A small but genuinely charming free zoo inside High Park — bison, llamas, peacocks, wallabies, capybaras, reindeer, and emus in a wooded setting. Open daily, completely free, and a favourite with young children. The animals are well cared for and the setting feels surprisingly natural for an urban zoo.
Free: High Park, Deer Pen Road, Toronto · Season: year-round
High Park Zoo is one of Toronto's most beloved free attractions — a small, charming animal enclosure inside High Park that has been entertaining families and animal lovers since the 1890s. Completely free, open daily from dawn to dusk, and home to bison, llamas, peacocks, wallabies, capybaras, reindeer, and emus, the zoo offers a surprisingly natural and engaging animal experience in a wooded setting that feels far removed from the typical urban zoo environment.
What to Expect
High Park Zoo is not a conventional zoo with large exhibits, ticket gates, and formal programming. It is a collection of animal paddocks and enclosures along Deer Pen Road in the centre of High Park, maintained by the City of Toronto's Parks, Forestry and Recreation division. The animals live in fenced areas with naturalistic surroundings — trees, grass, and dirt underfoot rather than concrete and bars.
The zoo's modest size is part of its charm. You can see all the animals in 20-30 minutes, making it perfect for young children with short attention spans. The enclosures are close to the paths, allowing intimate viewing without the crowds and distance of a major zoo.
The Animals
High Park Zoo maintains a rotating collection of animals, typically including:
Capybaras: The undisputed stars of High Park Zoo. These giant South American rodents have developed a devoted local following, with social media accounts, fan art, and regular visitors who come specifically to see them. Their relaxed, social nature makes them endlessly entertaining.
Bison: North America's largest land animal, represented by a small herd. Their sheer size is impressive up close.
Llamas: South American camelids with friendly, curious personalities. Often interact with visitors along the fence.
Peacocks: Free-roaming within the zoo area, the peacocks are a constant source of delight. Their calls echo through the park, and their displays during mating season are spectacular.
Wallabies: Small Australian marsupials that hop around their enclosure with endearing energy.
Reindeer: Present seasonally, particularly around the holiday period.
Emus: Large Australian flightless birds with distinctive personalities.
Additional species: The zoo occasionally hosts other animals depending on the season and partnerships.
History
High Park Zoo dates to the 1890s, when the park's superintendent began keeping deer and other animals as an attraction for visitors. The zoo has evolved over the decades, shifting from a larger menagerie to the focused, conservation-oriented collection it maintains today. The zoo has faced closure threats over the years but has been preserved due to overwhelming public support.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: Baby animals arrive — spring is the best time to see young wallabies, chicks, and possibly capybara pups. The surrounding park is at its most beautiful.
Summer: All animals are active and outdoors. The peacocks are in full display. The zoo is busiest on summer weekends.
Fall: Cooler weather means more active animals. The fall colours in the surrounding park are beautiful. Fewer crowds than summer.
Winter: The zoo remains open, though some animals may be in sheltered areas. The bison and reindeer are particularly suited to winter. The zoo in snow is charming and quiet.
How to Get There
High Park Zoo is located on Deer Pen Road in the centre of High Park. From the Bloor Street entrance, walk south along the main road for approximately 15 minutes. From the High Park subway station, enter the park and follow the signs to the zoo. The zoo is adjacent to the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground, making it easy to combine both attractions.
Accessibility
The zoo paths are gravel and dirt, which can be challenging for wheelchairs and strollers after rain. The enclosures can be viewed from the paths without steps. The surrounding High Park has paved accessible paths in the main areas.
Nearby Attractions
- **Jamie Bell Adventure Playground:** Adjacent to the zoo — one of Toronto's best free playgrounds
- **High Park:** The zoo is inside Toronto's largest park — trails, Grenadier Pond, and cherry blossoms (spring)
- **Grenadier Cafe:** A short walk from the zoo for food and drinks
- **The Junction:** 10-minute walk north of the park for indie shops and restaurants
Photography Tips
The capybaras are the most photographed animals, particularly when they are lounging in their characteristic relaxed poses. The peacocks, when displaying, are spectacular subjects. Morning light is best for the east-facing enclosures. The natural woodland setting creates beautiful backgrounds without the artificial feel of a conventional zoo.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- The zoo is open daily from dawn to dusk, year-round
- Admission is completely free — no tickets, no gate
- The zoo is unsupervised — parents are responsible for children's behaviour around animals
- Do not feed the animals — they are on controlled diets
- The peacocks roam freely — give them space
- Combine your zoo visit with the Jamie Bell Adventure Playground for a full family morning
- The zoo is popular on weekends — weekday mornings are quieter
- There are no washrooms directly at the zoo — the nearest facilities are at the Grenadier Cafe and the playground area
Visitor tip
Open 7am–dusk daily. The capybaras are the stars — they have a devoted local following. Spring and summer are best for seeing all animals active. Combine with the nearby Jamie Bell Adventure Playground (also free) for a full family morning.