Toronto Zoo Hotel Packages: Compare Deals and Overnight Stays

Planning a trip that includes the Toronto Zoo means weighing on-site camping, suburban hotels, and bundled flight-and-room deals — each with different trade-offs in cost and convenience. This comparison breaks down the real numbers behind each option so you can choose what fits your family, your budget, and your schedule. Prices and capacity details here are drawn from the zoo’s official site, major travel agencies, and published visitor guides.

Last checked: 2026-07-27

Nearest hotels available via: Expedia, Hotwire, Hotels.com, Travelocity · On-site overnight option: Bush Camp (13 tents, 60 people) · Package price range: from CA

Planning a trip that includes the Toronto Zoo means weighing on-site camping, suburban hotels, and bundled flight-and-room deals — each with different trade-offs in cost and convenience. This comparison breaks down the real numbers behind each option so you can choose what fits your family, your budget, and your schedule. Prices and capacity details here are drawn from the zoo’s official site, major travel agencies, and published visitor guides.

Where to stay when going to Toronto Zoo?

Accommodation choices for a zoo visit fall into two broad categories: suburban hotels within a short drive of the Scarborough site, and the on-site Bush Camp experience. Most third-party travel agencies list hotels near the zoo along Highway 401 in Scarborough or the eastern North York corridor, typically 10–25 minutes by car from the entrance (Expedia). These properties emphasize free parking, complimentary breakfast, and easy highway access rather than luxury amenities.

Hotels near Toronto Zoo

Hotels.com, Expedia, Hotwire, and Travelocity all surface inventory around the zoo. Mid-range properties along the 401 corridor — such as those near Markham Road or McCowan Road — typically include free Wi-Fi, on-site restaurants, and some offer pools. Because the zoo is not in downtown Toronto, staying downtown adds a significant drive: approximately 30–45 minutes depending on traffic, plus parking costs at the zoo itself (Nomado Travel).

Hotwire package deals for the area frequently bundle the hotel room with free Wi-Fi, parking, and restaurant credits. Travelocity vacation packages combine flights and hotels starting around CAD $929, or about CAD $154 per night for the hotel-only component. Those figures reflect average advertised rates; actual prices vary by season and occupancy.

On-site Bush Camp

The Toronto Zoo operates Bush Camp, which places guests in 13 authentic African bush tents with a total capacity of 60 people. Reservations require at least 10 days advance notice. Pricing is not publicly listed on the zoo’s main ticketing pages; interested guests must contact the zoo directly for quotes. This option suits visitors who want the immersive overnight experience but requires planning well ahead.

How much does it cost to go to the Zoo in Toronto?

Costs break into admission fees, parking, and accommodation. Understanding each layer helps you decide whether a package deal or a pay-as-you-go approach yields better value for your group.

Admission fees

The Toronto Zoo uses dynamic pricing for general admission. Adult tickets typically range from CAD $25 to $35 depending on the day of visit and how far in advance you purchase (TorontoForYou). Children aged 3 and under enter free. Parking runs approximately CAD $14–$15 per vehicle per day. Group rates and annual memberships — such as the Gold Membership at CAD $115.04 per year — are available for frequent visitors but do not include hotel stays.

Package deals pricing

Travelocity lists vacation packages (flight + hotel) from CAD $929, while hotel-only stays near the zoo start around CAD $154 per night. Hotwire packages often throw in free Wi-Fi, parking credits, and restaurant discounts. A historic example from WagJag (2014) bundled one night at a mid-range Toronto hotel with zoo admissions: CAD $125 for two adults, or CAD $159 for two adults and two children, though that deal was seasonal with blackout dates (WagJag). Such third-party bundles are typically time-limited rather than permanent offerings.

The Toronto CityPASS offers an alternative approach: it bundles admission to the zoo with four other attractions (CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium, plus a choice from ROM, City Cruises, Casa Loma, or AGO) for CAD $134.96 for adults and CAD $99.96 for children, valid for nine consecutive days (Viator). The pass explicitly does not include hotel or transport, but it can reduce overall trip cost if you plan to visit multiple downtown attractions.

Can you stay overnight at the Toronto Zoo?

Yes — the Toronto Zoo’s Bush Camp is the only on-site overnight accommodation. It is not a conventional hotel; guests sleep in canvas tents on raised platforms, designed to evoke an African safari experience.

Bush Camp details

The camp operates 13 tents that accommodate up to 60 guests in total. Because the zoo does not publish standard nightly rates for Bush Camp on its main ticketing pages, prospective guests must submit an inquiry or call to receive a quote and check availability. The official booking rule requires at least 10 days’ notice (Toronto Zoo). This is a niche product — suitable for adventure-seeking families or groups who want a memorable sleepover near the animal exhibits, but not a practical option for last-minute planners.

Nearby hotel alternatives

For a conventional overnight stay, hundreds of hotel rooms are available within a 10–25 minute drive of the zoo. The most concentrated inventory sits along the Highway 401 corridor in Scarborough, with additional options in Pickering to the east and North York to the west. These hotels operate standard booking models and can be reserved through Expedia, Hotels.com, or direct property websites with no minimum lead time beyond standard cutoff rules.

Toronto Zoo hotel packages compared

Pricing overview by accommodation type

The table below summarizes the cost bands travelers can expect for each approach. All prices are in Canadian dollars and reflect published rates from 2025–2026 listings.

Location and getting there

The Toronto Zoo is located at 2000 Meadowvale Road in Scarborough, the eastern district of Toronto, adjacent to Rouge National Urban Park. The main entrance is north of Highway 401 at the Meadowvale Road interchange (Exit 389) (Toronto Tourism Guide). An alternate address for delivery and media purposes is 361A Old Finch Avenue (Toronto Zoo press).

By car, the zoo is roughly a 30–45 minute drive from downtown Toronto via the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) and Highway 401 east. Parking is available on-site for approximately CAD $14–$15 per day. By public transit, take the TTC Line 2 subway to Kennedy Station, then transfer to the 86A Scarborough bus direct to the zoo entrance; alternative routes include the 85A/85B Sheppard East bus or GO Transit to Rouge Hill GO Station with a connecting bus (TorontoForYou).

Alternatives to consider

Beyond the zoo-specific options, several regional alternatives offer integrated stay-and-play packages that may appeal to families planning a longer Ontario getaway.

• Toronto CityPASS: As noted above, this multi-attraction pass includes the zoo and four other major Toronto sights. It does not cover hotel stays but can be paired with any hotel booking for a flexible itinerary. Valid for nine consecutive days from first use (Toronto Zoo).
• Great Wolf Lodge Niagara Falls: A fully integrated resort with on-site waterpark, dining, and lodging — no separate attraction ticket needed. This is a different product category but competes for the same family-getaway budget (Trans-Canada Highway guide).
• Canada’s Wonderland: Located in Vaughan, about 40–50 minutes northwest of the zoo. The park frequently partners with nearby hotels for ride-and-stay bundles, though these are separate from the zoo ecosystem.
• African Lion Safari: Near Hamilton/Cambridge, about 90 minutes from Toronto. This drive-through wildlife attraction also offers hotel partnerships, often marketed as safari-style getaways.

The zoo’s official channels do not promote or endorse any specific hotel packages beyond the CityPASS partnership. Any branded “Toronto Zoo hotel package” found on third-party deal sites is a hotel marketing initiative, not an official zoo product (Toronto Zoo).

How long do people stay at the Toronto Zoo?

Visit duration varies by interest level and group composition. Walking the entire zoo — which covers roughly 710 acres (287 hectares) in the Rouge Valley — typically takes three to five hours at a moderate pace, according to visitor guides (Yelp). Families with young children often spend four to six hours including breaks, food stops, and the kids’ zone. For those combining a zoo visit with other Toronto attractions, a half-day at the zoo followed by an afternoon downtown is a common pattern.

Overnight visitors via Bush Camp naturally extend their experience to a full day plus the overnight stay and a second morning, making it a 24-hour+ commitment. Most hotel-based visitors arrive for opening time (09:00 in summer) and leave by mid-afternoon or closing time (19:00 in summer).

What is the best time to go to the Toronto Zoo?

The zoo operates year-round and is closed only on Christmas Day, but the experience shifts dramatically with the seasons (Toronto Tourism Guide). Summer hours run approximately 09:00–19:00, while winter hours are shorter.

Best months: May through September offer the mildest weather and the fullest animal activity, including outdoor exhibits and the Waterside Theatre shows. Weekdays are noticeably less crowded than weekends, especially during July and August. Spring and fall shoulder seasons (April, October) can also be pleasant but carry a higher chance of rain. Winter visits are quieter and cheaper but many outdoor exhibits are reduced, and some animals are in indoor habitats.

Special events such as Boo at the Zoo (October) and holiday light displays (December) draw large crowds. Package deals from third-party sites tend to appear most frequently during summer and holiday periods, often with blackout dates around peak weekends (WagJag).

Sample one-night itinerary

Here is a realistic two-day plan for a family of four using a Scarborough hotel and separate zoo tickets:

• Day 1, morning: Arrive at zoo gates by 09:30. Explore the Indo-Malaya pavilion and the African Rainforest. Lunch at one of the on-site cafes.
• Day 1, afternoon: Visit the Tundra Trek, Americas pavilion, and the Kids Zoo. Depart by 16:30. Check into a Highway 401 hotel (10–15 minute drive). Evening swim or dinner at a nearby restaurant.
• Day 2: Breakfast at hotel. Option to revisit the zoo for any missed exhibits (admission already purchased) or explore Rouge National Urban Park adjacent to the zoo. Check out by 11:00.

For Bush Camp guests, Day 1 would include the full zoo day plus the overnight camp program (evening animal encounters, campfire), with check-out after breakfast on Day 2.

Frequently asked questions