Riverview Park
Riverview Park offers free admission to a zoo and beautiful riverfront trails, with a standout accessible playground for all.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Riverview Park
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Riverview Park offers free admission to a zoo and beautiful riverfront trails, with a standout accessible playground for all.
"A gorgeous space with open river views, mature trees, and a fantastic accessible playground."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are a mix of packed dirt, grass, and gravel. Some areas may have fallen trees to hop over. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
The park's proximity to the river makes it a buggy environment, especially in warmer months. :smilingfacewiththreehearts:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Accessible Playground
Rotary Accessible Playground
A $1.5 million inclusive play space designed for children of all abilities to connect and dream together.
Riverfront Views
St. Joseph River
Enjoy open views of the St. Joseph River, with large mature trees providing shade on warm summer days.
Nature Trails
Wooded areas
Explore packed dirt, mowed grass, or gravel paths through denser woods, offering abundant wildlife sightings.
Free Admission Zoo
Riverview Park & Zoo
Canada's only accredited zoo with free admission, featuring over 150 animals from 40 species.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Best Experience
Embrace the Outdoors: What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
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👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are a mix of packed dirt, grass, and gravel. Some areas may have fallen trees to hop over. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
The park's proximity to the river makes it a buggy environment, especially in warmer months. :smilingfacewiththreehearts:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Numerous picnic tables are available, perfect for a family meal amidst nature. :forkandknifewithplate:
🗺️ Explore the Perimeter
Walking the entire park perimeter offers about 2 miles of diverse scenery and wildlife viewing. :world_map:
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Trails are a mix of packed dirt, grass, and gravel. Some areas may have fallen trees to hop over. :athletic_shoe:
🦟 Bring Bug Spray
The park's proximity to the river makes it a buggy environment, especially in warmer months. :smilingfacewiththreehearts:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Numerous picnic tables are available, perfect for a family meal amidst nature. :forkandknifewithplate:
🗺️ Explore the Perimeter
Walking the entire park perimeter offers about 2 miles of diverse scenery and wildlife viewing. :world_map:
🚗 Arrive Early on Weekends
To secure good parking and avoid the biggest crowds, aim to arrive early, especially on Saturdays and Sundays. :car:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Riverview Park for its beautiful riverfront views, abundant mature trees, and free admission to the park and zoo. The accessible playground is a highlight for families. Some trails and boardwalks have fallen into disrepair or are inaccessible due to river overflow, and bug spray is essential.
"Had no idea this park existed. Placed on a curve of the St Joseph River, this park had plenty of room for walking or running. Picnic tables were placed in widely spaced locations. Very nice playground."
Robert “Bob” Van Arsdale
"I’ve been going to Riverview Park in Saint Joseph since I was a younger child attending family reunions there. If you haven’t been recently the landscape has changed considerably with all of the water overflow from the river. Places that used to be green grass are now filled with cat tails and have become a bit of a wetland. As part of the Chikaming open lands #chikamingopenlands #10trail Challenge I revisited these nature trails for the first time in probably 10 to 12 years. I was excited to see some new stuff, but saddened that some of the old trails and boardwalks/bridges are no longer accessible and have not been maintained. If you park at the bathrooms right at the entrance to the park , You would be remiss to believe that you should just do the nature trail and you’re good to go. If you walk the entire perimeter of the park you’ll get about 2 miles in and get some beautiful views. Wildlife here is amazingly abundant as you can see in the pictures, there were many other ducks, Heron/Crane type birds That I was not fast enough to get pictures of. Scared up a pair of baby deer while in the trail nature trail and then got a glimpse of the one running across the field near the pond at the entrance. I did get one picture of some kind of heron/crane From a distance in the pond area if you’re so inclined to try and find it feel free to say found it on that picture it’s a little hard to locate. Most of the trails are packed dirt, mowed grass Or gravel roads. The trail itself is not handicap accessible there are a couple places where there are smaller trees down that you have to hop over. Bring bug spray yes this is a very buggy place due to the amount of water that overflows from the river."
Sue Burkhard
"Nice park with a lot of paved walking paths, some fields, and lots of access to the river. Tons of beautiful trees as well everywhere you look."
Bernard Jeremy
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Riverview Park is located at 1300 Water St, Peterborough, Ontario, Canada.
Yes, Riverview Park offers free parking for visitors.
Riverview Park & Zoo has free admission.
No, the zoo within Riverview Park & Zoo also has free admission, making it Canada's only accredited zoo with this policy.
The park is generally open from 8:30 AM to dusk.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Riverview Park offers free admission, so no tickets are required to enter the park or the zoo.
While general admission is free, some special events like 'Stars of Riverview Jazz' might be free to attend but could draw larger crowds. It's best to check the park's event calendar for specific details.
Yes, Riverview Park has a lodge that can be rented for events and gatherings, along with covered shelters and picnic areas.
The zoo is open every day,
While not explicitly stated in the provided content, it's common for zoos to have restrictions on pets. For general park areas, well-behaved leashed pets are often permitted, but it's best to verify with park management.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Riverview Park offers a variety of activities including exploring the zoo, enjoying the accessible playground and splash pad, walking nature trails, picnicking, and enjoying river views.
Yes, Riverview Park features a very nice playground, including the new Rotary Accessible Playground designed for children of all abilities.
The park has a boat launch, providing access to the St. Joseph River for boating activities. Swimming conditions may vary due to river levels and currents.
Yes, Riverview Park has paved walking paths and nature trails through wooded areas. Some trails may be affected by river overflow, but the perimeter walk offers about 2 miles of exploration.
The park is known for abundant wildlife, including various ducks, heron/crane-type birds, and even baby deer spotted on the trails.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The provided information doesn't mention on-site restaurants. However, there are picnic tables and shelters, making it ideal for bringing your own food.
Absolutely! Riverview Park has numerous picnic tables and charcoal grills, making it a perfect spot for a picnic.
While there's a gift shop mentioned,
During special events like summer concerts or festivals, food vendors may be present. It's best to check event details closer to the date.
Depending on the specific Riverview Park location (e.g., Peterborough, ON or Saint Joseph, MI), there will be various restaurants and cafes in the surrounding towns. Research local dining options based on your park visit location.
📸 📸 Photography
The riverfront offers scenic views, especially during sunrise or sunset. The zoo animals provide great photo opportunities, and the inclusive playground is a vibrant spot for capturing joyful moments.
Yes, the park is known for abundant wildlife, including birds and deer, making it a good location for nature photographers.
Drone usage policies vary by park. It's essential to check the specific regulations for Riverview Park to ensure compliance and avoid any issues.
Early mornings and late afternoons offer the best natural light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a softer, more appealing image. The 'Stars of Riverview Jazz' events also provide a unique evening photography opportunity.
Yes, photography is generally allowed at the zoo, but always be mindful of animal welfare and avoid using flash photography that might disturb them.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 and the Rotary Accessible Playground Remember to bring bug spray and snacks for a perfect picnic day.🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Hikers
💰 Budget Travelers
+3 you can enjoy a full day of activities without spending a dime on entry fees. Pack a picnic to save on food costs and enjoy the natural beauty.🎶 Music & Event Lovers
These events offer a wonderful opportunity to enjoy live music and entertainment in a beautiful outdoor setting.Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Riverview Park & Zoo Experience (Peterborough, ON)
+1 This makes it an exceptional value for visitors looking for a family-friendly outing. The zoo houses over 150 animals from 40 different species, providing an engaging experience for all ages.Beyond the zoo, the park boasts a playground and a splash pad, perfect for younger visitors to burn off energy. For a small fee, the $2 train ride offers a charming journey through the trees and over the river.
The park also provides ample space for relaxation, picnics, and enjoying the natural surroundings. It's a popular spot for locals and tourists alike, especially during the warmer months.Pro-tip: Weekends can get busy, so arriving early is recommended to make the most of your visit and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
Exploring the Nature Trails and Riverfront (Saint Joseph, MI)
While the park has historically offered boardwalks and bridges, some areas may have changed due to river overflow, creating wetland environments with cattails.
Important Note: Due to high water levels, some areas of the park, including the baseball diamond, may be under water.
Inclusive Play at Riverview Park
This focus on inclusivity means that features are designed to be accessible and engaging for a wide range of users. From sensory play elements to adaptive swings and ramps, the goal is to foster a sense of community and shared enjoyment. The playground is a testament to the park's mission of creating laughter without limits and ensuring that play is a universal experience.
Key takeaway: The presence of such a well-designed accessible playground makes Riverview Park a standout destination for families seeking equitable play opportunities for all their children.
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