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COVID-19

New mandatory public health measures are in effect across Alberta to protect the health system and slow the spread of COVID-19. Learn more at edmonton.ca/COVID-19.

Edmonton Valley Zoo

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Home to more than 350 animals and focused on conservation, the Edmonton Valley Zoo is one of Edmonton's premier attractions, offering fun and education for the whole family.

The Edmonton Valley Zoo remains closed in compliance with the current provincial public health orders. We look forward to welcoming visitors back when it is deemed safe to do so. The zoo has been identified in Step 3 of the province’s relaunch planning and, as such, the earliest possible opening date would be the end of March. We are caring for the animals and preparing for when we are able to reopen. 

In the meantime, you can Get Closer to our animals from the comfort of your learning or meeting space. Check out our Virtual Experiences for more information. Let us bring conservation, education and adventure to you! 

Safety Measures and Guidelines

We have put some adjustments in place for the health and safety of our staff, visitors, and animals. These modifications are designed to comply with public health orders and guidelines.

Before You Visit

  • Please do not visit the zoo:
    • If you have travelled within the last 14 days
    • If you have been in contact with anyone sick with COVID-19 within the last 14 days
    • If you are exhibiting any COVID-19 symptoms. These include: fever, cough, shortness of breath, runny nose, sore throat, and/or others listed on Alberta Health Services website.
  • Purchase tickets online only at movelearnplay.edmonton.ca.
  • Please arrive within the 30-minute window on your ticket.
  • View Guest Services to review a list of items not permitted at the Zoo.
  • Please note: we are unable to accommodate group bookings at this time, only families and cohort families.

At the Zoo: Amenity and Service Availability

  • Outdoor areas of the zoo will be open
  • Indoor habitats may be closed or will have one-way access
  • The train and carousel rides will remain closed
  • Play structures are open. They are not cleaned or sanitized, so please take the appropriate precautions.
  • There will be no animal talks or programs
  • The Zoo-tique gift shop is open
  • There will be no paper maps available - please download the Edmonton Valley Zoo app from Google Play or the App Store
  • Stroller and scooter rentals will not be available
  • Water fill stations will not be available
  • There are food service options onsite. Sandwich & Sons in the Entry Plaza, which serves sandwiches, fresh baking, and coffee. Inside the zoo at the Urban Farm are the 40 Acres restaurant and Moo at the Zoo ice cream.
  • All restrooms will be open and cleaned regularly
  • Increased hand sanitizer stations will be available, including at the entrance, exit, and throughout the zoo

Safety Measures

The following service adjustments will be made for your safety and the safety of our staff and animals:

  • Advance tickets, sold online only
  • Timed entry
  • Daily attendance limit will be 50% of normal capacity (normal capacity is 3,000)
  • Increased hand sanitizer locations, including at the entry and exit and throughout the zoo
  • One-way traffic around the zoo to facilitate physical distancing and minimize interactions. See Map
  • Pathway markings, signage or barriers to enforce physical distancing guidelines and hygiene protocols
  • Limited food service
  • Rides will remain closed
  • Please remain within your household cohort only
  • Keep a minimum of 2 metres distance from others
  • Larger groups will be split up by zoo staff

Please follow all guidelines for physical distancing. This may result in wait times at points of entry, indoor spaces, and service during peak visitation.

For further details, see Reopening FAQ.

Admission and Passes

 Admission Rates

Get Closer: Animal Talks, and the zoo's Miniature Train and the Carousel rides are currently not available.

Admission Rates

Category Cost
Child​ (Ages 2-12) $10.50
Youth (Ages 13-17) $13.50
Adult ​ (Ages 18-64) $14.95
Senior (Age 65+) $13.50
Member Free
Tot (0-23 months) Free

GST included.

Tickets are not available at the gate and are being sold online only. Members and Pass Holders must also book tickets online in advance.

Annual Memberships

Edmonton Valley Zoo Annual Members receive unlimited admission during regular public hours for a year from the date of purchase.

Memberships will be extended for the number of days the zoo was closed to ensure members receive the full 12 months purchased.

Membership Rates

Category Cost
Child (Ages 2-12) $29
Youth (Ages 13-17) $30
Adult (Ages 18-64) $46
Senior (Ages 65+) $30
Family* $152.50

* A family is all members of the same household related by birth, legal status or marriage up to a maximum of 7 people.

Zoo Membership Benefits

Additional benefits include:

  • A 10%  discount in the Zootique gift shop. The Zootique is run by the Valley Zoo Development Society, a registered charity mandated to raise funds and awareness for the Edmonton Valley Zoo. All purchases at the Zootique support building our zoo! Discount does not apply to original artwork.
  • Free or discounted admission at participating zoos across Canada and the US


    Call the zoo or aquarium prior to your visit to confirm their continued participation. 

    Canada

    BC Wildlife Park, Kamloops, BC

    Forestry Farm Park & Zoo, Saskatoon, SK

    Greater Vancouver Zoo, Vancouver, BC

    United States

Moonridge Zoo, Big Bear City, California

Zoosiana, Zoo of Acadiana, Broussard, Louisiana

Catoctin Wildlife Preserve, Thurmont, Maryland

Utica Zoo, New York

Dakota Zoo, Bismark, North Dakota

Location

Map of 13315 Buena Vista Road
13315 Buena Vista Road
Edmonton, Alberta

Parking

Parking at the Edmonton Valley Zoo is free of charge. There is a large parking lot immediately outside of the zoo entranceway.

Exhibit Map: One-Way Route

Winter 2020 Zoo Map

See larger map

Hours

Admission Hours

Last timed ticket is 9pm. The Zoo will be closed and cleared at 10pm.

Winter hours are in effect. The zoo is closed during the day, as well as Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Tickets are not available at the gate and are being sold online only.

Monday Closed
Tuesday Closed
Wednesday Closed
Thursday Closed
Friday Closed
Saturday Closed
Sunday Closed

Notifications

Feedback

Share Your Thoughts!

Tell Us What You Think

Guest Services

We are delighted to welcome you back to the zoo!

For the safety of all our guests and animals, we do not allow the following at the zoo:

  • Pets (with the exception of Service Dogs)
    •  Service dogs must wear a vest and appropriate harness
    • Guests will be asked to provide the dog's Government of Alberta issued ID or a card showing they have been trained by an accredited school (such as Dogs with Wings and Assistance Dogs International)
    • Emotional Support Animals do not fit these requirements and are not permitted at the Edmonton Valley Zoo
  • Balloons
  • Bubbles
  • Balls and frisbees
  • Bikes, scooters, skateboards, and roller blades

 Accessibility

See wheelchair accessible features at the zoo.

Services

See all Reopening FAQ.

Will there be any food service available?

Yes. Moo at the Zoo will be providing walk up service only. Both 40 Acres and Sandwich & Sons will have takeout service and limited indoor seating. The vending machines and water fountains will not be available.

Will the Zootique be open?

The Zoo-tique gift shop will have modified operations.

Will there be stroller, scooter or wheelchair rentals available?

Stroller and scooter rentals will not be available at this time. You are welcome to bring your own.

Wheelchair rentals are available.

Reopening FAQ

Can I purchase tickets at the gate?

No. Timed-entry tickets will only be available for purchase online. 

I bought my online ticket, do I have to come right at the start time?

We ask that you please arrive during the window of time you selected for your ticket. We will be closely monitoring capacity to ensure everyone has a safe and comfortable visit.

What is happening with my membership?

Memberships will be extended for the number of days the zoo was closed to ensure members receive the full 12 months purchased.

I am a member, do I have to pay the general admission price or is that included in my membership?

Your membership is still active and will count toward your admission. 

My membership has expired, how can I renew my membership?

Yes, you can purchase or renew memberships on movelearnplay.

Does my timed ticket mean I have to exit at a certain time?

There is no requirement to leave the zoo at a certain time. You're welcome to explore the zoo at your own pace. We have reduced our daily capacity to help accommodate people who wish to stay longer.

Do I have to wear a face mask?

Effective December 1, 2020, face coverings or masks are mandatory on zoo grounds, including in all indoor and outdoor spaces. Exemptions are only for those under the age of 2.

The City of Edmonton will be refusing entry to City recreation facilities and the Edmonton Valley Zoo for individuals who choose not to wear a face covering, regardless of the individual’s exemption status.

Will there be any animal talks?

No. Animal talks are currently cancelled.

Will there be any rides? (train, carousel, paddleboats)

Rides and play structures will remain closed for the time being. 

Will the outdoor play structures be open?

The play structures are open. They are not cleaned or sanitized so please take the appropriate precautions.

How frequently are you cleaning the washrooms?

All bathrooms will be cleaned and sanitized regularly throughout the day. Please practice good hand hygiene.

Will the Zootique be open?

The Zoo-tique gift shop will have modified operations.

Will you be selling face masks?

The Zoo-tique gift shop will be stocking a small supply of masks for sale.

Will there be any food service available?

Yes. Moo at the Zoo will be providing walk up service only. Both 40 Acres and Sandwich & Sons will have takeout service and limited indoor seating. The vending machines and water fountains will not be available.

How will I navigate the zoo?

Our online map and the Edmonton Valley Zoo app have been updated to show the paths you will be asked to follow. Directional signage is also in place, and staff will be onsite to help maintain the flow of traffic.

Will there be stroller, scooter or wheelchair rentals available?

Stroller and scooter rentals will not be available at this time. You are welcome to bring your own.

Wheelchair rentals are available.

Will there be hand sanitizer stations around the zoo?

Yes, we will ensure hand sanitizer is available at locations around the zoo, including at the entrance and exit. We also encourage you to bring your own sanitizer and to wash your hands often with soap and water.

Will any buildings be closed?

Yes. Due to space restrictions to allow for physical distancing, there will be no access to the EdVenture Lodge or the Elephant House. The reptile and nocturnal wings inside Saito Centre will also be closed.

Will there be any exhibits closed?

The Elephant House and portions of Saito Centre (reptile and nocturnal wings) will be closed, and there is limited accessibility to Arctic Shores due to the uneven path and stairs in the exhibit area.

All closures are subject to change. Please adhere to physical distancing requirements in all areas of the zoo.

What if I missed part of the zoo on the one way route?

We ask that you do not back track. If you missed a section of the zoo, please follow the map and directional signage to get to that area with the correct flow of traffic.

Will the Urban Farm contact yard be open?

No, the contact yard will not be open but you will be able to see the animals in the contact yard. 
 

What happens if there is a COVID-19 exposure while I am visiting?

In the unlikely event that this does happen, the City of Edmonton will work with Alberta Health Services to ensure all proper processes and protocols are followed.
 

Proudly Edmonton -Edmonton Valley Zoo Video

For More Information

Edmonton Valley Zoo

13315 Buena Vista Road (87th Avenue)
PO Box 2359
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 2R7

Telephone

In Edmonton: 311
Outside Edmonton: 780-442-5311
Email attractions@edmonton.ca

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