Safari Niagara

We decided to check out Safari Niagara after my two year old berated me for months on end with «I did not see the lions» during a previous trip to the Toronto Zoo.
Armed with a Groupon for $ 19 admission adult admission (kids free under 3), we arrived just as the park was opening. The free parking was a nice change.
We walked towards the Big Cats area first and with the stifling hot/​humid weather, we were relieved to find that it was mostly shaded! We could hear several of the lions roaring in the distance was very cool. The cages for the animals did seem a bit on the small side which kept the big cats perched on the rocks for easy viewing.
As we came out of the cats area, the free train was waiting at a stop nearby so we hopped on for a ride. We passed the giraffes and ended up at the splash park. Since it was early, we had it to ourselves. After cooling off, we headed towards the 3 midway rides which were included with admission. There was a mini-​roller coaster and 2 rides that spin — perfect for toddlers over 36 inches tall.
We backtracked to the giraffes and bought one hand full of feed for $ 1. The giraffes were quite gentle but their slimy tongues kept my little one from another feeding. Hand wash stations with soap were nearby.
As it was getting close to lunch time, we hopped on the train to take us back to the front gates. We decided to get lunch from a food truck in the parking lot called The Red Parrot Streatery. It was a basic burger and fry truck. I had very low expectations and I totally swore under my breath when we were charged $ 30 for 2 burgers w/​fries & drink combos. I figured we were being gouged because we were stuck at a theme park and too lazy to bring our own food.
Our order took about 15 min. and I was completely shocked when our order came to the window. Each burger was composed of two 4 oz patties and a huge box of fries accompanied each combo. We got the Canadiana burger which included 2 large pieces of Canadian bacon and the Smoke House burger was piled high with pulled pork. And as a fry truck connoisseur, I dare say that these were the BEST fries I’ve pretty much had — perfectly crispy on the outside and seasoned with just the right amount of salt/​pepper.
Since we were staying in the area and so impressed by the Red Parrot, we went back later the same week for lunch as it’s located in the parking lot of Safari Niagara and does not require entry to access it. Chef Eddy’s home made burgers are some of the best I’ve had and definitely rivals any TO specialty burger chain (I’m looking at you Burgers Priest). I haven’t been able to eat a burger since I got home…
If you’re in the area and have kids to entertain, Safari Niagara will definitely keep them busy and burger lovers, you gotta try The Red Parrot.

I got a 2 for 1 Travelzoo deal for Safari Niagara. We got there when the park opened and headed straight for the Budgees. My wife enjoys feeding the Budgees and since there was nobody else there we got to feed them for about two hours. We rode the tram and explored the rest of the park after the Budgees. The white rhino is extremely cool. The lion exhibit was a bit sad. I really didn’t like seeing the big cat in such a small enclosure. They are building a new exhibit for the Tigers that looks much nicer. We were hoping to see the hippos, but it was a hot day and they were in the water all day. It was a fun day, but I just felt some of the enclosures were a bit cruel.

We quite enjoyed it, although more signage would be helpful.

My family and I had a lot of fun at Safari Niagara (formerly Zooz).
Our day was filled wandering around the park, enjoying the activities, and checking out the interesting animals.
Being big fans of the Elmvale Zoo (where you can also feed a few of the animals while being up close to them), we were no strangers to friendly giraffes and lounging lions. What we really enjoyed however were the (no additional charge) activities.
There’s an amazing rope climbing course, a huge playground, a few amusement style rides, a splash pad, paddle boats, and even trampolines, all within easy walking distance to each other. Personally, I suggest starting your day with the rope climbing course so that you don’t spend a lot of time waiting in line for it.
Pack a lunch, and don’t forget to wear a very comfortable pair of shoes. This Zoo has a lot of area to explore and while there’s a tram, I think that taking your time to walk the park is worth it.

The park has a ton of animals and provided for a nice day with the family.
A nice highlight was the restaurant next to an enormous playground. The staff were friendly and professional and the food was reasonably priced for a theme park as well as quite tasty. They have poutine and as a non resident, I can’t get enough of the gravy laden stuff.
The giraffes, bears and hippos are easy to watch and observe from some nice viewing areas.

This place has the potential to receive five stars, however there are a few things I disliked.
There are plenty of diverse animals in this safari, from tigers, lions, various birds, rhinos, giraffes, moose, bears, monkeys, and many more. You are able to feed the monkeys, giraffes and sheep. That I found was interesting and different then the traditional parks.
Do not buy the tram ticket unless you are incapable of walking, it is a waste of money. They strictly stop to pick up people in designated areas and they do not come around much. I recommend wearing comfortable shoes and studying the map and cutting through taking short cuts around. Screw that damn tram operating lady, she was annoying.
If you are able to come come during the weekends. There are much more shows and live exhibits, unlike the weekdays. Overall, it is a fun and nice experience.

We had a lot of fun here today. It’s definitely a lot of walking if you don’t use the tourmobile, which we didn’t. The best part is they don’t nickel and dime you for every little thing. Realistically, once you pay admission, you don’t pay for anything else other than if you want to feed the animals or buy food. The splash pad, ropes course, little kid rides, paddle boats, tour mobile are all covered. As a parent, that is music to my ears. I would go again if we were in the area.

Bought a Groupon to here and used it this weekend. Overall it was a good experience. I mean i have mixed feelings about places like this as I like the fact that I can show my kids animals up close but also feel bad as its like the animals are trapped in animal prison for being stupid enough to get caught.
Compared to Buffalo Zoo, its a bit different in that you can get closer to the animals but the cages they are in are pretty small. Seems a bit more spread out than Buffalo Zoo too. Mixed feelings on getting the Tram, as it saves you little walking if you want to see the animals up close, as it drives by them, making you walk back to them from the next stop.
They do have a nice playground, splash pad, kiddie rides area, that is pretty big. Kids did enjoy playing there. Also paddle boats and fishing can be done at little pond area too. Snack bar is a bit pricey so may want to pack a picnic lunch in a cooler to save some cash.
Basically I’d go back on discount tickets, not sure if I would pay full price though.

Great place and definitely a hidden gem. When compared to the Metro Toronto Zoo, I found this a lot better. The reasons? You can get closer to the animals, and also feed some of them with the treats that are sold. Feeding giraffes was pretty cool. Apparently you can feed hippos but the platform was locked on the day we went. Also included with admission are other activities that are included like kite flying, paddle boats, catch and release fishing, and even a small out door water splash park. There are also shows and demonstrations at certain times through out the day.
Exhibits include Camels, African Wild Dogs, Zebras, Giraffes, Hippos, Tigers, Leopoards, Jaguars, Bears, a variety of Birds, Lions, Cougars, Antelopes, Kangaroos, Moose, Elk, and Monkeys among others I can’t remember of the top of my head.
It’s a lot of walking however pay an extra $ 2 per person and you have access to a tram that comes and picks you up at designated spots. Having said that, comfortable shoes are a must.
Food to feed the animals is $ 1 and is vended through coin operated machines which all use a $ 1 Canadian coin or «loonie». Vending machines selling pop and water are scattered around the park. My only complaint is the layout of certain parts, mainly the hidden forest as you can unknowingly skip some exhibits. In my opinion, better signage would help with directing people throughout the exhibits.
Admission, including the tram was $ 20 each person. Children 3 and under are free. Wagons can be rented for an extra cost which is $ 5 I believe. The wagons are a standard size which will fit 2 small children. There is ample parking.
If you plan on heading to a zoo and are in the area, this is highly recommended. The only thing to keep in mind is their hours, 9am to 5pm, so to enjoy everything, you’ll pretty much need the entire day. We arrived at around 2:30PM and found we only got through half the exhibits and couldn’t any of the included free activities.