Canada Trip 2024

SwampDonkey

SwampDonkey

In the Swamp
Premium Member
5+ year member
I am heading to the Toronto area for about a week this summer, July. This trip will be me, my wife, and our 6 (then 7) year old son. We will have a car while we are there. Right now I have these places on my "list":
  • Toronto Zoo
  • Ripley's Aquarium
  • Bird Kingdom
  • High Park Zoo
We will be taking a trip down to Niagara for a night as well, hence Bird Kingdom on the list, but we will not be going to the USA side. I should have time for one more place, but I am undecided between Safari Niagara or African Lion Safari. ALS is expensive....but if it is "worth" it I can do it. Marineland is probably not something I am particularly interested in as we have SeaWorld Orlando passes, but I do enjoy marine parks....but they have had issues recently, no?
 
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I don't have advice on your question (unhelpful - I know), but I just wanted to check that you know roughly what the High Park Zoo is?

Our Animals

High Park itself is lovely if you're looking for a place to run around and explore (or have a 7 year old burn off some energy), and you just "happen" to walk through the Zoo for a quick peek, but the zoo itself is not a destination.

The zoo is probably a 500m path with chain link fencing of pens (more "pens" than "exhibits") with the animals in the embedded link above.
 
Zooer said:
I don't have advice on your question (unhelpful - I know), but I just wanted to check that you know roughly what the High Park Zoo is?

Our Animals

High Park itself is lovely if you're looking for a place to run around and explore (or have a 7 year old burn off some energy), and you just "happen" to walk through the Zoo for a quick peek, but the zoo itself is not a destination.

The zoo is probably a 500m path with chain link fencing of pens (more "pens" than "exhibits") with the animals in the embedded link above.
Click to expand...
Ha, yeah, I am aware, but thanks for the heads up. Mainly it is to run about, use the playground and also I can get another zoo on the list. If I did not have a small boy I probably would not make the effort to go over to it. :)
 
Oh hard choice between ALS and Safari Niagara. To be fair last time I was at ALS I was a kid and I have never been to Safari Niagara. So for me it would largely come down to the collection and what I am after.

ALS Pros
  • Big herd of Asian elephants various aged calves. I think they still do daily baths with the elephants which is cool.
  • A pretty cool collection of birds
  • Drive thru paddocks, but also bus tours so your car isnt at risk.
  • Pretty decent water park for kids... kinda makes Toronto's splash pad look lame though its theming is good. But more appropriate for a 7 year old.
  • The boat tour would be exciting for a kid. It is one of my few memories as a kid there.
  • He might be getting a little old for the train but still might like it.
  • The playground would be another great place for him to let off steam. Toronto doesnt even have one.
  • He might like the shows.
ALS Cons
  • Its mammal collection is pretty common. There are a few gems in there but most are pretty easy to find at other zoos.
  • If you do drive your own car in its at risk and if you dont you get to pay for the bus tour. Either way there is a drawback.
Safari Niagara Pros
  • It's got some really unique animals in an Canadian collection like African wild dogs, Andean condor, African leopard, brown lemur, Agile gibbon, siamang, scimitar horned oryx.
  • There are tons of things for your son to do from a carousel to a playground to kiddie rides to paddle boats to fishing to a speedway to a rope course to a big splash pad. He would probably love the options available. None of your other options offer those many choices and more.
  • You could do several behind the scenes tours (do that in Toronto as well if you can. I can wholeheartedly recommend Toronto's Wild Encounters)
  • They have keeper talks and shows too.
Safari Niagara Cons
  • The zoo doesnt offer the most impressive exhibits. Its a mix of good for a small zoo to crap. They are working to improve exhibits so thats a plus.
  • With all the extras they offer the cost could creep up on you fast.
I think in the end its about what you and the family want out of the day. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Definitely listen to the opinions of others who have been. Either way you will probably have a great day.

Just dont do Marineland. If the goal is to do a zoo day then you will be sorely disappointed. Its animal collection is small and you are probably just going for the rides. You clearly live close to SeaWorld and will just be massively underwhelmed. It's rides are not up to SeaWorld's level. Its exhibits are not up to SeaWorld's level, nor is its collection. I think they are under 10 species. And yes if controversy is something you want to avoid then dont go to Marineland. They are constantly under some sort of investigation. You can just read there thread to see what is going on there. That one is totally personal choice.
 
To be completely honest, I'm not sure I'd recommend Bird Kingdom unless you're going for something really specific. It's the kind of place that sounds much more impressive on paper/their website than it actually is, as in person it's heavily themed to the point the theming seems to take away from the birds and makes it seem like a "tourist trap". I'm more familiar with the American side of the falls than the Canadian, but there are a lot of places I'd recommend well before I'd recommend Bird Kingdom, and there's always some great wild birds to see around there too. If you have the time, then by all means go ahead, but if you're deciding between other places/activities in the Niagara area it's very skippable.

I was pleasantly surprised by Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, though. I'm not a big fish person, but a lot of the tanks here were really, really well done, especially in the Canadian section. Be forewarned, especially as you are traveling with children, that Toronto Zoo is A LOT of walking if you're trying to see everything. It's doable, I saw the whole place in a day, but just keep in mind there are a lot of hills and a lot of walking between exhibits. You'll all get your workout in that day.
 
Neil chace said:
I was pleasantly surprised by Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, though. I'm not a big fish person, but a lot of the tanks here were really, really well done, especially in the Canadian section.
Click to expand...
I'll second this. While not massive, it is certainly a respectable size and has a good combination of interesting species and nice exhibits. I think its collection and size are better than the Florida Aquarium, for example, although Florida's best exhibits are better. There are plenty of interactive areas and tunnels and such for a 7-year-old to enjoy. Also, there is a cool view if you look directly down on top of it from the adjacent CN tower's observation deck, which I'd also recommend.
 
SwampDonkey said:
We will be taking a trip down to Niagara for a night as well, hence Bird Kingdom on the list, but we will not be going to the USA side. I should have time for one more place, but I am undecided between Safari Niagara or African Lion Safari. ALS is expensive....but if it is "worth" it I can do it. Marineland is probably not something I am particularly interested in as we have SeaWorld Orlando passes, but I do enjoy marine parks....but they have had issues recently, no?
Click to expand...
I think it really depends how much you like Elephants and drive-through exhibits. If you really like both of those than ALS is an easy choice but if not then I'd recommend Safari Niagara. I think both places are at a fairly similar level, but overall I do prefer Safari Niagara. It has a nice collection of fairly uncommon species and the exhibit quality is mostly decent. I do remember a fair number of repeat exhibits though, particularly in the primate area. ALS is nice but the walking area is pretty small so that might be an issue.

High park shouldn't take you more than 15-20 minutes, it's fine for what it is but very small. I think every animal at High Park can be seen at Toronto except for the Emus. The playground is very nice though!

And yeah don't go to MarineLand.
 
TZFan said:
Oh hard choice between ALS and Safari Niagara. To be fair last time I was at ALS I was a kid and I have never been to Safari Niagara. So for me it would largely come down to the collection and what I am after.

ALS Pros
  • Big herd of Asian elephants various aged calves. I think they still do daily baths with the elephants which is cool.
  • A pretty cool collection of birds
  • Drive thru paddocks, but also bus tours so your car isnt at risk.
  • Pretty decent water park for kids... kinda makes Toronto's splash pad look lame though its theming is good. But more appropriate for a 7 year old.
  • The boat tour would be exciting for a kid. It is one of my few memories as a kid there.
  • He might be getting a little old for the train but still might like it.
  • The playground would be another great place for him to let off steam. Toronto doesnt even have one.
  • He might like the shows.
ALS Cons
  • Its mammal collection is pretty common. There are a few gems in there but most are pretty easy to find at other zoos.
  • If you do drive your own car in its at risk and if you dont you get to pay for the bus tour. Either way there is a drawback.
Safari Niagara Pros
  • It's got some really unique animals in an Canadian collection like African wild dogs, Andean condor, African leopard, brown lemur, Agile gibbon, siamang, scimitar horned oryx.
  • There are tons of things for your son to do from a carousel to a playground to kiddie rides to paddle boats to fishing to a speedway to a rope course to a big splash pad. He would probably love the options available. None of your other options offer those many choices and more.
  • You could do several behind the scenes tours (do that in Toronto as well if you can. I can wholeheartedly recommend Toronto's Wild Encounters)
  • They have keeper talks and shows too.
Safari Niagara Cons
  • The zoo doesnt offer the most impressive exhibits. Its a mix of good for a small zoo to crap. They are working to improve exhibits so thats a plus.
  • With all the extras they offer the cost could creep up on you fast.
I think in the end its about what you and the family want out of the day. There are advantages and disadvantages to both. Definitely listen to the opinions of others who have been. Either way you will probably have a great day.

Just dont do Marineland. If the goal is to do a zoo day then you will be sorely disappointed. Its animal collection is small and you are probably just going for the rides. You clearly live close to SeaWorld and will just be massively underwhelmed. It's rides are not up to SeaWorld's level. Its exhibits are not up to SeaWorld's level, nor is its collection. I think they are under 10 species. And yes if controversy is something you want to avoid then dont go to Marineland. They are constantly under some sort of investigation. You can just read there thread to see what is going on there. That one is totally personal choice.
Click to expand...
Wow, thanks so much for the in depth information. I like elephants, but they are not really my "thing", and from what you have written here I think I lean towards Safari Niagara. The extra things there for kids are a definite plus, if he gets tired of the animal exhibits my wife will often watch him on a playground while I tour more animal parts of a zoo. I will skip Marineland, it does not sound like it offers much of a value for me since I go to SeaWorld rather occasionally.

Neil chace said:
To be completely honest, I'm not sure I'd recommend Bird Kingdom unless you're going for something really specific. It's the kind of place that sounds much more impressive on paper/their website than it actually is, as in person it's heavily themed to the point the theming seems to take away from the birds and makes it seem like a "tourist trap". I'm more familiar with the American side of the falls than the Canadian, but there are a lot of places I'd recommend well before I'd recommend Bird Kingdom, and there's always some great wild birds to see around there too. If you have the time, then by all means go ahead, but if you're deciding between other places/activities in the Niagara area it's very skippable.

I was pleasantly surprised by Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, though. I'm not a big fish person, but a lot of the tanks here were really, really well done, especially in the Canadian section. Be forewarned, especially as you are traveling with children, that Toronto Zoo is A LOT of walking if you're trying to see everything. It's doable, I saw the whole place in a day, but just keep in mind there are a lot of hills and a lot of walking between exhibits. You'll all get your workout in that day.
Click to expand...
Great information! Hmm, I will take the advice on Bird Kingdom, right now I have two days budgeted for the Niagara area. If I use one for Safari Niagara that leaves one in the falls area, so there may not really be time for Bird Kingdom unless it was on the way out for the return to Toronto. But it sounds like that is not much of a concern anyway.

Ripley's Aquarium is high on my list. I love a good aquarium, unfortunately I missed their Aquarium in Gatlinburg TN when we were there.

CMP said:
I'll second this. While not massive, it is certainly a respectable size and has a good combination of interesting species and nice exhibits. I think its collection and size are better than the Florida Aquarium, for example, although Florida's best exhibits are better. There are plenty of interactive areas and tunnels and such for a 7-year-old to enjoy. Also, there is a cool view if you look directly down on top of it from the adjacent CN tower's observation deck, which I'd also recommend.
Click to expand...
Thanks! The CN Tower is on my list as well for that day, observation decks are a blast to do.

TZDugong said:
I think it really depends how much you like Elephants and drive-through exhibits. If you really like both of those than ALS is an easy choice but if not then I'd recommend Safari Niagara. I think both places are at a fairly similar level, but overall I do prefer Safari Niagara. It has a nice collection of fairly uncommon species and the exhibit quality is mostly decent. I do remember a fair number of repeat exhibits though, particularly in the primate area. ALS is nice but the walking area is pretty small so that might be an issue.

High park shouldn't take you more than 15-20 minutes, it's fine for what it is but very small. I think every animal at High Park can be seen at Toronto except for the Emus. The playground is very nice though!

And yeah don't go to MarineLand.
Click to expand...

Cool, thanks! I like to take my son to playgrounds while he is still young and enjoys them, plus it is a fun thing to do that is usually free - the zoo at High Park is a plus for sure. Elephants are amazing animals, but they are not usually my "top" mammal for a zoo, so I think I lean towards Safari Niagara with all the great information provided here.

Thanks everyone!
 
SwampDonkey said:
Does anyone have any opinions on Reptilia in Vaughan?
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Hi @SwampDonkey

It’s going to be a great trip!

I’d personally recommend the Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium, African Lion Safari & Safari Niagara as places well worth your visit; though they can all get pricey if you’re doing a lot at each.

The Toronto Zoo & Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada are truly impressive facilities. You’ll have a great time at both!

TIPS: Do the Aquarium on a day you visit the CN Tower, a Jays game, a concert at Scotiabank Arena or Rogers Centre, or if you’re just downtown in general. The aquarium doesn’t take too long, so it’s nice to break up a day of sightseeing. As for the zoo, it can take some time to get to from downtown but it’s well worth it! For parking you need to purchase a card to insert into a machine in order to leave, so make sure to grab one before you leave or when you enter. I’d highly recommend riding the zoomobile, as you not only get to go through the Eurasia drive-through with Asian Wild Horses and Yaks, you also have a chance to see some phase out species like Himalayan Tahr, Wattled Crane and possibly even a Lion-Tailed Macaque (though they are on their last legs).

African Lion Safari and Safari Niagara are a tier or two below the former two institutions, but still decent in many respects, especially when it comes to species to species not seen elsewhere in Canada as @TZFan mentioned. The African Wild Dogs, African Leopard and Musk Ox are especially cool at Safari Niagara, and the bird collection along with the elephant herd are cool to see at ALS.

TIPS: It’s good that you plan to be at Safari Niagara for a good chunk of the day. I thought I’d be there for 2 hours and it took me 5, but I took my time appreciating all of the unique species. Don’t miss all of the forest trails featuring an array of predators - albeit in terrible conditions according to me. Neither of these places would unanimously feature in a Canadian Top 10 list, but they make for a fun day.

Finally, Reptilia.

If you’re visiting Canada’s Wonderland or Vaughan Mills then it’s a neat place to stop in to see, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it. It took me 30 minutes to see, and I was left feeling a little bit sad for some of the reptiles, especially two fully grown Nile crocodiles.

Let us know if you have any other questions! Happy to help!
 
animalman0341 said:
Hi @SwampDonkey

It’s going to be a great trip!

I’d personally recommend the Toronto Zoo, Ripley’s Aquarium, African Lion Safari & Safari Niagara as places well worth your visit; though they can all get pricey if you’re doing a lot at each.

The Toronto Zoo & Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada are truly impressive facilities. You’ll have a great time at both!

TIPS: Do the Aquarium on a day you visit the CN Tower, a Jays game, a concert at Scotiabank Arena or Rogers Centre, or if you’re just downtown in general. The aquarium doesn’t take too long, so it’s nice to break up a day of sightseeing. As for the zoo, it can take some time to get to from downtown but it’s well worth it! For parking you need to purchase a card to insert into a machine in order to leave, so make sure to grab one before you leave or when you enter. I’d highly recommend riding the zoomobile, as you not only get to go through the Eurasia drive-through with Asian Wild Horses and Yaks, you also have a chance to see some phase out species like Himalayan Tahr, Wattled Crane and possibly even a Lion-Tailed Macaque (though they are on their last legs).

African Lion Safari and Safari Niagara are a tier or two below the former two institutions, but still decent in many respects, especially when it comes to species to species not seen elsewhere in Canada as @TZFan mentioned. The African Wild Dogs, African Leopard and Musk Ox are especially cool at Safari Niagara, and the bird collection along with the elephant herd are cool to see at ALS.

TIPS: It’s good that you plan to be at Safari Niagara for a good chunk of the day. I thought I’d be there for 2 hours and it took me 5, but I took my time appreciating all of the unique species. Don’t miss all of the forest trails featuring an array of predators - albeit in terrible conditions according to me. Neither of these places would unanimously feature in a Canadian Top 10 list, but they make for a fun day.

Finally, Reptilia.

If you’re visiting Canada’s Wonderland or Vaughan Mills then it’s a neat place to stop in to see, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to see it. It took me 30 minutes to see, and I was left feeling a little bit sad for some of the reptiles, especially two fully grown Nile crocodiles.

Let us know if you have any other questions! Happy to help!
Click to expand...
Thanks for all the great tips! I don't think that I can swing both ALS and Safari Niagara, unfortunately. I will probably skip Reptilia unless we find our selves in the area. It is about 40 minutes from where we will be staying, but we will be visiting family in Markham, so it is possible we will find our way there anyway. I have a full day planned for Safari Niagara, if it ends up taking less time that's fine, there is more to do in the area.

I wanted to see a Jays game, but unfortunately they are out of town the week we are there. It looks like the only team playing that week is York United. I am a soccer fan, so no worries there, but the stadium is pretty far from where we will be at.
 
Thanks for the tips everyone. I narrowed it down to Ripley's Aquarium, Toronto Zoo, Safari Niagara, Bird Kingdom, and High Park. The locations works well with where we will be and the time I have to allocate. 5 facilities is about all I can squeeze out of my wife and son, which like zoos and aquariums but not with quite the same passion. High Park Zoo is a throw in since it is also in a big park, which appeals to my son.
 
I will be doing a full trip report in the coming days, but just to update: We went to Ontario last week and while there we saw Toronto Zoo, Safari Niagara, Bird Kingdom, and Ripley's Aquarium.

I massively underestimated the size of Toronto Zoo as we only had time to do the west side of the zoo (Indo-Malaya, Africa, and Canadian Domain).
 
SwampDonkey said:
I massively underestimated the size of Toronto Zoo as we only had time to do the west side of the zoo (Indo-Malaya, Africa, and Canadian Domain).
Click to expand...
Toronto Zoo is definitely huge- the zoo is spread out with a lot of unused space, which makes it more difficult to see everything than most other zoos of a similar species count. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts: I've been to 3/4 zoos on your trip, and Safari Niagara is on the list of facilities I'd like to hit in the coming school year.
 
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