Riverview Park and Zoo

News and Special Events

Spanning over 55 acres of park area along the shores of the Otonabee River, Riverview Park and Zoo is proud to be the only free admission accredited zoo in all of Canada, open daily from 8:30 a.m. until dusk all year round. Being an entirely outdoor facility, be sure to check the forecast ahead of your visit and come dressed and prepared for the weather. 

Effective immediately, a barbecue ban is now in place at Riverview Park and Zoo. Barbecue use will not be permitted anywhere on the grounds, including the picnic shelters, until further notice. This is a precautionary measure to keep everyone safe given the extremely dry conditions we've been experiencing this summer. We also remind guests that smoking and vaping is not permitted onsite.

Our miniature train ride is now closed for the season due to necessary rehabilitation work taking place on the Water Street Pumphouse and Dam. The train ride travels over the dam and it would be unsafe to do so while construction takes place. We appreciate your understanding and encourage you to consider everything else Riverview Park and Zoo has to offer!

We have 25 animal exhibits, over 40 different species, and roughly 150 animals calling us home. Come see our baby barbary sheep born earlier this summer as well as our most recent addition, a baby meerkat! Consider symbolically adopting your favorite zoo animal which includes an animal adoption package and your name appearing on our electronic sign for the duration of your one-year membership.

We feature the City's largest playground, including a smaller tot lot for the little ones to enjoy, as well as a pair of wheelchair swings. For anyone feeling adventurous, take a ride on our 80-foot super slide! You can also beat the heat and cool off in the splash pad, open from 8:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. weather and maintenance permitting.

At 1:30 p.m. daily, see our North American River Otters receive their afternoon enrichment snack and have the chance to ask a zookeeper some questions. Weekdays at 2:30 p.m., we offer "Meet the Keeper" sessions where our educators highlight a different animal species each day. Our Conservation Exhibit is also available until Labour Day, open every day except Sunday, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where you can find additional animal exhibits and displays. Wednesday mornings in August, bring your little ones for "Story Time in Critters Corner" where a special critter might even be on hand to help tell the tale!

Grab a treat from our new little café, Hatch, open Wednesday through Sunday from 9:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. serving up specialty coffees and teas, cold drinks, fruit and baked treats, including gluten free options. Guest Services and the Gift Shop is open Monday and Tuesday, 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., and Wednesday through Sunday, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., where you can purchase ice cream, chips and candy or take home a souvenir from your trip to the zoo. 

Consider booking one of our covered picnic shelters located in the lower park  to host your family reunion or a birthday party celebration any day of the week! While weekend availability is extremely limited, dates still remain open to book through to Thanksgiving Monday.

A reminder that our limited parking lot can reach capacity quickly that, whenever possible, we always encourage taking city transit, carpooling, walking or riding your bike instead. Please be alert and slow down in the parking lot as excited children can unexpectedly dart out between vehicles. We ask for everyone's patience and to be kind to our hard-working staff whenever the lot becomes full.

Read up on how you can "Zoo Like A Pro" ahead of your next visit! We look forward to seeing you soon.

The Riverview Park and Zoo Team

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