Top reasons to visit Calgary Zoo
- Diverse Wildlife: Encounter a variety of animals from around the world in naturalistic habitats, making for an engaging experience.
- Stunning Botanical Gardens: Explore beautiful gardens that enhance the zoo's outdoor experience and provide a peaceful atmosphere.
- Special Packages: Participate in unique zoo packages that offer exclusive experiences and educational opportunities.
- Proximity to Downtown Calgary: Enjoy easy access to the vibrant city center, featuring dining, shopping, and entertainment.
- Outdoor Activities: Take refreshing hikes in the surrounding areas and enjoy scenic strolls along the Bow River pathways.
Find great hotels near Calgary Zoo
Discover a range of accommodation options near Calgary Zoo, perfect for every type of traveler. From pet-friendly hotels to cozy bed and breakfasts, you’ll find welcoming places that cater to business travelers and those seeking an LGBTQIA-friendly experience. Explore the best hotels, including the Calgary Plaza Hotel and downtown options, for a convenient and memorable stay while you enjoy the attractions of this vibrant city.
- Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel: A stylish 4-star hotel located 3.2km from Calgary Zoo, the Sandman Signature Calgary Downtown Hotel offers a blend of modern comfort and convenience. This property caters to business travelers and families alike, featuring amenities designed for children and a pet-friendly policy. Guests can enjoy spacious rooms, a fitness center, and an on-site restaurant, making it an excellent choice for those traveling with pets or seeking family-friendly accommodations. The welcoming atmosphere and strategic location make it a great base for exploring the city, including the nearby Calgary Zoo.
- Emerald Hotel & Suites: Positioned 4.8km from Calgary Zoo, Emerald Hotel & Suites is a vibrant and welcoming space particularly suited for LGBTQIA travelers. This hotel emphasizes inclusivity and is affiliated with LGBTQI travel guides, ensuring a supportive environment for all guests. The accommodations are comfortable and well-appointed, with amenities tailored to enhance your stay. Guests appreciate the warm atmosphere and the commitment to diversity and inclusivity, making it a standout choice for those seeking a welcoming vacation experience in Calgary.
- Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG: Located 3.2km from Calgary Zoo, the Holiday Inn Calgary-Airport by IHG is a 3.5-star hotel ideal for families and pet owners. This hotel is LGBTQIA welcoming and offers amenities tailored for children, such as complimentary cribs. With a pet-friendly policy that includes waived fees for service animals, it provides a comfortable stay for all. Guests can enjoy convenient access to the airport and local attractions, along with on-site dining options. Its family-oriented services and welcoming ambiance make it a perfect choice for a memorable Calgary vacation.
Where to stay near Calgary Zoo
Visitors to Calgary Zoo will discover a vibrant blend of urban charm and family-friendly experiences. Just a stone's throw away, downtown Calgary offers a bustling city center with diverse dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Enjoy leisurely strolls along the scenic Bow River pathways or explore the lively neighborhoods that surround the zoo. Whether you're seeking a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family trip, Calgary has something for everyone to enjoy during your ultimate vacation.
- Calgary: As a vibrant metropolis, Calgary is a fantastic destination for travelers seeking a mix of urban excitement and natural beauty. The Calgary Zoo, located within the city, is a must-visit attraction, drawing families and nature enthusiasts alike. The city experiences seasonal visitor patterns, with peak travel from July to September. Calgary offers a variety of shopping malls and entertainment venues, making it perfect for a city-themed getaway. Notable nearby landmarks include national parks and racetracks, offering diverse experiences for adventure and relaxation.
- Downtown Calgary: Just 3.2km from the Calgary Zoo, Downtown Calgary is an energetic neighborhood packed with attractions that cater to all types of visitors. With a steady influx of tourists, particularly peaking in April and June through July, this area is ideal for those looking to explore a bustling urban landscape. Downtown boasts numerous shopping centers, a convention center, and entertainment facilities, ensuring you have everything you need at your fingertips. Additionally, visitors can enjoy close proximity to a national state park and racetracks, enhancing the urban experience with nature and excitement.
- Inglewood: Located a mere 805m from the Calgary Zoo, Inglewood is a charming neighborhood known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene. This area sees seasonal travel patterns, with peak visitation from June to August. Inglewood is perfect for families and those looking for a city-themed experience. With various shopping areas and entertainment venues, you'll find plenty to do. Notably, Inglewood is home to unique streets and historic places, providing a delightful glimpse into Calgary’s past while being close to the lively attractions of the zoo.
Things to do near Calgary Zoo
At Calgary Zoo, you can enjoy a variety of outdoor experiences, including exploring stunning botanical gardens and engaging with diverse wildlife. In addition to the zoo's main attractions, consider participating in special zoo packages and taking refreshing hikes in the surrounding area. The zoo provides a fantastic opportunity to connect with nature while enjoying entertainment options like nearby hockey games.
Shopping
Calgary Zoo offers a delightful shopping experience nearby with Eau Claire Market Mall, TD Square, and CORE Shopping Centre, all located 3.2km away. Each spot boasts a vibrant mix of entertainment, business, and family-friendly vibes. If you're up for a drive, explore more shopping options around the city.
Recreation
Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere at McMahon Stadium for thrilling sports events, just a short distance from Calgary Zoo. For adventure and entertainment, head to Max Bell Centre for ice skating. Finally, immerse yourself in live performances at Festival Hall, located conveniently close for a delightful music experience.
Adventure
Canada Olympic Park, located 12.9km from Calgary Zoo, offers thrilling skiing and outdoor adventures amidst stunning landscapes. For more sports excitement, visit WinSport, also 12.9km away, where you can enjoy skiing in a dynamic environment. Additionally, The Shooting Edge, 6.4km from the zoo, provides an exhilarating shooting experience.
Nightlife
After a day at the Calgary Zoo, enjoy a vibrant nightlife scene nearby. Catch a performance at Theatre Calgary, Loose Moose Theatre, or the Calgary Philharmonic Orchestra, all offering rich cultural experiences filled with romance and entertainment just 1.6km away.
*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Calgary Zoo
To save money during your visit to Calgary Zoo, plan your trip between December and February for lower accommodation prices, especially on Mondays. Avoid Saturdays, which are the most expensive. Use Expedia's search tool to filter hotels by price and type, including eco-certified options. Consider booking a package that combines your hotel stay with flights and activities for additional savings. Don’t forget to explore free activities around the zoo to enhance your experience without straining your budget.
- The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Calgary Zoo are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
- The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Calgary Zoo is Monday. The most expensive day to stay around Calgary Zoo is Saturday.
- Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels first. Additionally, you have the option to narrow down your choices by hotel type; for instance, if you check the Eco-certified filter, you'll see a selection of sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are available for booking.
- Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay near the Calgary Zoo with your flights and activities by booking a package through Expedia.
Find the best attractions near Calgary Zoo
Whether you're a nature lover or a culture enthusiast, visiting Calgary Zoo offers a variety of attractions to explore. You can enjoy the nearby Calgary Tower for stunning views of the city, while the local theaters provide a taste of the arts. With plenty of outdoor experiences and modern spots to visit, Calgary Zoo and its surroundings cater to all types of travelers seeking adventure and entertainment.
- Scotiabank Saddledome: Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Scotiabank Saddledome, a premier arena just 1.6km away from Calgary Zoo. This venue is perfect for family-friendly entertainment, hosting exciting events from concerts to sports games.
- Calgary Tower: Soar to new heights at Calgary Tower, located 1.6km from Calgary Zoo. This modern landmark offers stunning panoramic views of the city and the surrounding Rockies, making it a must-visit for breathtaking photo opportunities.
- BMO Centre: Engage in a dynamic environment at BMO Centre, an event venue situated 1.6km from Calgary Zoo. Known for its business vibes, it hosts a variety of conferences and exhibitions, showcasing local and international talent.
Best time to go to Calgary Zoo
The best time to visit Calgary Zoo can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Calgary Zoo falls in July, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Calgary Zoo falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with no rain.
The nearest major airports for your trip to Calgary Zoo
If you're planning a visit to Calgary Zoo, the primary airport to fly into is Calgary International Airport (YYC), located 9.7km away. A few excellent hotel options nearby include the Acclaim Hotel By CLIQUE, a 4-star hotel situated 1.6km from the airport, and the MOD A Sonesta Collection, also a 4-star hotel just 1.6km away. The Westin Calgary Airport, another 4-star option, is only 1.4km from YYC. All these hotels offer convenient access to the airport, making your travel seamless as you embark on your Calgary adventure.