involved in important breeding programs, particularly for endangered species like the Asian elephant and white rhino.

4. The MarineLand Theme Park

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario

Combining a theme park with a marine life experience, MarineLand is an iconic destination near Niagara Falls. The park offers amusement rides as well as live shows and exhibits featuring marine mammals like dolphins, sea lions, and beluga whales.

• Highlights:

  • The Beluga Whale Encounter, where visitors can get up close and even touch these gentle giants.

  • King Waldorf Stadium, home to thrilling shows starring dolphins, sea lions, and walruses.

  • Family-friendly roller coasters and other attractions make this park a well-rounded destination for fun.

• Marine Life: Though there has been controversy surrounding animal captivity, MarineLand is still popular for its animal interaction programs, where education and entertainment combine.

5. Little Ray’s Nature Centre

Location: Hamilton and Ottawa, Ontario

Little Ray’s Nature Centre specializes in reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals, with an emphasis on rescue and education. With a variety of locations across Canada, its Ottawa and Hamilton branches offer hands-on learning experiences with creatures like snakes, lizards, and alligators. This family-run center is one of the most interactive zoos in Ontario.

• Highlights:

  • Animal Encounters, where visitors can handle reptiles and learn about their habitats and behaviors.

  • The mobile exhibits and live shows, which are popular at schools and events across Ontario.

  • Educational programs that teach about the care and conservation of often misunderstood species.

• Conservation Focus: Little Ray’s rescues animals that need new homes and educates the public on the importance of protecting wildlife.

6. Butterfly Conservatory

Location: Niagara Falls, Ontario

For a unique wildlife experience, visit the Butterfly Conservatory, located in Niagara Parks. This indoor tropical paradise features over 2,000 free-flying butterflies from more than 40 species, providing visitors with an up-close view of these delicate creatures.

• Highlights:

  • The climate-controlled conservatory is a beautiful escape into a lush environment filled with exotic plants.

  • Observation windows give insight into the life cycle of butterflies, from caterpillar to chrysalis to adult.

  • A self-guided tour offers information on butterfly biology and conservation.

7. Indian River Reptile Zoo

Location: Peterborough, Ontario

Dedicated to the conservation and education of reptiles, Indian River Reptile Zoo is a reptile-only zoo offering a rare opportunity to see crocodiles, pythons, and other reptilian species up close. The zoo houses many rescued reptiles and is Canada’s only accredited reptile sanctuary.

• Highlights:

  • Crocodile enclosures with large viewing areas.

  • Life-sized dinosaur exhibits that make this zoo particularly exciting for children.

  • Fossil dig areas and other educational activities for kids.

• Conservation Efforts: The zoo is involved in various reptile rescue missions and works to educate the public about reptile conservation.

Ontario offers an exciting array of zoos and aquariums for visitors of all ages, where wildlife enthusiasts can learn about species from around the globe. From the immersive Toronto Zoo and Ripley’s Aquarium to the safari-style African Lion Safari and conservation-focused centers like Little Ray’s, there are countless opportunities to connect with nature, explore conservation efforts, and gain a deeper appreciation for the planet's wildlife. Whether you're planning a family outing, an educational adventure, or just a fun day, Ontario’s zoos and aquariums provide memorable experiences for everyone.