Assiniboine Park Zoo sits within the big, leafy Assiniboine Park on the west side of Winnipeg, and its showpiece is Journey to Churchill, a large northern habitat built around the polar bear. Walk through the tunnels and you can see polar bears swimming overhead, along with seals, arctic foxes, muskoxen and other northern species, while the exhibit tells the story of the Hudson Bay region and its people. Elsewhere the zoo has a Tundra Grill, a gift shop and plenty of paths through animal areas from big cats to birds. It is open seven days a week all year, including winter, when the northern animals are at their liveliest and the crowds are small. Allow three to four hours, longer with children, and wear warm layers in winter, because you spend a good part of the visit outdoors.
The highlight
Journey to Churchill is designed to feel like the subarctic rather than a standard enclosure. The underwater viewing tunnels let you watch polar bears and seals moving through the water, and the habitat includes a stretch of tundra and boreal landscape. A diver cleans the underwater windows on Tuesday and Thursday mornings year-round, and the water can stay cloudy for a short time afterward, so a later visit gives clearer views on those days.
If you are heading to the real Churchill, this is a fine preview, and Churchill has its own twickly guide.
Practical details
The zoo is open every day of the year except December 25, usually from morning to mid-afternoon in winter, with the gate closing a little before the zoo itself. Hours are shorter on Remembrance Day. Admission is cheaper for children and seniors, kids under three get in free, and buying online ahead of time saves a little on the gate price.
Some areas close for short maintenance periods, and Toucan Ridge is closed in the middle of November for work, so check the zoo's site for current notices. The grounds have food and a gift shop, and the zoo accepts cards at the entrance.
Making a day of it
The zoo shares Assiniboine Park with gardens, sculpture and walking paths, so you can add a stroll before or after your visit. It is a short drive from downtown, and taxis and rideshares work well. Dress for the weather even on sunny days, take a hot drink if it is cold, and arrive at opening to see the animals at their most active. Strollers and wheelchairs can be accommodated on the main paths.
What to expect
The experience
A walk through zoo habitats, centred on Journey to Churchill, with underwater tunnels where polar bears and seals swim past.
Best time
Morning in winter, when the northern animals are active; avoid the Tuesday and Thursday window right after tunnel cleaning if you want the clearest water.
How long
Three to four hours, longer with young children.
Tips
Dress warmly, buy tickets ahead for a better rate, and check the zoo's site for short maintenance closures in some exhibits.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and animal lovers, and anyone curious about the polar north.
- Families
- The best family stop in the city, with tunnels and wide paths that suit prams.
- Couples
- A relaxed day in the park with lunch at the Tundra Grill.
- Pair with
- Assiniboine Park's gardens and paths are right beside the zoo, and the Mint is a drive away.
- Time needed
- Plan for three to four hours.
Good questions
What is Journey to Churchill?+
It is the zoo's northern habitat, with polar bears, seals and other arctic species, plus underwater viewing tunnels. It is designed to feel like Manitoba's subarctic coast.
Is the zoo open in winter?+
Yes, it is open seven days a week all year except December 25. Winter hours finish in the mid-afternoon, with the gate closing before the zoo.
How much are tickets?+
Prices are lower for children and seniors, and children under three are free. Buying online ahead of time is usually cheaper than paying at the gate.
When is the best time to see the polar bears?+
Morning is often the liveliest, and cooler weather keeps them more active. The water in the tunnels can be cloudy for a short time after cleaning on Tuesday and Thursday mornings.
Can I combine this with other sights?+
Yes, Assiniboine Park's gardens and paths are next door, and you can drive on to the Mint or back to The Forks. A zoo morning and a museum afternoon is an easy plan.
