African Lion Safari Canada Ontario is honestly a must-visit if you have ever wanted to witness the rhinos, giraffes, or lions very closely. Initially, I still remember feeling a bit unsure, like “Is it just another zoo?” But it’s way more than that. It’s a place where you drive through open spaces in which animals just roam around, and it feels wild (in the best way). It’s not usual to experience a zebra walking right past your car window.
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The park is not too distant from Toronto; it’s in Cambridge. Families visit there every year, especially in the summertime. Since 1969, it has been a favourite for families and animal lovers. There is something really fun for you at the Lion Safari in Canada Ontario.
How to Get in Canada’s Wild Adventure?
It’s called Hamilton or Flamborough by some of the locals, so don’t get confused between the two terms. It’s the same. At 1386 Cooper Road, Cambridge, Ontario, you’ll find the park. It will take around 1 to 1.5 hours to drive from downtown Toronto. And that depends on traffic.
By Car
To get there, you can drive your car, which is the most flexible and easiest way to reach. Take Highway 401 West if you are coming from Niagara Falls or Toronto. And then, exiting onto Highway 8 West, which is towards Cambridge/Kitchener. This is where you can follow the signs to head towards the Ontario Lion Reserve.
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You won’t be missing the turn because of the attractive Ontario signs on your way. Just merge with the 403 or 401, in case you are coming from the QEW(Queen Elizabeth Way). It depends on the route you have taken, and follow the same directions. The GPS will help in taking you towards the entrance without trouble, and you’ll find roads all marked.
Parking
The good news is that the parking is free with plenty of space. You don’t have to stress out about finding a parking space, even during the busy hours on summer weekends.
Safari Tour Bus Option
You don’t have to worry if you don’t have a car. That’s fine because the tour bus will take you through the drive-thru and the park section. This Safari Bus is air-conditioned and comfortable as well. The staff is responsible for guiding by sharing interesting facts regarding animals and their habitats. Also, it is a great option for families and large groups who want to enjoy a ride together without any driving stress.
Things to do at African Lion Safari
Look at the following attractions and things that you can do at the Lion Safari in Canada Ontario.
Drive-Through Game Reserves (7 in Total)
It is the main highlight of the park, having a 9-kilometer drive-thru safari. This takes you to the 7 themed areas, which are the Nairobi Sanctuary and Simba Lion Country. You’ll get to see zebras, lions, cheetahs, giraffes, and many more roaming all around and everywhere.
You know the most thrilling part comes when the animals come right next to your vehicle. It’s just an amazing experience, not like your typical and usual zoos. And for those unfamiliar with park etiquette, here’s a great article on what not to do on a safari that offers some tips you’ll want to keep in mind.
Animal Presentations
You get to enjoy live animal shows on a daily basis. These animals are not fulfilling fun but also beneficial for educational purposes. Adults enthusiastically enjoys the show along with the kids. Throughout the day, with different set times, the show happens. So, it is important to check the schedule first before your arrival.
Nature Boy Scenic Railway & “African Queen” Boat Cruise
For a relaxing ride around a scenic track, you’ll have to hop on the little train. Or else you can take the African Queen boat through Misumu Bay. All the way to your journey, you will be seeing water birds, monkeys, and other wildlife. From all the tiring you have while walking and driving, this way acts as a peaceful break for you.
Misumu Bay Wetplay
A favourite spot and a huge hit for your kids is the Misumu Bay Wetplay. Especially in the summer, your kids will love to be here. A fun water zone where the children can splash around, having tipping buckets, water guns, slides, and splash pads. If your kid wants to enjoy the water fun and cool off, then don’t forget to bring a towel with you.
Gift Shops Galore
Mombasa Market, Safari Bazaar, and Jungle Junction are some of the several gift shops you’ll get to see in the Park. You can get t-shirts, stuffed animals, safari hats, and drinks from these shops. For your last-minute essentials, The Last Stop Shop is a great place for you. From this shop, you can get yourself baby wipes or sunscreens.
Visitor Essentials
The visitor essentials you’ll need during your trip are:
Ticket Prices & Packages
You need to book your tickets before as they have limited entry times. So, pick your arrival spots before the time. The price range varies according to date, age, and ticket type. ‘Wake Up The Wild’ tour is something you can try for a premium experience, which starts from CAD 159 for adults. You have full-day park access included in the tour.
A season Pass is for individuals who visit more than once. The pass has unlimited perks and unlimited entries. You can check the website for stuff like bundle deals and extras. The extras have meal plans or souvenir cups included.
Park Rules & Safety Guidelines
The topmost priority at a Safari is safety, which is equally important for animals and visitors. There should be checks and balances in terms of a safety check of each car entering and leaving. Certain vehicles should not be entertained or allowed to enter.
You should not be touching or feeding the animals very closely. Stay inside your vehicles instead of coming out of sunroofs or windows. Rules matter a lot, as the animals are not tamed just like usual zoo animals are. Unless and until the staff commands you to stop, do not stop in the middle of the road on your own. Just follow the lead of park guides; they are there for this purpose.
Best Times to Visit
Usually it’s in early May when the park opens and stays through the mid of September, with extra days until the 12th of October. You’ll get a crowd in summer, mostly in the months of July and August. So, it’s better to visit on weekdays or during the early season.
If you want to feel the cool weather and enjoy that, come around 9 to 10 in the morning when animals are more active. Be mindful of the hot days, bring sunscreen, water bottles, and hats with you. In the drizzle, you’ll see animals being more playful, so light rain isn’t a bad option.
Plan Your Visit
Planning really helps you enjoy your trips to the fullest. Here is a proper guide you can look up for a stress-free and smooth vacation at Lion Safari in Canada Ontario.
Map & Navigation
You may enjoy the drive-thru for 1 – 2 hours, depending upon the stops you choose and how much time you take in watching the animals. You must be following the rules. There is a walking section that you may find after the drive. This section has animal exhibits, bird shows, a kids’ water play area, along with train and boat rides.
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At least 4 to 6 hours are required to enjoy fullest. Most of the food places, restrooms, and shops are around the Safari Bazaar area, and soon you will be out of your car.
On-Site Facilities
- Parking: Parking is free, which puts you at ease for sure.
- Restrooms: The park is surrounded by washrooms. You can find restrooms in areas, including near Jungle Junction, Misumu Bay Wetplay, Last Stop Shop, and the Tusker Trail.
- Accessibility: Rental wheelchairs are available for a cost of around $5, and kids’ wagons are rented for $8 (deposit required).
Food Options
You may always find a variety of food, and there is no shortage of food. From full meals to quick snacks, you can find anything in the vast food variety they have.
Mombasa Market Restaurant
This restaurant has wraps, pizza, salad, and burgers. You can find gluten-free and halal options, too.
BBQ & Cabana Patio
They are serving BBQ favourites such as the fruit cups, ribs, and some light appetizers. Licensed drinks for adults are also offered here.
Nairobi Fry Hut
This place is known for its tasty Elephant Tail Fries, poutine, and halal chicken nuggets.
If you have a sweet tooth? Don’t miss the following spots:
- Funnel Cake Factory: They have funnel cakes, deep-fried Mars bars, and brownies.
- Kanga Kool Treats, Samburu, and Tusker Grill: They are selling fun snacks like Dippin’ Dots, hot dogs, and ice cream.
You’ll also find smaller snack stands at Eagle’s Nest, Jungle Junction, and the Last Stop Shop.
10 Tips for an Amazing Wild Adventure
We have 10 useful yet amazing tips for you, which are honestly lifesaving to spend a day at the Park. Here are the pointers:
1. Book Ahead!
Book your tickets beforehand, don’t leave it for the last minute. Before visiting, book online as tickets are timed. The tickets are sold fast on holidays and weekends. So, you are advised to grab yours to avoid any inconveniences.
2. Arrive Early
The park opens at around 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM, so try getting there at this time. It’s not because of the cool weather. Instead, it’s that time of the day when the animals tend to be more active. Plus, you’ll not be juggling with long queues and heavy crowds.
3. Know Your Vehicle
Make sure you meet the park’s vehicle rules in case you are doing a drive-thru from your own car. You are not allowed with RVs, Tall vans, or open-back vehicles. Before heading out, it’s recommended to double-check the guidelines given on their official website.
4. Bring Water & Snacks
It gets pretty pricey getting food or snacks from the inside. Especially those coming with large families get to experience this more. The smart way is to pack refillable water bottles and snacks along with you. At various stations, you will see free service refilling bottles and cups.
5. Take the Safari Tour Bus
You can take the safari’s tour bus if you don’t want to risk your vehicle getting damaged by the animals. You also get a lot of benefits from it, such as total peace of mind, better views, and guides giving interesting information.
6. Plan Around Show Times
The park has animal shows which include parrots, elephants, and birds of prey. The shows are worth watching and super fun for kids. And, if you don’t want to miss any of its shows, check out the schedule.
7. Pack Sun Protection
The weather gets hot here in summer. Have hats, sunscreens, and sunglasses with you. When coming with kids, bring swimsuits for them to enjoy at the Misumu Bay Wetplay. Also, don’t forget to bring towels with you.
8. Visit on a Light Rainy Day
You’ll have an improved visit if you experience a bit of rain. This might be sounding odd to you, but that’s what it is. The crowd is smaller, and the animals are more active in this cooler atmosphere.
9. Protect Your Car
It is your responsibility to protect your cars from baboons. Because they love chewing antennas and climbing on cars. They even enjoy scratching a car’s paint. So, you have two options. The first one is that you can get on a safari bus or skip the section simply to avoid any stressors.
10. Don’t Forget Your Camera
Don’t forget your binoculars and cameras, if you have any of these. These moments will stay with you in the form of snaps which you’re gonna take while stopping and capturing, or even better, read up on wildlife photography tips before you go!
Interesting Facts About Canadian Safari
Not just in Canada but all around the globe, it’s playing a role in conserving wildlife. The park is much more than a casual zoo. Instead, it has a pretty cool history. Thanking Colonel Don Dailley, who was the one opening the park and bringing the four farms to fulfill his dream of a safari in real life.
Officially, the park was opened on August 22 in 1969. A family known for their expertise in family, called the Chipperfield family. Colonel also teamed up with this family, and they created the most unique attractions of Ontario. There are walk-through sections of different species of animals, seven themed reserves on 740 acres of land. This is a very massive space for animals to roam freely, which is not available for animals found in regular zoos.
The success with Asian elephants makes the Safari one of impressive things you’ll find. This species of elephant is endangered, but the park is serving as a home to North America’s most successful programs of breeding.
However, a history was made in 2008 when the first third-generation of Asian elephants was born in Canada. There is another thing to know, which is that the part has an active participation in the conservation of animals such as the vultures, cheetahs, white rhinos, and native birds of Canada, including the burrowing owl and barn owl.
Conclusion
Not just because of the baboons, African Lion Safari in Canada, Ontario, is itself a wild adventure. It’s not like your ordinary average theme parks. In fact, it merges education, entertainment, and focuses on wildlife conservation.
So, if you want to explore walking and drive-through areas, you’ll be spending a full day here. You have a chance to learn about animals and their habitats in their natural settings. Thus, it’s one of the exciting experiences. You must keep in mind to have your expectations balanced. The Lion Adventure Park Canada is not Disney, though it is still pretty amazing.
