Best Family Entertainment Spot: Calgary Zoo
Captured by Neil Zeller
Managed by the not-for-profit Calgary Zoological Society, the Calgary Zoo is arguably one of the city’s proudest attractions. Home to more than 1,000 animals across 272 different species, a visitor can wander through six unique zones on the property, each with their own unique animals and presentations: Destination Africa, the Canadian Wilds, Penguin Plunge, the Dorothy Harvie Botanical Gardens, Eurasia and Prehistoric Park. The Calgary Zoo has been recognized as one of the world’s greatest zoos and is the most-visited in all of Canada, due to its great accomplishments in conservation and large investments making it a world-class attraction.
Thrilling and immersive, the Calgary Zoo has successfully thrived ever since it opened in 1929 by continually adapting and updating its exhibits. Today, you’ll find all sorts of exciting advantages when visiting the zoo, like getting close to the animals, watching the penguins walk outside their exhibit, being immersed in the exquisite butterfly garden, walking amongst the lemurs or even staying home and watching the giant pandas housed here online. If you visit the Calgary Zoo during the winter months, partake in one of Calgary’s most luminous holiday traditions with the Calgary Zoolights exhibit. With one third of Calgarians visiting the zoo each year, it’s safe to say that the love for the Calgary Zoo is widespread. For more information on upcoming events or where to buy a membership, visit their website.
FIRST RUNNER UP: NEW CENTRAL PUBLIC LIBRARY
SECOND RUNNER UP: TELUS SPARK