
High Park Zoo Toronto
A free, charming zoo in Toronto's High Park, featuring capybaras, llamas, and highland cows. Perfect for families and a delightful escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

High Park Zoo Toronto
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, charming zoo in Toronto's High Park, featuring capybaras, llamas, and highland cows. Perfect for families and a delightful escape.
"It's good that its free and hours for the summer are decent (til 7pm on weekdays i believe)."

🎯 It's Completely Free! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy a full zoo experience without any admission cost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The zoo is within High Park, so be prepared for walking.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Capybara Encounters
Animal Display Area
These charming, large rodents are a major draw, often seen swimming or lounging.

Llama Meet & Greet
Designated Area
Get up close and personal with friendly llamas; feeding sessions are a highlight for many visitors.

Highland Cows
Animal Display Area
Admire the distinctive, shaggy Highland cattle, a picturesque addition to the zoo's collection.

Bison & Yak
Animal Display Area
See impressive bison and hardy yaks, showcasing larger wildlife within the park.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Free Fun for All Ages
Accessibility & Park Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 It's Completely Free! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy a full zoo experience without any admission cost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The zoo is within High Park, so be prepared for walking.
📅 Check Feeding Times :spoon:
Llama feeding is a popular activity, check schedules for a chance to participate.
🧺 Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
High Park is perfect for a picnic, making it a full day outing.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 It's Completely Free! :money_with_wings:
Enjoy a full zoo experience without any admission cost.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes :athletic_shoe:
The zoo is within High Park, so be prepared for walking.
📅 Check Feeding Times :spoon:
Llama feeding is a popular activity, check schedules for a chance to participate.
🧺 Pack a Picnic :sandwich:
High Park is perfect for a picnic, making it a full day outing.
🚲 Bike to the Zoo :bike:
Consider biking to High Park for easy access and a fun journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about High Park Zoo's free admission and charming animal collection, making it a beloved spot for families and casual outings. While some wish for larger enclosures, the overall experience is highly positive, with highlights like capybara sightings and llama feeding sessions. It's considered a great, accessible addition to a day exploring the beautiful High Park.
"Cute and adorable ranges of animals. Perfect for kids and older adults. Great for a chill walk as well. Although i wish the animals had bugger pens to roam around. Its good that its free and hours for the summer are decent (til 7pm on weekdays i believe). They also have a ‘meet and greet’ with the llamas on certain hours."
Ronel Alvarez
"Had a lovely visit with my daughters and granddaughter at High Park Zoo. It’s about a 20 minute walk from the Bloor entrance with a steep downhill, so keep that in mind for accessibility. Feeding the llamas was a highlight (just $2) and the volunteers were friendly and helpful. We enjoyed seeing Sheep, Yak, Highland cows, a Giant Bison, Capybaras, Peacocks, and even an Emu up close. A great little zoo in the heart of a beautiful park - we always enjoy our visits!"
Jennifer Dempsey
"High Park Zoo is a cute little spot in Toronto and worth checking out if you’re already in the park. It’s small, but you get to see llamas, bison, capybaras, peacocks, and a few other cool animals. Best part? It’s free! Perfect for a chill walk, a quick stop with friends, or just hanging out on a nice day."
Mehrzad Mehrvarz
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
High Park Zoo is located within High Park. You can reach it via public transit by taking the subway to High Park Station or Dundas West Station, followed by a walk or bus. Many visitors also opt to bike to the park. Parking is available within High Park, but can be limited, especially on weekends.
Yes, you can drive to High Park and find parking lots. However, parking can be competitive, particularly during peak seasons and weekends.
Walking is a great way to explore High Park and reach the zoo. For longer distances or a more adventurous approach, consider using bike-sharing services available in the city.
The paths within the zoo are generally accessible for strollers. However, some areas of High Park itself can be hilly or have uneven terrain.
Yes, several TTC bus routes service High Park. Check the TTC website for the most current routes and schedules that stop near the park entrances.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
High Park Zoo offers free admission for all visitors, making it an accessible attraction for everyone.
The zoo is typically open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM during the summer months. It's always a good idea to check the official High Park website for the most up-to-date hours, especially during off-season or holidays.
No, tickets are not required as admission is free. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
The zoo sometimes hosts 'meet and greet' sessions, particularly with the llamas, which are a highlight for visitors. Keep an eye on local event listings or the park's social media for announcements.
High Park Zoo is generally open year-round, though hours may vary seasonally. The Reddit tip about winter visits suggests it's still enjoyable with proper warm clothing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of animals including capybaras, llamas, highland cows, bison, yaks, peacocks, emus, sheep, and rabbits.
Some visitors have noted that the animal pens could be larger. However, the animals are generally described as well-kept and cared for.
While direct petting might be limited to specific areas or animals like rabbits, you can observe many animals from a safe distance. The llama feeding sessions offer a closer interaction.
Absolutely! It's a fantastic, free, and family-friendly spot with animals that delight children.
High Park is a large urban park offering walking trails, picnic areas, sports facilities, a conservatory, and beautiful gardens, especially stunning during cherry blossom season.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dedicated food vendors within the zoo itself. However, High Park offers numerous picnic spots, making it ideal to bring your own food.
Yes, High Park is a popular spot for picnics. You'll find many scenic areas perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
Yes, the areas surrounding High Park, particularly along Bloor Street, have various cafes and restaurants offering diverse dining options.
Dining options near High Park range from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, so you can find choices to fit various budgets.
Yes, bringing your own water bottle is recommended, and you can refill it at various points within High Park.
📸 📸 Photography
The capybaras, especially when swimming, and the photogenic highland cows are popular subjects. The llamas during feeding times also make for great shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed. Remember to be respectful of the animals and other visitors.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides softer lighting, ideal for photography. The golden hour can create beautiful shots of the animals and park.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography directly at the animals, as it can disturb them.
Drone usage is typically restricted in city parks like High Park to ensure safety and minimize disturbance to wildlife and visitors. Check park regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🚶♀️ Solo Explorers & Couples
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring High Park: More Than Just a Zoo
Beyond the zoo, High Park features a beautiful conservatory, a children's playground, and even a dog park. For those interested in a more active visit, consider renting a bike to navigate the park's extensive network of paths. The park's varied terrain means some areas can be hilly, so comfortable footwear is a must for a full exploration.
Whether you're coming for the animals or the natural landscapes, High Park provides a refreshing escape within the city. It's a place where families can spend a whole day, couples can enjoy a romantic stroll, and solo travelers can find a peaceful spot to relax.
The High Park Zoo Experience: What to Expect
While the enclosures are not as expansive as larger zoos, the animals are generally reported to be well-maintained and cared for. The 'meet and greet' sessions, especially with the llamas, offer a unique interactive element that many visitors enjoy. The zoo's location within High Park means it's often combined with a broader park visit, offering a pleasant and varied day out.
Keep in mind that the zoo is a popular spot, especially on weekends and during peak seasons. Arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday can help avoid the largest crowds. The summer hours extend until 7 PM, allowing for visits during cooler evening periods.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit