Edmonton Valley Zoo

About the Edmonton Valley Zoo, Alberta, Canada

Situated on the banks of the North Saskatchewan River, the Edmonton Valley Zoo has been providing authentic and engaging animal encounters to its visitors since July 1, 1959. The zoo values stewardship, conservation, education and engagement, with the goal of inspiring love and learning of animals and nature.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is home to over 350 animals, with a full range of species from different climates and habitats all here for visitors to discover, learn about and appreciate. See a detailed list of which animals you can expect to see at the zoo.

What to do at the Edmonton Valley Zoo?

Beyond a self-directed tour of the animal enclosures, zoo-goers can drop-in for scheduled daily animal talks and demonstrations, which serve to inform adults and children alike about some of the zoo’s animals and their importance in the ecosystem. Parents and children can mix it up with a ride on the miniature train, the carousel, or the paddle boats!

Call ahead and book a themed birthday party! Children can meet some of the smaller zoo animals, play games, have outdoor adventures and create memories that will last a lifetime. Birthday Parties are available year round, but space is limited. Parties must be booked at least one month (30 days) in advance.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo also rents the large, sheltered picnic site for group picnics. Daytime events include exclusive access to the Edmonton Valley Zoo’s tented picnic site and everyone in the party can enjoy all public exhibits, including the Children’s Zoo, daily elephant talk, Arctic wolf talk, roving raptors and birds of prey encounters.

To book a birthday party or group picnic, contact:

Phone: 780-496-2601

Email: specialmoments@edmonton.ca

Children also have the opportunity to “Get Closer” and explore the Edmonton Valley Zoo through a variety of day camps, group programs, and school programs.

Be sure to check the website regularly for information about Special Events and other seasonal Programs and Courses. A new adventure awaits each day at the Edmonton Valley Zoo!

Edmonton Valley Zoo Farmers Market – Every Tuesday this summer, explore the market from noon-6pm in the new entry plaza – Free (no admission fee for Farmers market)

Who will enjoy the attraction the best?

There is something for everyone at the Edmonton Valley Zoo.

Effective December 1, 2020, face coverings or masks are mandatory on zoo grounds, including in all indoor and outdoor spaces. Exemptions are only for those under the age of 2.

When to visit the Edmonton Valley Zoo?

Edmonton Valley Zoo Hours

Non-COVID Times: The zoo is open year round, with the exception of December 25. Hours vary by season.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is opening on June 15 with restrictions. Operating Restrictions: *Limit capacity to 50% *Controlled entry to 90 tickets per 30 minutes *Limited ticket sales to online only *One-way flow to support physical distancing *Encouraging visitors to wear a face mask, especially indoors

HOURS during COVID-19 – Winter 2020-21:

Monday to Wednesday: Closed

Thursday to Sunday: 3:30pm-9pm

Best time to visit the zoo: The May to September season, offering patrons the longest visiting hours and the nicest weather.

How much will it cost to visit the Edmonton Valley Zoo?

Admission rates vary by season. Check the website regularly to see current rates.

Tickets are expected to go on sale in early June.

Admission Rates
Child​ (Ages 2-12): $10.50
Youth (Ages 13-17): $13.50
Adult ​ (Ages 18-64): $14.95
Senior (Age 65+): $13.50
Member: Free
Tot (0-23 months):
Tickets must be purchased online during COVID-19 days. Annual passes are available.

How to get to the Edmonton Valley Zoo?

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is located at 13315 Buena Vista Road (87^th Avenue on the other side of the 142 St. traffic circle), in Sir Wilfred Laurier Park. There is a large parking lot immediately outside of the zoo entranceway.

Visitors can view a Google Map for directions to the Valley Zoo, as well as plan the trip via ETS on their website. In addition to regular transit service, a shuttle is available during the spring and summer. The shuttle travels on an hourly schedule between South Campus/Fort Edmonton Park Transit Centre and the Edmonton Valley Zoo. Regular bus fares apply.

GPS: 53.511518,-113.554026

For detailed directions, see the map tab.

Parking at the Edmonton Valley Zoo is free of charge.

What about amenities, accessibility at the Edmonton Valley Zoo?

The Edmonton Valley Zoo is a family-friendly attraction offering several food and snack options.

Rentals

Wheelchairs and power scooters can be rented in the summer only. Strollers may also be rented.

Accessibility

The zoo grounds are largely wheelchair accessible, and walkways inside the zoo are a combination of paved and gravel surfaces. The grounds surrounding the entrance to the zoo include some steeper-than-normal inclines.

Wheelchair accessible areas include the parking area, the main entrance, walkways around the zoo, the elephant viewing area inside the Elephant Building, the central washrooms in the Saito Centre and administration building, the unisex washrooms in First Aid room in the administration building and power door access into the Saito Centre and administration building.

Pets

Please leave your household pets at home. Service dogs are permitted on site, but only with proof of vaccination.

The Valley Zoo gift shop, the Zoo-tique, is operated by the Valley Zoo Development Society, which raises funds for the continued development of the Valley Zoo through initiatives like Zoofest, Art in the Wild, Adopt an Animal and Lucy the Elephant Art.

All pictures ©Edmonton Valley Zoo