Map Of Calgary Zoo
Introduction
Calgary Zoo is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Canada. It is home to over 1,000 animals from all over the world, including endangered species and rare animals. The zoo covers an area of 120 acres and is divided into six distinct zones. Whether you’re a family looking for a fun day out, a nature enthusiast, or an adventure seeker, the Calgary Zoo has something for everyone. In this travel guide, we’ll explore the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, outdoor adventures, historical landmarks, family-friendly activities, off-the-beaten-path experiences, natural wonders, vibrant nightlife, local markets, beaches and mountains, cultural immersion, art and music scene, walking tours, architectural marvels, historical sites, biking routes, wellness retreats, and adventure sports available at the Calgary Zoo.
Top Attractions
The Calgary Zoo has several top attractions that you don’t want to miss. These include:
- The Panda Passage: This is a new exhibit that features four giant pandas. Visitors can watch the pandas eat, play, and sleep.
- African Savannah: This is the largest zone in the zoo and features animals like giraffes, zebras, and lions.
- Penguin Plunge: This exhibit houses over 50 penguins and allows visitors to see them swim, dive, and play.
Hidden Gems
The Calgary Zoo has several hidden gems that are often overlooked by visitors. These include:
- The Prehistoric Park: This exhibit features life-size animatronic dinosaurs and allows visitors to learn about the prehistoric world.
- The Rainforest Building: This building is home to several species of birds, reptiles, and amphibians from the Amazon rainforest.
- The Butterfly Garden: This exhibit allows visitors to walk among hundreds of free-flying butterflies.
Food Scene
The Calgary Zoo has several dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. These include:
- The Grazers: This restaurant offers burgers, sandwiches, and salads.
- The Kitamba Café: This café offers a variety of hot and cold dishes, including vegetarian and gluten-free options.
- The Penguin Café: This café offers snacks, ice cream, and beverages.
Budget-Friendly Tips
The Calgary Zoo can be expensive, but there are several ways to save money. These include:
- Buying tickets online: This can save you up to 10% on admission.
- Visiting on a Tuesday: Admission is half-price on Tuesdays.
- Bringing your own food: Outside food is allowed in the zoo.
Outdoor Adventures
The Calgary Zoo offers several outdoor adventures that allow visitors to get up close and personal with animals. These include:
- The Giraffe Encounter: This experience allows visitors to feed and interact with the giraffes.
- The Penguin Walk: This experience allows visitors to walk with the penguins.
- The Behind-the-Scenes Tour: This tour allows visitors to see how the zoo cares for its animals.
Historical Landmarks
The Calgary Zoo has several historical landmarks that showcase the city’s past. These include:
- The Canadian Wilds: This exhibit showcases the animals and landscapes of Canada.
- The Cequel Lodge: This lodge was built in 1913 and is a great example of early 20th-century architecture.
- The Enmax Conservatory: This conservatory houses over 500 species of plants from around the world.
Family-Friendly Activities
The Calgary Zoo is a great place for families to spend the day. These family-friendly activities include:
- The Children’s Zoo: This exhibit allows children to interact with animals like goats, rabbits, and chickens.
- The Safari Train: This train takes visitors on a tour of the African Savannah.
- The Dinosaur Park: This exhibit features life-size dinosaur models and a fossil dig site.
Off-The-Beaten-Path Experiences
If you’re looking for something a little different, the Calgary Zoo has several off-the-beaten-path experiences. These include:
- The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary: This sanctuary is located next to the zoo and is home to over 270 species of birds.
- The Bow Habitat Station: This station allows visitors to learn about the fish and wildlife of the Bow River.
- The Devonian Gardens: These gardens are located in downtown Calgary and feature over 500 species of plants.
Natural Wonders
The Calgary Zoo is located in a beautiful natural setting. These natural wonders include:
- The Weaselhead Natural Area: This area is located next to the zoo and features hiking trails and wildlife viewing.
- The Bow River: This river is a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and rafting.
- The Rocky Mountains: These mountains are located just a short drive from the zoo and offer breathtaking views and outdoor activities.
Vibrant Nightlife
The Calgary Zoo doesn’t have much of a nightlife scene, but there are several bars and restaurants nearby. These include:
- The Ship & Anchor Pub: This pub is a Calgary institution and offers live music and a great beer selection.
- The National on 10th: This bar offers a rooftop patio and a great cocktail menu.
- The Palomino Smokehouse: This restaurant offers live music and some of the best BBQ in the city.
Local Markets
The Calgary Zoo is located in a vibrant neighborhood that has several local markets. These include:
- The Calgary Farmers’ Market: This market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisanal products.
- The Inglewood Night Market: This market is held on summer evenings and features food trucks, live music, and local vendors.
- The Crossroads Market: This market offers a wide variety of goods, including antiques, clothing, and food.
Beaches and Mountains
The Calgary Zoo is located near several beaches and mountains. These natural wonders include:
- Sylvan Lake: This lake is located just over an hour from the zoo and is a popular spot for swimming and boating.
- Banff National Park: This park is located just over an hour from the zoo and offers some of the best hiking and skiing in the world.
- Lake Louise: This lake is located in Banff National Park and is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world.
Cultural Immersion
The Calgary Zoo is a great place to experience Canadian culture. These cultural experiences include:
- The First Nations Garden: This garden showcases the culture and traditions of Canada’s indigenous peoples.
- The Calgary Stampede: This annual event is a celebration of western culture and features rodeos, concerts, and other events.
- The Glenbow Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of Western Canada.
Art and Music Scene
The Calgary Zoo is located in a city that has a thriving art and music scene. These art and music experiences include:
- The National Music Centre: This museum showcases the history of Canadian music.
- The Calgary Folk Music Festival: This annual festival features folk, roots, and indie music from around the world.
- The Glenbow Museum: This museum has a large collection of art and artifacts from around the world.
Walking Tours
The Calgary Zoo is a great place to go for a walk. These walking tours include:
- The Inglewood Bird Sanctuary Walk: This walk takes visitors through the bird sanctuary next to the zoo.
- The Bow River Pathway Walk: This walk takes visitors along the Bow River and offers great views of the city.
- The Zoo to Nose Hill Walk: This walk takes visitors from the zoo to Nose Hill Park, a large natural area in the city.
Architectural Marvels
The Calgary Zoo has several architectural marvels that are worth seeing. These include:
- The Cequel Lodge: This lodge was built in 1913 and is a great example of early 20th-century architecture.
- The Enmax Conservatory: This conservatory is made of glass and steel and is a great example of modern architecture.
- The Panda Passage: This exhibit was designed to look like a