You will need an entire day to visit all of the animals at this zoo, and there is also a splashpad for summer days. Recommend you arrive in the morning and spend the day at the zoo.

The best time to visit the Toronto Zoo in 2026 is immediately at opening (9:30 AM). Arriving early is crucial because many animals, particularly the large cats and the Great Blue Hole inhabitants, are most active during the cooler morning hours before the afternoon heat sets in. Furthermore, the zoo is massive (over 700 acres), and arriving at 9:30 AM gives you a head start on the crowds that tend to peak between 11:00 AM and 2:00 PM. For members, some 2026 holiday weekends offer early entry at 9:00 AM, which is the "golden hour" for photography and quiet viewing. If you are visiting in the summer, the late afternoon (after 4:00 PM) is also an excellent "second-best" time, as the crowds begin to thin out and the temperature drops, encouraging animals to emerge for their evening feedings. Avoid visiting on "March Break" or major holiday Mondays if possible, as the high attendance levels can lead to long wait times for the "Zoomobile" and limited visibility at the most popular pavilions like the African Rainforest.