Welcome to Assiniboine Park Zoo, one of Winnipeg’s premier attractions and home to a wide variety of animals from all over the world. Known for its beautiful exhibits, interactive experiences, and focus on conservation, this zoo offers a fun and educational adventure for all ages. Use this guide to navigate through the zoo and make the most of your visit.
Step 1: Find Your Suitable Transport Option
Assiniboine Park Zoo is accessible by car, public transit, and bike. Here’s how to get there:
By Car:
The Zoo is located within Assiniboine Park, at 2595 Roblin Blvd, Winnipeg.
- From Downtown Winnipeg: Take Portage Avenue west and turn left onto Assiniboine Park Drive. Follow the signs to the Zoo parking lot.
- There is ample free parking available near the Zoo entrance. Parking fees may apply.
By Public Transit:
Assiniboine Park Zoo is well-connected by Winnipeg Transit, making it easy to reach by bus. The closest transit stops to the zoo are:
- Westbound Zoo at Zoo Loop: 380 meters away, about a 5-minute walk.
- Westbound Roblin at Zoo: 403 meters away, about a 6-minute walk.
- Eastbound Portage at Mount Royal: 545 meters away, about a 7-minute walk.
The bus line that stops near Assiniboine Park Zoo is Bus 79. For additional route planning, you can use Winnipeg Transit’s online trip planner, Navigo, to find the best route.
Step 2: Arrive at Assiniboine Park Zoo
When you arrive, you’ll enter a world of wildlife and nature. The Zoo is home to over 200 species of animals from across the globe, including those native to the prairies and creatures from the far reaches of the Arctic.
Tips:
- Wear comfortable shoes, as the Zoo covers a large area with multiple exhibits to explore.
- Bring a refillable water bottle to stay hydrated, especially during the summer months.
- Visit the Assiniboine Park Zoo website or pick up a map at the entrance to help guide you through the Zoo’s attractions.
Step 3: Explore Assiniboine Park Zoo
Assiniboine Park Zoo is divided into several distinct regions, each offering unique animal exhibits and interactive experiences. Here’s how to explore the zoo:
Main Attractions and Features:
- Journey to Churchill: One of the most popular exhibits, this area features polar bears, seals, and arctic foxes. The exhibit is designed to mimic the Arctic tundra, offering a close-up view of wildlife native to northern Canada. Don’t miss the underwater viewing tunnel, where you can see polar bears and seals swimming above you.
- The International Polar Bear Conservation Centre (IPBCC): This educational hub provides information about polar bear research, conservation efforts, and environmental sustainability. It's a great stop for learning more about these majestic animals and the challenges they face.
- The African Savannah: Take a journey to the grasslands of Africa and encounter animals like giraffes, zebras, and ostriches. The exhibit replicates the environment of the African plains, allowing you to get close to these incredible creatures.
- The Boreal Forest: Explore Canada’s vast northern forests with animals like wolves, bison, and lynx. This area showcases the diversity of species found in Canada’s wilderness.
- Toucan Ridge: A lush indoor tropical exhibit, featuring vibrant birds, reptiles, and plants. You’ll find species from South and Central America, including the namesake toucans.
- Kinsmen Discovery Centre: This interactive space is perfect for kids, featuring hands-on activities and close encounters with small animals like reptiles and amphibians.
- The Australian Walkabout: A unique outdoor area where you can walk among kangaroos, emus, and wallabies. The open space allows you to see these animals up close in a naturalistic setting.
- The McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre: Learn about the importance of heavy horses in Manitoba’s agricultural history. The exhibit features live demonstrations with horses like Clydesdales and Percherons.
- The Shirley Richardson Butterfly Garden: Step into a tropical garden filled with colorful butterflies. This seasonal exhibit runs during the warmer months and offers a peaceful, immersive experience.
- Tundra Grill: Located near the Journey to Churchill exhibit, this dining spot offers views of the polar bear habitat while you enjoy a meal. It’s a great place to relax and refuel before continuing your adventure.
How to Explore Assiniboine Park Zoo
Start Indoors:
- Begin at Grasslands & Boreal Forest–Prairie Outpost: Start your journey with a visit to the Burrowing Owl in the Prairie Outpost. This indoor exhibit highlights the unique wildlife of Canada’s grasslands and forests.
- Next, head to Journey to Churchill–Gateway to the Arctic: From the prairies, move north to the Arctic! Visit the Polar Bears and Seals in their Arctic habitat. Walk through the Sea Ice Passage for a unique underwater view of the animals. Don’t forget to watch the immersive 360° Aurora Borealis Theatre experience.
- Explore the Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre: Learn more about conservation efforts in this dedicated centre. It’s an ideal stop for visitors interested in wildlife protection and research.
- Enjoy a break at Tundra Grill: Take a moment to relax and enjoy lunch at the Tundra Grill, where you can dine in or take out your meal. The kids will love the nearby Polar Playground or you can even catch a birthday celebration in progress!
- Continue to Open Range–McFeetors Heavy Horse Centre: After lunch, head over to the Paddock and Barn in the Open Range area. You can take a Wagon Ride and meet majestic heavy horses up close.
- Next, visit the Asia–Gibbon Pavilion: Make your way to Asia and explore the indoor Gibbon Pavilion, where you can observe these fascinating primates in action.
- Finish indoors at South America–Toucan Ridge: Before heading outdoors, stop by Toucan Ridge to see animals from South America. Look for the Ocelot, Red Panda, snakes, and other tropical species.
Head Outdoors:
- Start in Grasslands & Boreal Forest: Now that you’ve explored indoors, head outside to the Grasslands & Boreal Forest area. Spot animals like Bison, Wolves, Lynx, Elk, Bighorn Sheep, Cougar, Snow Leopard, Red-Tailed Hawk, and Guanaco.
- Visit Aunt Sally's Farm: From there, move on to Aunt Sally’s Farm, where kids can interact with friendly farm animals such as Miniature Horses, Goats, Stone Sheep, and Llamas.
- Journey to Churchill: Continue your outdoor adventure with a return to the Arctic. In Journey to Churchill, you’ll see Snowy Owls, Reindeer, Arctic Foxes, Muskoxen, Seals, and Polar Bears in their outdoor enclosures.
- Explore Open Range: Move along to the Open Range area to encounter Heavy Horses, Llamas, Rocky Mountain Goats, Pronghorns, Kangaroos, and Wallaroos.
- End your outdoor tour in Asia: Conclude your outdoor exploration in Asia by visiting the Gibbons, Camels, Takins, Yaks, Reindeer, Steller’s Sea Eagles, Amur Tigers, Red Pandas, and Markhors.
Explore Further
Assiniboine Park is much more than just a zoo. After your visit, consider exploring other nearby attractions:
- Leo Mol Sculpture Garden: Located within Assiniboine Park, this tranquil garden features stunning bronze sculptures by the renowned artist Leo Mol.
- The Nature Playground: A great stop for kids, offering fun, nature-inspired play structures.
- Assiniboine Park Pavilion: Check out this historic building, which houses art galleries and exhibits.
Getting Back
After a day spent exploring the Zoo, head back to your chosen mode of transportation. Whether you’re biking, driving, or taking transit, reflect on the animals and ecosystems you’ve encountered, and consider sharing your experience with friends and family.
Assiniboine Park Zoo offers an unforgettable experience, blending education, conservation, and wildlife in a beautiful setting.