Vancouver is a coastal seaport city in western Canada, located in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia. The city’s main attraction for its visitors is the Greater Vancouver Zoo. The Zoo provides shelter to a wide range of rescued, donated and orphaned animal species. Dedicated to education and conservation of wildlife, the mission of the Zoo is to inspire appreciation for our ecosystems and support conservation efforts by involving the community.
Situated at the heart of Fraser Valley, this huge zoo is spread across 120 acres including 3kms of pathways and is house of around 140 species of wildlife. The Zoo is running a large number of programs to preserve endangered species and protect wildlife. Vancouver Zoo has become the most sort after tourist attraction of the city. The visit to the zoo is enjoyed by people of all ages be it small kids or elders. The Zoo has something for everyone and so is a must visit at least once in our lifetime!!
Best Time To Visit Vancouver Zoo
The best time to visit the Vancouver Zoo is during the season of Christmas. Every weekend in December, the tourists can meet Santa and his Reindeer and are also allowed to take pictures with them. The Zoo is decorated in holiday themes and lights for Christmas. The main attraction using Christmas is watching zoo animals open their gifts! Special ‘Winter Express’ themed train rides with lights, warm blankets and hot chocolate around the Zoo during the Christmas season.The train is available only during winters. The tickets need to be booked in advance to avoid last moment panics. The train tickets can be booked online.
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Timings And Entry Fees
The Vancouver Zoo hours vary according to the seasons. Here are the timings mentioned for every season.
Summers
From April 1 – September 30
Timings: 9:00 Am – 7:00 Pm
Winter
From October 1 – March 31
Timings: 9:00 Am to 4:00 Pm
On Saturdays and Sundays, the zoo remains open from 10:00 Am to 12:00 Pm and 1:00 Pm to 3:00 Pm.
The Vancouver Canada zoo prices for adults between the age of 18-64 years is $24.00, for seniors of age 65 or above are charged $17.00, students above the age of 18 are are required to pay around $19.00 whereas entry tickets for children between the age of 3 to 7 is $17.00. Infants and children below 2 years are allowed free entry into the zoo.
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Things To Do At Vancouver Zoo
A trip to the Zoo gives a chance for visitors to explore and enjoy a large number of activities. The Zoo is a storehouse of adventure and knowledge. The activities help to get a closer look at the beauty of the wildlife and opens our eyes to the wonderful world of animals. Few activities which must not be missed when one is at Vancouver are listed below:
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1. Live Shows: Watch The Radical Raptors
Radical Raptors is a birds of prey presentation. The visitors can watch falconers amaze them with team of other birds in their exciting free flying presentations! This presentation is held 4 times a day at 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm and 4:00 pm and is approximately 15-20 minutes in duration. Radical Raptors is led by Gary Worley who, for over 40 years has trained horses, dogs and raptors as an amateur and as a professional on three continents. The show is a super hit with locals and tourists so the tickets must be booked in advance to get a good seating and view of the birds.
Daily Shows: 12 Noon, 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM
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2. Wildlife: Spend The Night in the Wild
Experience the sights and sounds of the zoo during a Night in the Wild. From campfires, to wild animals and guided tours, this will certainly be a night to remember. We offer three evening packages to suit you and your group. This program offers the tourists choose to sleepover with a group or experience the evening program which includes 45 minutes to one-hour guided tour and campfire. The price per participant is $10.00.
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3. Field Trip: An Excursion
A field trip at the zoo is an inspirational, educational experience that inspires sharing and caring about wildlife and conservation. These trips are booked by schools to help the students an excursion trip to Vancouver. All educational programs at the Greater Vancouver Zoo are designed to help meet the British Columbia Ministry of Education curriculum and standards.
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4. Keeper Talks: Indulge In Some Pep Talk
These talks are unique and engaging way for guests to connect with our animals through spotlighting a day in the life of the Keepers and 15 animals out of the Zoo’s 140 different animal species.
Tips For Visiting Vancouver Zoo
- The visitors are required to bring their own tents, sleeping bags, camping equipment, drinking water, food, extra clothing, toiletries, flashlights, matches and charcoal for night stay programs.
- Check-in time for night stays is at 4.00 p.m and a $50.00 deposit is required and which gets refunded at 9.00 a.m.on the next morning during checkout.
- The visitors are advised to avoid loud music and sounds to avoid disturbing the animals while their stay in Vancouver.
- Don’t try to feed , disturb or hurt the animals. Feeding and touching of the animals is strictly prohibited. The animals must not be touched for safety reasons.
- Try to book before hand for all the activities to avoid last moment panics.
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Plan your trip to Vancouver with TravelTriangle to have the best travel experience. The trip is sure to change your outlook. The trip will help you to visit the most happening events at the Zoo and indulge in various fun-filled and adventurous activities in the Zoo. A visit to the Zoo takes us closer to the rich variety of fauna and flora of the region.With TravelTriangle, be assured to have a safe, secure, planned and lively trip!!!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Vancouver Zoo
When is the Vancouver Zoo open?
The opening timing of the Zoo are –
October 1 – April 30, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm daily
May 1- September 30, 9:00 am – 7:00 pm daily
What is the parking fee at the Zoo?
There is the provision of free parking for school vehicles but for all other vehicles, a parking fees of $6 needs to be paid.
When can the train be booked?
Train seats must be reserved in advance. The train runs on 20-minute intervals (or 40 minutes during the winter season), starting on the hour.
Which programs are being carried out at Vancouver Zoo to conserve the environment?
The Greater Vancouver Zoo is carrying out programs to help keep the environment a little greener. The main programs include –
1. General Recycling
Visitors can help with the recycling program by depositing their plastic or glass bottles and cans in the applicable containers provided throughout the Zoo. Staff members recycle all paper products, aluminum, glass, construction recycling, oil filters, batteries, cardboard, and plastic. The office staff also recycle paper, computer and copier cartridges, and any plastic containers.
2. Eco-Cell: Cell Phone Recycling
Cell phones are made with an ore called Coltan (columbite-tantalite). This ore is often found in Central Africa in the middle of wildlife habitats. Animals are being killed by rebel bands mining this ore. Mining operations mean losses to these habitats and increased hunting. Reducing the demand for Coltan will help save these animals’ lives and their habitats.
What is Vancouver famous for?
Vancouver is famous for its fresh, local seafood, especially its salmon, local halibut, Canadian sablefish, and BC Spot Prawns
What is the best time to visit Vancouver?
The best time to visit Vancouver is during the warmer and drier months from April to October. Vancouver has moderate, sunny summers and mild, rainy winters.
What is the rainiest month in Vancouver?
The rainiest months in Vancouver are from October to December. The average rainfall in October is 10 cm (4 in) of rain, while November and December each receive about 18 cm (7 in) of rain.
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