Assiniboine Zoo

I’ve been going to Assiniboine Zoo ever since I was a child. Our family enjoys going, but I do feel it has less and less to offer every year. While it definitely has some different animals that you can’t see every day, it is lacking in excitement. When I was a child there was a large variety of animals- more than one kind of bear, zebras, lions, many different types of monkeys, etc. Now the main attraction of the zoo are the polar bears, but the odds of seeing them close up aren’t great if you’re not going in the morning. I remember years ago when our sons’ were younger we bought a yearly pass and went 13 times before we saw the polar bears playing in the water in the Tundra building. It was a very cool experience, but not common. Usually if you do happen to see them it’s in the distance while you’re inside the Tundra Grill.

The food at the Tundra Grill is overpriced, which is to be expected with the food when you go to any type of attraction. We bought 2 poutines, a regular fry, a small yop, and 2 kids meals and we paid $50. I think the bill came to 10 cents shy of $50. The poutines came with the same amount as the regular fries but were almost $5 more each, and honestly they were the worst poutines we have ever eaten. The rest of the food was good, especially the apples and caramel dip. I would recommend bringing your own snacks and drinks though!

Two poutines, a regular fries with a yop, and two kids meals (hotdog with an upgraded poutine and drink, and grilled cheese with apple slices and a drink).

The polar playground in the Tundra Grill is an awesome addition to the zoo. We have gone many times over the years and it’s usually too packed for us to stop and enjoy. The last time we went there were only 3 other families in that area so our children were able to really enjoy it. It’s similar to other indoor playgrounds, which range from $8-$15 per child to play for as long as you want that day. If you paid for the one time admission and at some point stopped there so your child(ren) could play, then I’d say you got your money’s worth.

We have found the zoo to be better in the cooler months. The animals look healthier and are more alert as opposed to the summer when they look exhausted from the heat. We always try to go a few times before and after the summer weather comes to Manitoba.

Overall it is a great place to go with the family. If you look at zoos in other provinces you will see they offer more and the price is about the same, I personally think the Assiniboine Zoo over charges for what they offer. I don’t believe the polar bear addition was enough for the price increase when there are so many empty exhibits- something that isn’t new and seems to get worse as time goes on.

Quick Summary

Kid friendly/entertainment

4.5/5

For children 5 and under - 🟢 yes 🟡 allowed but not recommended 🔴 no

🟢

Cost of entry - for what is offered

$ if you get the yearly pass and plan on going 2 or more times

$$$ if you go once

Cost of food - for how much you get and the quality of it

$$

Worth it? - Would we do it again

Yes, if you live in Manitoba. A zoo is always a main attraction, but it’s not something I’d stop to visit if I didn’t live in Manitoba.

Quick Summary

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