Assiniboine Park Zoo
Explore diverse wildlife, from Arctic polar bears to tropical flora, at this historic Winnipeg zoo, renowned for its conservation efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
See active polar bears
Assiniboine Park Zoo
Best Time
See active polar bears
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore diverse wildlife, from Arctic polar bears to tropical flora, at this historic Winnipeg zoo, renowned for its conservation efforts.
"The polar bear swimming overhead through the glass tunnel is absolutely unforgettable and gives you a rare perspective."
🎯 Arrive Early for Polar Bears
Catch the polar bears at their most active, especially when they interact with early visitors.
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially get a discount by purchasing your admission in advance.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Journey to Churchill
Northern Canada Pavilion
Witness polar bears swimming and playing in their Arctic-like habitat, including an underwater tunnel.
The Leaf
Assiniboine Park
Explore a stunning horticultural attraction with a tropical biome and Canada's tallest indoor waterfall.
Wolves
North American Plains
See the charismatic wolf pack, often described as 'celebs' by visitors.
Indoor Exhibits
Various Pavilions
Discover diverse indoor spaces featuring tropical plants, snakes, birds, turtles, and sloths.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for Polar Bear Encounters
Book Tickets Online & Check Hours
Check the zoo's operating hours, as they can vary seasonally and for special events like 'Boo at the Zoo'. +1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Polar Bears
Catch the polar bears at their most active, especially when they interact with early visitors. +2
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially get a discount by purchasing your admission in advance.
❄️ Winter Visits are Magical
Don't shy away from winter visits; many animals are active, and the snowy landscape is beautiful.
🍽️ Food Options Galore
Enjoy diverse dining from snack shacks and food trucks to a full-service restaurant.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Polar Bears
Catch the polar bears at their most active, especially when they interact with early visitors. +2
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially get a discount by purchasing your admission in advance.
❄️ Winter Visits are Magical
Don't shy away from winter visits; many animals are active, and the snowy landscape is beautiful.
🍽️ Food Options Galore
Enjoy diverse dining from snack shacks and food trucks to a full-service restaurant.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera to photograph the diverse animals and stunning exhibits.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Assiniboine Park Zoo for its well-maintained grounds, spacious and thoughtfully designed animal habitats, and the unforgettable 'Journey to Churchill' exhibit, especially the polar bears. The staff are noted as welcoming and knowledgeable, and the educational aspects are engaging for all ages. Some visitors mention that not all animals are visible on every visit, and signage could be improved in certain areas.
"I had a wonderful experience visiting the Assiniboine Park Zoo! The grounds are beautifully maintained, with plenty of green spaces and walking paths that make the visit enjoyable and relaxing.
The animal habitats are spacious and thoughtfully designed, which really shows the zoo's commitment to animal care and conservation. The highlight for me was seeing the polar bears swimming and playing, it was truly unforgettable! I also loved the diversity of animals, from majestic tigers to playful monkeys, each encounter was special.
The staff were warm, welcoming and very knowledgeable. The educational exhibits are engaging and perfect for visitors of all ages, making it a fantastic place for families, couples or anyone who enjoys connecting with nature and wildlife.
Overall, the zoo offers a unique and memorable experience in Winnipeg and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting the city!"
Marie
"I recently visited Assiniboine Park Zoo, and overall it was a good experience, especially if you go with friends or family. The zoo itself is nice, but I’d say it’s more enjoyable when you have good company to share it with.
The highlight for me was seeing a polar bear relaxing and it was amazing to be able to watch such a majestic animal up close. The indoor aquarium was also fun. It mainly had seals swimming around, which was still entertaining, though I had hoped to see more polar bears there.
We also got to see a horse up close, a beautiful tiger, kangaroos, and quite a few peacocks roaming around, which added some charm. Some animals, like the pandas and foxes, weren’t visible that day, which was a little disappointing, but I know that can happen with any zoo visit.
Overall, it’s a nice place to spend a few hours and enjoy some unique animal encounters. Just go in with the mindset that you might not see every animal, and you’ll still have a pleasant time."
Jasleen Kaur
"the zoo is a super awesome place to spend your time in the summer, they have lots of exhibits with cool animals and they do lots of different events with the animals as well. They have cool indoor exhibits as well such as the tropical one which has huge tropical trees and animals such as snakes and cool birds. They also have another indoor exhibit with smaller animals such as turtles and sloths (which is a newer animal added to the zoo). There is lots of food options available like snack shacks, food trucks, and an actual restaurant located in the zoo park. They also have a great gift shop that sells lots of winnipeg themed items which is very nice for travellers. I would recommend buying tickets online in advance because you save 10% on your tickets! overall the zoo is a ton of fun and is a great way to spend any day!"
Kailey Friesen
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Assiniboine Park Zoo is accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transportation is also an option, with several bus routes serving the park. +1
Yes, there is plenty of parking available at the Assiniboine Park Zoo, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car. [^Rreviewsummary]
Absolutely! Assiniboine Park has bike paths, and you can rent trikes or bring your own bikes to explore the area and reach the zoo.
The zoo is generally well-maintained with paved paths, making it accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. [^Rreviewsummary]
You can explore the park by walking, biking, or even renting trikes, enjoying the green spaces and paths.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Student tickets are around $20, and purchasing tickets online in advance can save you about 10%.
While you can buy tickets at the zoo, it's recommended to purchase them online in advance to save time and potentially money.
Student tickets are available, and it's always a good idea to check the zoo's website for any current promotions or group rates.
Operating hours vary seasonally and for special events. It's best to check the official Assiniboine Park Zoo website for the most up-to-date information.
For special events like 'Boo at the Zoo,' tickets are time and date specific, and capacity is limited, so booking in advance is crucial.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The 'Journey to Churchill' exhibit with polar bears is a major highlight, along with the wolves and indoor tropical biome at The Leaf.
You can see a diverse range of animals including polar bears, wolves, tigers, monkeys, seals, peacocks, and more. [^Rreviewsummary]
Yes, winter visits can be magical with active animals and a beautiful snowy landscape, though it's best on warmer days.
The zoo hosts events like 'Boo at the Zoo' during Halloween, offering rides, games, and spooky displays.
The Leaf is a new horticultural attraction featuring a tropical biome, Canada's tallest indoor waterfall, and floral exhibits. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo offers a variety of food options, including snack shacks, food trucks, and a full-service restaurant called Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar. [^Rreviewsummary]
While specific policies can vary, many zoos allow visitors to bring their own snacks and drinks to enjoy in designated areas. It's advisable to check the zoo's policy. [^Rreviewsummary]
Yes, there is a restaurant located within the zoo park, offering a sit-down dining experience. [^Rreviewsummary]
Food options typically cater to a range of dietary needs, but it's best to check menus or inquire at the food outlets for specific vegetarian or vegan choices. [^Rreviewsummary]
During cooler months or special events like 'Boo at the Zoo,' hot chocolate is often available to help visitors stay warm.
📸 📸 Photography
The underwater polar bear tunnel in 'Journey to Churchill' offers unique photo opportunities. The diverse animal habitats and The Leaf's tropical biome are also great for pictures.
Yes, photography is generally allowed for personal use, but always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography that might disturb them.
While personal photography is usually permitted, commercial photography or drone usage may require special permits. Always check the zoo's guidelines.
Mornings are ideal for capturing active animals, especially polar bears, and offer softer lighting. +1
The Leaf's stunning indoor gardens and waterfall, as well as the park's general landscaping, provide beautiful backdrops for photos. +1
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the 'Boo at the Zoo' event for a fun Halloween experience with rides and spooky activities.
+1 Arriving early is key to seeing the polar bears at their most playful, which is always a highlight for kids. 💑 Couples & Date Nights
The Leaf's tropical biome provides a beautiful and serene setting for a romantic stroll, especially in the evening when you can dine at Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar. Exploring the diverse animal habitats hand-in-hand or enjoying the park's green spaces can make for a relaxed and enjoyable outing. The zoo's well-maintained paths and varied exhibits offer plenty to see and discuss, making it a great spot for connection.
❄️ Winter Visitors
While some outdoor exhibits might have limited viewing, the 'Journey to Churchill' exhibit is still a fantastic place to see polar bears, who are well-adapted to the cold.
Visiting on a warmer winter day, perhaps around -20°C or above, can make the experience more comfortable. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Journey to Churchill: A Northern Arctic Experience
This exhibit is more than just an enclosure; it's a commitment to conservation and education. The zoo actively participates in polar bear conservation efforts, and many of the animals housed here were rescued cubs that wouldn't have survived in the wild.
Many visitors rave about the polar bear encounters, with some lucky guests witnessing them interacting playfully with the glass when arriving early.
The Leaf: A Botanical Oasis
Beyond the tropical experience, The Leaf also features other themed gardens, providing a serene and beautiful environment for exploration. It's an ideal spot for those seeking a tranquil retreat or a visually stunning experience. The attraction is also designed to be enjoyed in the evening, with opportunities for dining at the on-site restaurant, Gather Craft Kitchen & Bar, making it a perfect destination for a date night or a special outing.
The Leaf has quickly become a popular addition to the Assiniboine Park area, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and architectural innovation. It provides a refreshing contrast to the animal exhibits and is a testament to the park's ongoing development and commitment to providing diverse attractions for visitors.
Seasonal Events and Activities
+2Tickets for 'Boo at the Zoo' are time and date specific, and capacity is limited, so booking in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot.
The zoo also offers other events throughout the year, often focusing on animal-specific activities or holiday celebrations, providing unique reasons to visit during different seasons. These events add an extra layer of excitement to the zoo experience, offering visitors a chance to engage with the park and its inhabitants in festive and memorable ways. They are a great opportunity for families to create lasting memories and enjoy the zoo in a different light.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit