4 amazing adventures you can only have at the Calgary Zoo

The Calgary Zoo prides itself on being home to nearly 1,000 animals across 119 unique species, which is why it’s one of the city’s favourite family destinations.

There’s no better place to learn about our environment, the animals that inhabit it, or how we can save both.

And who doesn’t love seeing the animals up close, too? While visiting these majestic animals, you’ll also learn their unique stories.

A whopping 1.4 million people visit the zoo each year! Plus, they have over
100,000 members, which allows exclusive access to a number of benefits and events. Take a look at some of the adventures you can only enjoy at the Calgary Zoo:

Sunday Safari Brunch

Every Sunday between January 20 and November 10, head over to Destination Africa for one of the most unique brunch experiences you could have in the city. Enjoy both gourmet and comfort breakfast foods, a Belgian waffle bar, cooked to order omelettes, and so much more. Being a member of the Calgary Zoo gives you exclusive discounts to Sunday Safari Brunches!

Panda Passage

Witness the Calgary Zoo’s four resident giant pandas as they munch on their favourite snack, bamboo! It’s hard not to smile as you watch these charming bears fumble around their habitat (they’re ridiculously and adorably clumsy). Adults Er Shun and Da Mao and cubs Jia Panpan and Jua Yueyue are ambassadors for the vulnerable species and are the pride of China.

This May marks the one-year anniversary of their arrival at the Calgary Zoo. The two cubs will be returning home to China soon, so be sure to enjoy their cuteness while they are still here!

If you are a member of the Calgary Zoo, you will be able to access exclusive member-only viewings of the Panda Passage, as well as fast-track your way into visiting these cuddly, lovable creatures.

Butterfly Garden

Although you may have come to see the lions, tigers, and bears, you could find yourself lost in the beauty of the butterfly garden. Transport yourself into a lush botanical environment at the ENMAX Conservatory, where you’ll find a butterfly garden complete with banana trees, and pineapple plants, and gorgeous butterflies from all over the world.

Behind-the-Scenes Tours

Throughout the year, there are several special member-only events including behind-the-scenes tours and information sessions on Conservation in Ghana, Kenya, and Madagascar, and Animal Health Care Centre Tours.

For as little as $64.95 for adults and $34.95 for kids, you can get unlimited visits to the Calgary Zoo for an entire year. With three membership levels to choose from, you have the flexibility to choose what perks matter to you.

As a member, you will get free parking, discounts on concessions, the gift shop, camp and birthday parties, and more! You can also enjoy discounts with partners like Lake Louise, who offer zoo members 20% off other fun summer activities.

If you’re an existing member, there are great prizes to be won simply by renewing your membership. This May, you can be automatically entered to win a Safari Brunch for a family of four or gift an Engage Membership to a family of four when you renew!

The purchase of a Calgary Zoo membership also helps support important conservation programs at home and around the world. For more information about membership perks, or to purchase your membership, visit the Calgary Zoo website.

Calgary Zoo

Address: 210 St George’s Drive NE

Hours: 9 am to 5 pm, seven days a week