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Magical animal lanterns surround the words: Tickets Now On Sale - Glow in the Wild - Only at your Toronto Zoo

 

Visit your Toronto Zoo after dark and journey through an illuminated animal lantern experience!

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OPENING SEPTEMBER 2, 2026

Something wild is glowing on the horizon.

 

Glow in the Wild — A First-of-its-Kind After-Dark Experience

Opening September 2, Glow in the Wild transforms your Toronto Zoo after dark, inviting you to step into a spectacular nighttime adventure where more than 2,000 handcrafted illuminated lantern displays bring the wild to life in a whole new light.

Explore the Zoo after sunset, discover spectacular handcrafted illuminated lantern displays, and enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with wonder around every turn. Inspired by wildlife, nature and cultural storytelling, Glow in the Wild brings breathtaking artistry, interactive experiences and conservation stories to life in a whole new light.

The wild doesn’t sleep. It glows.

 

A highlight of this inaugural event is a first-of-its-kind lantern art installation sharing the story of the endangered Blanding’s Turtle. Created in collaboration with an Indigenous artist, this immersive experience combines handcrafted lanterns, art and storytelling to celebrate this remarkable species and the importance of protecting wildlife at risk.

Toronto Zoo Members receive an exclusive discount — simply enter the email associated with your membership at checkout.

Don’t wait to experience the glow - book early to secure your preferred date and time!

Map

Map of the Glow in the Wild route through your Toronto Zoo - the map starts off in the zoo's discovery zone and travels through 11 custom coloured routes beginning with Black and White, followed by Pink, Yellow, Green, Red, Purple, Blue, Green/Yellow, Brown, Orange, and then Rainbow labelled 'Under the Sea' before completing near the Zootique Gift Shop

Frequently Asked Questions

  • When is Glow In The Wild open?
  • Glow In The Wild runs from September 2 to January 3, primarily Thursday through Sunday, with additional dates during the December holiday period. Please note that Glow In The Wild will not operate on December 24 or 25.

    Operating dates and times may vary throughout the season. Guests are encouraged to check the ticketing calendar when planning their visit for the most up-to-date availability.

  • What time does Glow In The Wild open and close?
  • Glow operating hours vary by date. Guests should select their preferred date when purchasing tickets to view available entry times and event hours.

    Closing time is one hour after the last posted entry time.

  • How long is the Glow In The Wild route?
  • The route is approximately 1.5km and takes guests through the Americas, Australasia and Core Woods areas of Toronto Zoo.

    Guests should come prepared for an outdoor walking experience and dress for the weather.

  • Where at your Toronto Zoo does the Glow In The Wild route go?
  • Glow In The Wild follows a specially designed route through through the Americas, Australasia and Core Woods areas of Toronto Zoo, featuring illuminated lantern displays and experiences along the way.

    A route map is available above on this page to help guests plan their visit.

  • Do I need to purchase tickets in advance?
  • We recommend purchasing Glow In The Wild tickets in advance to secure your preferred date and entry time. Availability may be limited, particularly on popular evenings and during the holiday season.

  • Can I visit Toronto Zoo during the day and stay for Glow In The Wild?
  • Daytime Zoo admission and Glow In The Wild are separate experiences. Guests wishing to attend Glow In The Wild will need a valid ticket for their selected date and entry time. Daytime guests may also be required to exit the Zoo at the end of regular operating hours and re-enter for Glow In The Wild.

  • What happens if it rains or snows?
  • Glow In The Wild is an outdoor experience and is expected to operate in a variety of weather conditions. Guests are encouraged to check the forecast and dress appropriately for the conditions.

    In the event that severe weather or other conditions affect operations, updates will be shared through Toronto Zoo and Glow In The Wild's official channels.

  • Can guests interact with or touch the lantern displays?
  • Guests are asked not to touch the lanterns or cross any barriers surrounding the displays. Please remain on designated pathways and enjoy the lanterns from the designated viewing areas to help keep both you and the displays safe.

Food & Amenities

  • Will food and beverages be available during Glow In The Wild?
  • Yes, food and beverage options will be available during Glow In The Wild, so guests can grab a bite or warm up with a seasonal treat while enjoying the experience.

  • Which food locations will be open?
  • Select food and beverage locations will be open during Glow. Locations and operating hours may vary by date and are subject to availability and weather conditions.

  • Are washrooms available along the route?
  • Yes. Washroom facilities are available throughout Toronto Zoo. Guests can refer to the Zoo map and on-site signage for locations during their visit.

Accessibility & Families

  • Is the Glow in the Wild route accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices?
  • Toronto Zoo is committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming experience for all guests. The Zoo offers accessible parking, wheelchair-accessible facilities, accessible washrooms and complimentary wheelchair rentals, subject to availability.

  • Are strollers permitted?
  • Yes. Strollers are welcome at Glow in the Wild. Guests are welcome to bring their own, and stroller rentals may also be available at Toronto Zoo on a first-come, first-served basis.

  • Is Glow in the Wild suitable for young children?
  • Glow in the Wild is designed as an experience for guests of all ages, making it a great opportunity for families to experience Toronto Zoo in a whole new light.

    Parents and caregivers should keep in mind that Glow in the Wild takes place primarily outdoors and in the evening, so we recommend dressing children for the weather and planning accordingly.

  • Are there flashing lights, loud sounds or other sensory considerations guests should know about?
  • Glow in the Wild features illuminated displays and may include changing or moving lights, music and other sensory elements.

    Guests looking for additional accessibility information can review Toronto Zoo's accessibility resources and sensory maps before their visit.

    Toronto Zoo Accessibility

Getting Here

  • Where should Glow in the Wild guests park?
  • Parking is available in Toronto Zoo's main parking lots at 2000 Meadowvale Road. Guests should follow event and parking signage when they arrive.

  • Is parking included with Glow in the Wild admission?
  • Parking is not included with Glow admission. Regular Toronto Zoo parking rates apply unless otherwise indicated when purchasing your ticket.

  • Can I get to Glow in the Wild by public transit?
  • Yes. TTC shuttle service will be available on Route 200 Toronto Zoo, operating between Meadowvale Loop and Toronto Zoo.

    Guests can connect to or from Route 85 Sheppard East or Route 86 Scarborough at Meadowvale Loop.

    Service will operate approximately every 10–15 minutes, with trips beginning about 30 minutes before Glow in the Wild event times and ending about 30 minutes after the event.

    TTC shuttle service begins Tuesday, September 2, 2026.

About the Experience

  • What can I expect at Glow in the Wild?
  • Get ready to see Toronto Zoo in a whole new light! Glow in the Wild transforms the Zoo after dark with larger-than-life illuminated lanterns, colourful displays and memorable photo opportunities along an outdoor walking route.

  • Will I see animals during Glow in the Wild?
  • No. Glow in the Wild is primarily an evening lantern experience and is not intended to provide the same animal-viewing experience as a daytime visit to Toronto Zoo.

  • Can I take photos and videos?
  • Absolutely! Guests are encouraged to capture their experience and share their favourite moments.

  • Will Glow merchandise be available?
  • Yes! Select Glow in the Wild and Toronto Zoo merchandise will be available for purchase during the experience. Availability may vary throughout the season.

Sustainability

  • Is Glow in the Wild designed with sustainability in mind?
  • Sustainability is an important consideration in the production. The lantern producer reports that more than 90% of lantern materials are recyclable, and lanterns are designed to be reused across multiple years where appropriate.

    The experience also uses energy-efficient LED lighting throughout its lantern displays.

  • What happens to the lanterns after Glow in the Wild?
  • Lanterns are designed with reuse in mind and may be used for multiple years. When components can no longer be reused, materials such as steel, electrical cables, lighting components and fabrics are separated by material type, with recyclable materials diverted where possible.

    The lantern producer reports that more than 90% of its lantern materials are recyclable.

  • Does Glow in the Wild use energy-efficient lighting?
  • Yes. The lantern displays use LED lighting, which is more energy-efficient than traditional lighting technologies.

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