The Penguin walk at Calgary Zoo is a highly anticipated winter event for people of all ages. You can see the penguins waddle right in front of you; how cool is that? I share our experience with plenty of tips for your enjoyable visit.
Since our son was born, weβve visited Calgary Zoo countless times. The first time we went to the Penguin Plunge, he saw penguins just a foot away; he was mesmerized by the playful little creatures.
Even though there are a lot of animals, the Penguin Plunge is always our first and last stop. And there’s also a unique opportunity to see the penguins waddle outside (see our video here).
From all the penguins you can see – Gentoo penguins, Humboldt penguins, King penguins, and Northern rockhopper penguins β only King penguins go for an outside walk. Calgary’s temperatures are too cold for Humboldt and Northern rockhopper penguins. Gentoo penguins go outside during winter, just not on a walk for safety reasons, as they’re too curious and wouldn’t follow other penguins.
From January till mid-March, the penguins go for a daily walk around the Calgary Zoo. I was so excited to finally see the Penguin walk that I checked the Zooβs website daily to see what day it started.
Our first experience didnβt disappoint.
Our first Penguin walk
As soon as we pulled into the Zooβs parking lot, there were lots of cars parked, and families with little kids headed towards the entrance.
Some visitors were buying a daily admission, and some already purchased membership so they could walk past the line.
At 10:15, we were inside the Zoo. Although we could have visited the penguins at Penguin Plunge, we decided to find a good spot along the chains to watch the Penguin walk. Kids and strollers were already occupying a big part of the viewing portion.
January 13 was the first official day of the Penguin walk (Zoo members can experience the Penguin walk the day before the public), and it was sunny and gorgeous outside.
A few minutes before the start, penguins gathered outside the Penguin Plunge, getting close to the gate. They knew very well what was going on. All visitors were asked to stay at their chosen spot, not move around or raise their voices, so we didnβt scare the penguins.
Precisely at 10:30, a few zookeepers and eight king penguins started the walk. The penguins slowly waddle on the path, looking around, curious as little kids. They were enjoying the sunshine and all the attention.
If one curious fluffy stayed behind the group, the zookeeper motioned them to keep moving with the group.
When they passed the Canadian Wilds entrance, they went towards the Discovery bridge and on the island. At this point, if we wanted to see them further, we couldnβt follow them, but there was a detour pathway by the entrance to the Prehistoric Park.
The whole Penguin walk took about 15 minutes, so we decided to wait for their return. They were even happier on their way back, waddling back to their home.
After the walk, the penguins either return to the Penguin Plunge or hang outside at their outdoor pool to get some fish snacks.
We then walked around the Zoo to other areas and said hello to African animals β giraffes, hippos, and monkeys.
We had a blast and will be returning for the Penguin walk regularly!
Interesting things about Penguin Walk
- Why is the Penguin Walk happening? Think about it this way β why is being outdoors good for your kid? Because of the exercise, fresh air, and enrichment of the senses. Itβs the same for penguins! Itβs a new, fun experience for them.
- Every Penguin walk is different because you never know how many penguins decide to go for a walk; itβs totally up to them.
- The oldest king penguin is Josephine, who turned 30 years old in 2022. King penguins usually live up to 25 years.
Tips for the Penguin walk
Penguin walk dates & hours
Dates depend on the weather and are different each year. In 2026, the Penguin walk starts on January 10 and lasts until March 15.
The walk is happening daily at 10:30 am. Check their Instagram page before visiting, where they update whether the walk has been cancelled due to bad weather.
Admission
There have been changes in admission to the Calgary Zoo. Since 2024, Calgary Zoo uses dynamic pricing – which means the busier (and more popular) days cost more, and less busy days cost less. Average ticket price during the weekend is 38 Cad, and week day is around 35 Cad. The sooner you buy your tickets the better.
- FREE under 3 years old
- 24.95 -28.95 CAD children 3-15 years
- 34.45 – 40.45 CAD general admission 16-59 years
- 32.45 – 38.45 CAD seniors
- 13 CAD daily parking
Admission to the Penguin walk is the same as admission to the zoo. Your ticket includes a Penguin walk and a Zoo visit.
As you can see, the daily admission for a family with kids can be pretty steep; thatβs why we recommend the next option.
Calgary Zoo membership
Calgary Zoo offers different tiers for membership with various perks:
- Wild Explorer (94.95 Cad/year)
- Wild Adventurer (149.95 Cad/year)
They both have unlimited admission and free parking. The difference is in the discounts for the gift shop, camp discounts, Zoolights discount, and guest admission discount.
Then there’s:
- Wild Scout membership for kids 3-15 and costs 49.95 Cad/year
- Wild Access Pass with unlimited access to the zoo and costs 74.95 Cad (it doesn’t include free parking, access to member events or discounts. It’s ideal for those who just want to visit the zoo and are interested in visiting via transit.)
Buying a membership is a cost-effective solution because it pays for itself in just three visits.
Parking at Calgary Zoo
Only the main North parking lot is open during winter, located at 210 St. Georgeβs Drive NE (between Zooβs entrance & Telus Spark Science Center).
The daily parking fee is 13 CAD; thereβs no option for hourly parking. Parking is free with a Calgary Zoo membership.
Opening hours
Winter hours are 9 am β 4:30 pm because of the Zoolights afterwards. Day admission entry is from 9 am to 1 pm (membership last entry is at 3 pm). From 1 pm onwards, you need to buy Sunlight to Zoolight tickets.
When Zoolights end in January, the opening hours change to 9 am β 5 pm (with the last entry at 4 pm).
Check out their website for the current schedule.
Amenities at Calgary Zoo
- Calgary Zoo has several small outdoor buffets and indoor restaurants
- You can also bring your own lunch or snacks
- You can rent a pull wagon for kids, located just before the Penguin Plunge
- Calgary Zoo has two outdoor playgrounds suitable for kids of all ages, and one outdoor playground for toddlers with a Wildlife carousel
- There are outhouses located at the big playground in the Canadian Wilds, and washrooms are at every restaurant
- Thereβs no free Wi-Fi at Calgary Zoo
Hope youβll have a great time at Penguin Walk!
Family-friendly winter fun in Calgary & beyond
- Zoolights in Calgary: 30 best displays and tips for visiting
- Tubing at Winsport
- 10 Best indoor playgrounds in Calgary
- Tips for visiting Lions Festival of Lights, Calgary
- Skating at Bowness Park: everything you need to know
- 33 best family trip movies you’ll love
- Grotto Canyon Ice Walk near Canmore
- 15 best winter activities in Canmore
- 8 awesome winter hikes in Canmore
Thanks for sharing your journey and these lovely photos Maya. Fabulous post
Thanks for reading, Hussain!
Will there be Penguin walks at the beginning of May? I have family coming from SK.
Gitta Oorthuis
The Penguin Walk only lasts till mid-March. But you can still visit penguins in the Penguin Plunge, their indoor pool.
Oh too bad I would there in June,,thanjs
You can still visit them at the Penguin Plunge.