Reasons to Visit Canada’s Dinosaur Park Near Toronto

Wondering how to entertain your little one? What about a fun-filled adventure for the whole family?

Credit: Canada’s Dinosaur Park

Take a scenic drive on Highway 7 and head to Canada’s Dinosaur Park near Peterborough and explore the world of prehistoric dinosaurs and ancient reptiles. It is the perfect walk-through for you and the kids to go back in time to a place when these creatures roamed the earth.

With over 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and hundreds of live reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and lizards, there’s no shortage of excitement at Canada’s Dinosaur Park, formerly the Indian River Reptile Zoo.

Canada’s Dinosaur Park

But the real star of the show is Canada’s very own “Scotty” Tyrannosaurus Rex. In 2019, the Royal Saskatchewan Museum announced that “Scotty” was the largest T. rex ever discovered, beating out “Sue” at the Field Museum in Chicago. At 50 feet long, “Scotty” is now on display as a life-sized animatronic dinosaur at Canada’s Dinosaur Park.

And don’t forget to visit the Boneyard for an educational experience searching for ancient fossils.

Canada’s Dinosaur Park

But Canada’s Dinosaur Park isn’t just about the dinosaurs. It’s also home to Canada’s largest non-profit reptile sanctuary, with over 200 rescued reptiles from around the world. These animals act as ambassadors for their species, allowing visitors to safely get up close to reptiles they wouldn’t likely see in the wild.

And for the brave of heart, get tickets to the park’s Crocs after Dark experience offered during select dates in summer. This nighttime adventure allows visitors to see dozens of alligators, caiman, and crocodiles up close and personal as caregivers feed them. Using low-beam flashlights altered to eliminate any white light that may bother the crocodilians, visitors can witness the unique sight of dozens of red eyes gleaming back in the pitch black.

It’s not all about the animals. Canada’s Dinosaur Park also offers an 18-hole championship mini-golf course, winding through megalithic standing stones for a one-of-a-kind experience. Take a nature walk to learn about the famous Norwood Esker, a gravel ridge left behind by our last retreating glacier over twelve thousand years ago.

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So whether you’re a dinosaur enthusiast, reptile lover, or just looking for a fun day out with the family, Canada’s Dinosaur Park and Reptile Sanctuary has something for everyone. And with all proceeds from ticket sales going towards the non-profit reptile sanctuary, you can feel good about supporting a great cause while having a blast.

Things to Do Nearby: Highway 7 Attractions

Trip Planning — Canada’s Dinosaur Park

What: Spread over 37 acres, Canada’s Dinosaur Park features more than 100 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and hundreds of live reptiles, including alligators, crocodiles, snakes, turtles, and lizards. You can also visit the Feathers & Fossils Museum, the famous Croc-Walk, the Bone Dig, Gift Shop, Mini-Golf, and enjoy satisfy your cravings from food trucks onsite.

There is no drive-through this year.