There is almost no prospect of travelling anytime soon for me. To revitalize my interest in Calgary, I’ve tried experiencing the city through a tourist’s lens.
Attractions in Calgary tend to have a business model that favours locals, who can forgo the exorbitant daily admission prices by purchasing an annual pass. One adult ticket for the zoo is almost 35 dollars, while a membership granting unlimited access to the park is only 70. If I was visiting Calgary, I would want an ultimate, streamlined tour of the zoo.
Planning
Masks are no longer mandatory, even in buildings and indoor animal habitats. Dress appropriately for the weather, with emphasis on a comfortable pair of shoes and sunscreen. Currently, only the North Gate Entrance is open. It is conveniently located by the CTrain “Zoo” station and the parking lot.
9:00 am – Canadian Wilds
The Canadian Wilds capture the Rocky Mountains and northern forest ecosystems with winding paths and iconic animals. Exploring the Canadian Wilds first is strategic since this immersive land is situated near the entrance. Navigate through bighorn sheep, mountain goats, the aviary, and caribou. When you reach the whooping cranes, Bugtopia, a new bug-themed playground that opened in June 2020, will be just around the corner. The wolves, bears, and cougars at the end of the Wilds leave a lasting impression as you head to the next leg of your adventure. Be aware that Cequel Energy Lodge, home to the otters, is currently closed.
10:30 am – Prehistoric Park
Prehistoric Park claims to take you on a journey back in time. The park itself is one of the most scenic spots in the zoo, with a waterfall, hoodoos, and volcano formations. In the realism department, the dinosaur animatronics are presentable. Although they are clearly robots, their details and movements are no small feat.
11:15 am – Lunch at Kitamba Cafe
The Calgary Zoo also has a dine-in restaurant called Grazers, but I think Kitamba Cafe is the superior option. It’s cheaper, more efficient, and more representative of what you expect to eat at a zoo. The menu consists of pulled pork, hot dogs, burgers, fries, poutine, chicken fingers, and soups. Kitamba Java is adjacent to Kitamba Cafe and offers sandwiches, coffee, tea, bagels, and soft-serve ice cream. Although I find the food expensive, I can attest to the poutine and pulled pork sandwich being filling.
12:15 pm – Destination Africa
Destination Africa has two main components: the African Savannah and the Rainforest. I recommend tackling the African Savannah by entering the building and admiring the meerkats, hippos, and giraffes. Then, complete the loop that contains lions, ostriches, zebras, and concludes in the Land of Lemurs.
The rainforest section can overwhelm your senses since it’s warm and humid, but the gorillas, mandrills, crocodiles, boa constrictors, fish, and birds cannot be missed. In Destination Africa, there is a concession stand with soft-serve ice cream that I highly recommend. As the day progressively gets hotter, walking around with a chocolate and vanilla swirl cone can be a game-changer.
2:15 pm – ENMAX Conservatory/Dorothy Harvie Gardens
It’s easy to marvel at the butterflies or the outdoor garden, but I would also like to acknowledge the South American animals. There are flamingoes, but the Chacoan peccaries steal the show. With their long faces, hair standing on end, and periodic screaming, these pig-like creatures are unreasonably entertaining.
3:15 pm – Eurasia
Eurasia has some all-stars, including Amur tigers, snow leopards, Japanese macaques, and red pandas. Every animal in Eurasia shares the trait of seeming exceedingly fluffy.
4:15 pm – Penguin Plunge
Penguin Plunge is frigid, allowing you to recuperate from a strenuous yet rewarding day of walking. The penguins have a range of personalities. Some of them will enthusiastically swim up to the glass, while others will stand stoically by themselves. You’ve come full circle; Penguin Plunge leads you back to the entrance. Congratulations! If you were following, you just conducted a thorough exploration of the Calgary Zoo!
