Viator Rating : 5 (133 reviews)
Dyvarcity Score : 7.2/10 (Solid Experience)
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Calgary Zoo: Skip the Line Entry Ticket
Overview
Explore the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, a fun place with over 4,000 animals! It's close to downtown Calgary. The zoo helps save animals and teach people about nature. It has different zones like Wild Canada and Destination Africa.
See animals from all over the world! The zoo has cool places like the Penguin Plunge and Prehistoric Park. You can walk around and learn about animals in their special homes. It's like traveling the world in one day!
Your ticket lets you see all the animals inside and outside. You can see where they live and how they act. Parking and wagon rentals cost extra. You can't get your money back if you don't go. No tour guide is included. 
Experience DNA Fingerprint
Scores are shown on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 = lowest score, 10 = highest score.
What People Love
Safety (8 - Secure) : Strong feeling of safety and control
Upsell Risk (8 - Transparent) : No upsells or hidden costs
Instagram Factor (8 - Iconic) : Highly photogenic and memorable
Guide Reliability (8 - Dependable) : On time with strong follow-through
What to Watch Out For
Crowd Density (6 - Standard) : Normal crowd, some waiting or tight spots
Logistics (7 - Friction) : Issues but experience continued
Mobility (6 - Moderate) : Some effort required
Pacing (7 - Uneven) : Inconsistent or mixed pacing
Guide Quality (7 - Adequate) : Informative but average
Highlights
See Animals From Around the World: Discover over 4,000 animals from different countries.
Explore Themed Zones: Visit 7 different zones like Wild Canada and Exploration Asia.
Learn About Wildlife: The zoo helps save animals and teaches about nature.
Perfect for All Ages: Fun for kids and adults.
Sentiment Analysis
Visitors enjoyed seeing a wide variety of animals and exhibits.
-
Many found the zoo to be well-maintained and engaging for all ages.
-
Families appreciated the educational aspects of the zoo.
-
The different themed zones were a hit with visitors.
Some visitors felt that food and drinks were overpriced.
-
A few visitors mentioned that some exhibits were closed or under construction during their visit.
The Journey
Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo
Discover the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, a conservation leader and beloved Calgary landmark just minutes from downtown. Spanning St. George's Island, this zoological garden is home to over 4,000 animals from around the world. Explore immersive themed zones like Wild Canada, showcasing native species; Destination Africa, where you'll encounter majestic lions and giraffes; and Exploration Asia, currently evolving to highlight the biodiversity of Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. Don't miss the Penguin Plunge, home to four species of penguins, the tropical ENMAX Conservatory, the serene Dorothy Harvie Gardens, and the prehistoric monsters in Prehistoric Park. A perfect family outing offering a blend of education, conservation, and unforgettable animal encounters.
Wild Canada Zone
Immerse yourself in the diverse ecosystems of Canada within the Wild Canada Zone. Discover iconic Canadian wildlife, including majestic grizzly bears, playful river otters, and elusive Canadian lynx. Experience the rugged beauty of the Canadian landscape, from towering forests to pristine lakes. Learn about the delicate balance of nature and the importance of conservation efforts in preserving Canada's natural heritage. A captivating journey through the wild heart of Canada.
Destination Africa Zone
Journey to the heart of Africa in the Destination Africa zone. Witness the awe-inspiring presence of African lions, towering giraffes, and graceful zebras roaming the savanna. Explore the vibrant African Rainforest, home to gorillas. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and biodiversity of the African continent, as you observe these magnificent creatures up close. This is an unforgettable safari experience, right in the heart of Calgary.
Exploration Asia Zone
Embark on a journey through the exotic landscapes of Asia in the Exploration Asia zone. Experience the Eastern Himalayas and Southeast Asia's diverse and vibrant wildlife. This evolving area focuses on species from these regions, offering an enriching and immersive experience. Explore the sights and sounds of Asia, and discover the unique adaptations of animals in this remarkable corner of the world. Note that this zone is currently undergoing redevelopment.
The Penguin Plunge
Dive into the icy world of penguins at the Penguin Plunge! From the shores of Peru to the icy plains of Antarctica, discover four different species of penguins thriving in their specially designed habitats. Observe their playful antics and unique adaptations to survive in some of the world's harshest environments. Learn about their behaviors and the conservation efforts to protect these charismatic birds. A truly captivating and educational experience for all ages.
ENMAX Conservatory
Escape to a tropical paradise within the ENMAX Conservatory. Step into a lush, vibrant greenhouse filled with exotic plants, fragrant flowers, and colorful butterflies. Wander through this serene oasis, admiring the beauty and diversity of tropical flora. An excellent destination year-round.
Dorothy Harvie Gardens
Discover the unexpected beauty and possibilities of gardening in Calgary's unique climate zone within the Dorothy Harvie Gardens. Stroll through meticulously designed themed gardens, showcasing a variety of plants that thrive in this challenging environment. Gain inspiration for your own garden and learn about sustainable gardening practices. A tranquil escape that celebrates the resilience and beauty of nature.
Prehistoric Park
Step back in time to the age of dinosaurs at Prehistoric Park. Walk among life-size replicas of the creatures that once roamed Alberta. Explore the different geological periods and learn about the fascinating history of these ancient giants. An educational and thrilling adventure, especially for kids and dino-lovers of all ages! A truly unforgettable experience.
Know Before You Go
The ticket includes seeing all the animals inside and outside. Parking is not included, and tickets are non-refundable. There is no tour guide and wagon rentals are available at the North Gift Shop. Once visitors leave, they cannot re-enter. The last admission is at 5:00 pm (1h before closing).
Hot Tip
Go early in the day to avoid crowds and see the animals when they are most active.
Review Summary
People find this a world-class attraction highly recommended for families and animal lovers. Visitors consistently praise the friendly and knowledgeable staff who provide engaging insights into animal care and conservation efforts, making the experience educational and enjoyable for all ages.[1] The zoo's diverse collection of over 4,000 animals across well-designed, immersive habitats is frequently highlighted as a major strength, with particular appreciation for the Giant Pandas and elaborate play structures for children.[2] However, guests should note that parking fees ($10) are not included in admission prices, the average visit requires 4 hours minimum, and some popular species like snow leopards and red pandas are temporarily unavailable due to ongoing construction through 2026.[3]
Frequently Asked Questions
This page is synthesized and developed by Dyvarcity Team
More like this
Calgary
$155
Moraine & Louise Tour: Banff's Best Kept Secret!
5.0
(230 reviews)
Explore Banff National Park's gems on the Moraine Lake and Lake Louise Tour from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff. This full-day bus tour unveils the stunning landscapes of Lake Louise and Moraine Lake. Prepare to be captivated by the bright blue waters of Lake Louise and the iconic Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel.
This tour ensures a comprehensive experience of Banff National Park. The adventure includes a visit to Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, and Banff town. Discover the scenic beauty of Canmore, with views of the Three Sisters mountains, Kananaskis Lakes, Banff Downtown, Johnston Canyon, the Bow River, and the iconic Calgary-Lake Louise Route. The guides are ready to help capture the best pictures. Leave the driving to them and immerse in nature. The small group setting, with a maximum of 24 people, guarantees a personalized and family-like atmosphere.
The tour includes pick-up and drop-off service from Calgary, Banff, and Canmore. Not included are door-to-door pickup (guests meet at designated points) and personal expenses like meals, activity fees, admission fees, phone, and travel insurance.
Calgary
$99
Banff Tour: Lake Louise & Moraine Lake from Calgary
4.9
(2741 reviews)
Explore the stunning beauty of Banff National Park on the Lake Louise, Moraine Lake, Banff Tour from Calgary/Canmore/Banff. This award-winning tour, recognized as one of the Top 20 Experiences in Canada by Viator/Tripadvisor guests, offers an unforgettable adventure through the Canadian Rockies.
This tour provides a personalized experience with small groups and experienced local guides who love sharing their knowledge and taking great photos. The itinerary combines must-see destinations with hidden gems, ensuring a comfortable trip in an air-conditioned vehicle with large windows to fully appreciate Banff's beauty. This tour starts from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, making it easily accessible.
Visitors will witness iconic landmarks such as Lake Louise, famous for its turquoise waters and stunning mountain backdrop. Experience the majestic Moraine Lake, with its vibrant blue hues, and explore the charming Banff Avenue, discover the historical Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, Surprise Corner, and Bow Falls. The tour includes entrance fees to Moraine Lake and special access to Lake Louise and Moraine Lake, ensuring a seamless experience. It also features pick-up and drop-off service from Calgary, Banff, and Canmore. Please note that meals, personal expenses, and gratuities are not included.
Canmore
$149
Canmore Caving: Unearth Adventure in Belize's Subterranean Realm
4.9
(277 reviews)
Duration: 270
minutes
Canmore Caving Explorer Tour: Delve into Belize's cave systems on a 4.5-hour adventure. Explore ancient formations, squeeze through tight spaces (optional), and discover prehistoric bones with an expert guide. All caving equipment provided for a thrilling, accessible underground experience.
Banff
$59
Lake Louise & Moraine Lake Shuttle from Banff & Canmore
4.9
(320 reviews)
Shuttle from Canmore and Banff to Lake Louise & Moraine Lake offers an easy way to see two of the most beautiful lakes in the Canadian Rockies. This bus tour is perfect for anyone who wants to experience nature and wildlife without the stress of driving and parking.
Imagine standing at the edge of Moraine Lake, surrounded by towering mountains and the vibrant blue water. Or picture yourself at Lake Louise, with the iconic Fairmont Chateau and Victoria Glacier in the background. This shuttle makes it easy to see these amazing places. You can relax and enjoy the ride while a knowledgeable driver takes you there. The shuttle includes transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle and covers the Goods and Services Tax (GST). Keep in mind that gratuities are not included, and there's an extra fee for large luggage.
The shuttle picks up passengers in Canmore and Banff, making it convenient for travelers staying in either town. Key stops include the stunning Moraine Lake and the world-famous Lake Louise. This service offers a comfortable and reliable way to explore the Canadian Rockies. Please note that there's an additional fee for cabin-size luggage. This tour ensures a memorable and stress-free experience.
Calgary
$547
Banff & Lake Louise Private Tour: See Rockies' Best!
5.0
(48 reviews)
The Banff National Park & Lake Louise FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR offers a personalized exploration of the Canadian Rockies, tailored for small groups. Departing from Calgary, Canmore, or Banff, experience a VIP journey without the hassle of meeting points, with door-to-door pickup and drop-off.
This comprehensive tour showcases Banff's must-see sights in a single day. Discover iconic landmarks such as Chateau Lake Louise, Johnston Canyon, Bow River, Surprise Corner, Lake Minnewanka Viewpoint, and Bow Falls Viewpoint, along with Downtown Banff. This Private Sightseeing Tour allows visitors to spend more time at each location, adapting the itinerary to preferences, and traveling in a sanitized private SUV or minivan.
An experienced local guide enhances the journey, offering insights into the region's natural beauty and history. The tour includes private transportation, ensuring a comfortable and intimate experience for all. Please note that meals, personal expenses, and gratuities are not included.
Banff
$195
Banff Canyoning: Heart Creek Adventure for Beginners
5.0
(41 reviews)
Canyoning Half Day - Heart Creek - Beginner friendly - Near Banff invites families and friends to explore the stunning Heart Creek Canyon, a short drive from Banff and Canmore. This adventure is perfect for canyoning beginners eager to learn to rappel. The rappels gradually increase in length and difficulty, offering a supportive and exciting experience.
Participants will navigate the canyon, encountering key stops such as the Parking Lot (Canyon Approach), Canyon Entrance (Rappel Workshop Area), and the Upper Canyon Section. A highlight includes the 18-Meter Waterfall in the Lower Canyon, followed by fun canyon slides and a scenic hiking trail. Expect to be partially in the water, requiring either rappelling or being lowered on a rope to progress through the canyon. A moderate level of fitness is recommended.
This half-day tour provides top-of-the-line wetsuits, a harness, belay device and lanyards, a helmet with an optional GoPro mount, a dry backpack, and a certified canyoning guide. Participants need to bring a bathing suit, towel, a small lunch or snacks, water, and closed-toe footwear suitable for getting wet. Water shoes and Keen-style hiking sandals are not allowed. Don't forget the Kananaskis conservation day pass, costing $15 per vehicle. Gratuities are not included. With expert guides and breathtaking scenery, this canyoning experience promises an unforgettable adventure for all.
Nearby Events
Commonwealth Bar
May 05
7:30 PMGabriel Rutledge Live in Calgary | May 2026
Gabriel Rutledge brings his sharp, observational comedy to Commonwealth Bar in Calgary for an unforgettable night of stand-up. The Seattle International Comedy Competition winner and Laughing Skull Comedy Festival victor is known for his quick-witted humor about parenting, life on the road, and the absurdities of everyday existence. With television appearances on Comedy Central, Nickelodeon, FOX, and Amazon Prime Video, Rutledge has built a reputation as a hard-working performer who connects authentically with audiences through deeply personal yet universally relatable material.
Rutledge, who was born in Bay Center, Washington and now resides in Olympia with his wife and three children, has spent nearly two decades perfecting his craft on stages across North America. His comedy special "A Third of the Room" on Dry Bar Comedy and his YouTube special "Nectarine" have garnered millions of views, showcasing his ability to tackle complex topics with humor and honesty. He's also the author of "Happiness Isn't Funny: True Stories of a Road Comic," a memoir written from the perspective of someone still in the middle of their journey rather than looking back from the peak of success. Commonwealth Bar, a premier venue in Calgary, provides the intimate setting perfect for experiencing Rutledge's storytelling prowess.
Scotiabank Saddledome
Apr 30
8:00 PMDiljit Dosanjh Aura Tour Calgary Tickets
Diljit Dosanjh brings his *Aura World Tour 2026** to Scotiabank Saddledome in Calgary, delivering a high-energy spectacle of Punjabi music, infectious beats, and crowd-thrilling performances. Known for his chart-topping albums like *G.O.A.T.* and sold-out global tours such as Dil-Luminati, Diljit captivates with raw energy and unforgettable moments that blend traditional bhangra with modern vibes.
Diljit Dosanjh has risen as a global Punjabi music icon, breaking barriers with hits that dominate Spotify charts and electrifying live shows drawing massive crowds worldwide. Scotiabank Saddledome, a premier Calgary venue famed for hosting NHL games and major concerts, offers exceptional sightlines and acoustics for an immersive experience.
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Aug 28
7:30 PMThe Two Towers In Concert Calgary | Howard Shore Live
The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers - In Concert brings Howard Shore's Academy Award-winning score to life with 250 musicians from the FILMharmonique Orchestra performing live to the epic motion picture in stunning HD. This symphonic experience transports audiences back to Middle-earth for an unforgettable journey through Tolkien's masterpiece, featuring the Chronos Vocal Ensemble, Vocal Alchemy, and the Cantilon Children's Choir.
The Two Towers represents the second chapter of the legendary trilogy, acclaimed for its breathtaking action sequences and emotional depth. Audiences will experience Shore's intricate orchestrations performed in real-time as the film plays, creating an immersive cinematic experience unlike any other. The Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium in Calgary serves as an intimate yet grand venue, perfectly suited for this large-scale orchestral production.
Scotiabank Saddledome
Feb 20
7:00 PMBook Megadeth & Anthrax Tickets Calgary 2026
Megadeth and Anthrax will bring a powerhouse metal concert to Calgary's Scotiabank Saddledome, delivering an electrifying night of nu-metal and classic thrash. This event is part of Megadeth's 2026 Canadian winter tour, featuring hits from their storied career and fresh energy supported by Anthrax and Exodus.
Megadeth stands as a pillar of heavy metal with decades of influence, known for classics like "Symphony of Destruction" and their latest dynamic live performances. Anthrax complements the lineup with their iconic thrash sound. The Scotiabank Saddledome, a premier Calgary venue known for its energetic atmosphere and sizable capacity, provides the perfect stage for this metal spectacle.
Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium
Feb 19
7:30 PMHarry Potter Half-Blood Prince Concert Calgary Feb 2026
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince in Concert brings the sixth installment of the beloved wizarding saga to life at Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, combining the film's thrilling narrative with a live symphony orchestra performing Nicolas Hooper's enchanting score. Fans experience Harry's most challenging year at Hogwarts in stunning HD projection while the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra delivers an immersive, magical performance that transforms the screen adventure into an unforgettable live event.
The Half-Blood Prince marks a pivotal moment in the Harry Potter saga, as Voldemort's grip tightens on both magical and Muggle Britain while Harry navigates teenage complications, mysterious potions textbooks, and the enigmatic Draco Malfoy. Southern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium, a premier performing arts venue in Calgary, provides the perfect acoustical setting for this innovative film-concert experience.
Bella Concert Hall - Mount Royal University
Apr 09
8:00 PMBruce McCulloch Live: The Dark Purple Slice Tour
Bruce McCulloch brings The Dark Purple Slice Tour to Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University in Calgary, marking another chapter in the legendary comedian's storied career. This solo performance showcases McCulloch's distinctive blend of surreal humor, sharp social commentary, and character-driven comedy that has made him a cornerstone of Canadian entertainment for decades.
McCulloch is best known for his groundbreaking work as a member of The Kids in the Hall, the iconic Canadian comedy troupe that revolutionized sketch comedy throughout the late 1980s and 1990s. Beyond his ensemble work, he has built an impressive solo career as a writer, filmmaker, and performer, creating memorable characters and narratives that push the boundaries of comedy. Bella Concert Hall at Mount Royal University provides an intimate yet sophisticated venue for this intimate comedy experience in Calgary.
The Bucket List Playbook: Top Things to do in Calgary
Ready for adventure? Dyvarcity is your ultimate guide to the top 100 things to do in Calgary From must-see attractions like Short Term Availability, Music, Bus Tours & Pop in Calgary. We've handpicked events & experiences with passion: whether you love activities that move your body, vibrant music, sports, food, or cultural explorations.
View Calgary Activities