What is African Lion Safari?
African Lion Safari is Canada’s original safari adventure park, designed to let animals roam freely in wide-open habitats while visitors observe them from the comfort of their own vehicles or on a guided tour bus. Since opening in 1969, it’s become one of the top family-friendly attractions in Southern Ontario.
With over 1,000 exotic birds and animals representing 100+ species, African Lion Safari is both educational and unforgettable.
We were genuinely surprised by how close the animals got to our car — a giraffe peered straight through the sunroof, and we still talk about it. Keep your windows rolled up in the lion and baboon reserves, and have your camera ready at all times.
Address: 1386 Cooper Road, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 5S2
Hours: Open seasonally, typically May through early October. The 2026 season opens May 2. Confirm current dates at lionsafari.com before visiting.
Admission: Adults (13+) from $44 (2026 pricing). Children and seniors have separate rates. Book online to guarantee entry on busy days.
Parking: Free on-site parking available.
Confirm opening dates and current ticket prices before visiting, as the season schedule can shift year to year.
Before heading out, check our guide to things to do with family in Toronto for more day-trip ideas across the region.
Drive Through the Wild
One of the biggest draws? The drive-through safari. There are 7 large game reserves where you can observe:
- Lions lounging in the sun
- Elephants splashing in waterholes
- Giraffes gracefully walking the savanna
- Zebras, ostriches, and antelopes roaming freely
- Rhinos grazing just steps away from your car
This self-guided tour is perfect for kids and adults alike, offering a safe and immersive experience without ever leaving your vehicle.
We allowed about 90 minutes for the full drive-through loop. Going early in the morning meant the animals were more active and the queue at the entrance gate was short.
More Than Just a Safari
Beyond the drive-through experience, African Lion Safari also features:
- Bird and Animal Presentations: Learn about eagles, hawks, parrots, and other fascinating species through live shows
- Elephant Swim: Watch elephants take a dip in the lake during a scheduled swim session, great for photos.
- Nature Boy Scenic Railway: A fun mini-train ride around the property for young kids.
- Misumu Bay Wetplay: A splash pad and water park area open in summer for kids to cool off and play.
- Boat Cruises and Playground Areas: Great for letting the little ones burn off energy.
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The park offers multiple food stands, picnic areas, and clean restrooms. You can bring your own food and enjoy a picnic or grab snacks like burgers, pizza, and ice cream on-site.
We brought a cooler with sandwiches and snacks on our second visit. The picnic tables near the wetplay area fill up quickly after noon, so arrive early if you want a shaded spot.
Location and Hours
- Address: 1386 Cooper Road, Cambridge, Ontario (about 20 minutes from Burlington)
- Open Seasonally: Usually May through early October
- Tip: Book tickets online in advance, especially on weekends and holidays.
Know Before You Go
- Animals May Approach Your Vehicle: Roll up your windows in certain areas and follow park rules at all times.
- Camera-Ready Moments: Keep your phone or camera ready. The wildlife sightings are incredible.
- Great for all ages: Whether you’re with toddlers, teens, or grandparents, everyone will enjoy the experience.
Why African Lion Safari Should Be on Your Bucket List
If you’re planning a day trip from Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, or Hamilton, African Lion Safari is a must-visit attraction. It’s one of Ontario’s top family destinations that brings the thrill of African wildlife right to your backyard.
Whether you’re a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out with the kids, this wildlife adventure park in Ontario delivers memories that last a lifetime.
Best Time to Visit African Lion Safari Ontario
Spring (May to early June): The park opens for the season in early May and we find spring one of the best times to go. The animals are energetic in the cooler weather, crowds are lighter than summer, and tickets are easier to secure without weeks of advance planning. The grounds are lush and green, which makes for great photos. Summer (late June to August): Summer is peak season and the park is at its busiest, especially on weekends and during school holidays. All attractions including Misumu Bay Wetplay are fully open, which makes this the best time for families with young children. We recommend arriving when gates open to get ahead of the crowds and to catch the morning animal activity. Fall (September to early October): The park operates on a reduced schedule through September and into early October. Crowds thin out noticeably after Labour Day, which means a more relaxed experience. Some of the secondary attractions may operate on limited hours, so check the current season schedule on lionsafari.com before you go. Winter: African Lion Safari is closed during winter. The attraction operates as a seasonal park from May through October only. If you are visiting the Cambridge and Hamilton area in winter, our guide to fall activities in Waterloo Region covers the broader area and is worth bookmarking for shoulder-season planning.African Lion Safari Ontario: Visiting from Different Areas
- From Toronto and Mississauga: African Lion Safari is roughly a 75-minute drive west of downtown Toronto via Highway 403 or the 401. We have done the drive from Toronto many times and the most practical approach is to leave before 9am on weekends to avoid traffic and secure parking easily. The Cambridge location puts it squarely within day-trip range for the entire GTA.
- From Hamilton: Hamilton is the closest major city, sitting about 30 minutes east of the park. If you are combining the visit with a Hamilton day trip, the drive is straightforward. Hamilton is also home to a strong food scene, making it easy to extend the day with dinner after the safari.
- From Burlington: Burlington is just 20 minutes away, making this the most convenient base if you are staying overnight in the area. Several hotels in Burlington offer easy access to both the safari and the Niagara region, so consider it as a central base for a multi-day Southern Ontario itinerary.
- From Niagara Falls and Niagara-on-the-Lake: The drive from Niagara Falls to Cambridge is about 90 minutes. Safari Niagara is a separate wildlife attraction closer to the Niagara region if you are based there and cannot make the drive to Cambridge.
What You Can Do Without Booking in Advance
African Lion Safari does not require advance booking for admission, but we strongly recommend purchasing tickets online before you arrive. On busy summer weekends and public holidays, the park can reach capacity and walk-up ticket availability is not guaranteed. Booking online also saves time at the gate and often locks in the best available pricing. If you are flexible on timing, visiting on a weekday in late May, June, or September gives you the full experience with significantly shorter queues for everything from the entrance gate to the animal presentations. The drive-through safari itself has no separate reservation requirement. You simply join the queue in your vehicle and proceed through at your own pace. Parking is free and no pre-reservation is needed for the car park. Picnic areas are also open to all guests at no additional cost, so bringing your own food is a straightforward way to manage the day’s budget, especially for larger families.Tips for Visiting African Lion Safari with Kids and Toddlers
African Lion Safari is genuinely one of the most toddler-friendly day trips we have done in Ontario. The drive-through format means there is no walking pressure on young children, and the ability to return to the comfort of your car at any moment makes it far less stressful than a traditional zoo visit. For toddlers, the Nature Boy Scenic Railway and the Misumu Bay Wetplay area are highlights. Pack a change of clothes if you plan to use the splash pad, and bring sunscreen regardless of the season because the open reserves offer little shade. Carry a good stroller for moving between the ground-level attractions once you have completed the drive-through loop. Older kids tend to love the bird and animal presentations, and the elephant swim session is worth planning your whole day around. We find the best strategy is to do the drive-through first thing in the morning, then stop for a picnic lunch, and use the afternoon for the on-foot attractions. For more Southern Ontario family day-trip ideas, our guide to things to do with family in Toronto has plenty of options to extend your trip.Make a Weekend of It at African Lion Safari
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🔍 Find My Hotel Near African Lion SafariFrequently Asked Questions
Is it worth going to African Lion Safari?
Yes, we think it is one of the best family day trips in Southern Ontario. The drive-through safari format is genuinely unique in Canada, the animal sightings are close and unpredictable in the best way, and there is enough to fill a full day between the drive-through, presentations, and water play. It is priced at a premium compared to a typical zoo visit, but the experience justifies it for most families.
Is African Lion Safari currently open?
African Lion Safari operates as a seasonal attraction, typically open from early May through early October. The 2026 season is scheduled to open on May 2. The park is closed during winter. Always confirm current season dates and hours at lionsafari.com before planning your visit, as the schedule can vary year to year.
Why did African Lion Safari close?
African Lion Safari has not permanently closed. The park closes each year at the end of its seasonal operating window, typically in October, and reopens the following spring. Some confusion arises because the park temporarily suspended operations for a period, but it has since resumed seasonal operations and continues to welcome visitors. The 2026 season is active.
How long do you spend at African Lion Safari?
Plan for a full day. The drive-through safari alone takes between 60 and 90 minutes depending on animal activity and queues. Adding the animal presentations, elephant swim, train ride, and time at the wetplay area, most families spend between 5 and 7 hours on-site. We have never felt rushed finishing everything in a single visit.
Who owns African Lion Safari in Canada?
African Lion Safari is family-owned and has been operated by the Cavallo family since it opened in 1969. It is an independent Canadian attraction and is not affiliated with any international zoo chain.
Can you bring your own food to African Lion Safari?
Yes, outside food is permitted. The park has dedicated picnic areas where you can enjoy a packed lunch. Food stalls and snack kiosks are also available on-site if you prefer to purchase food there. We recommend packing a cooler, especially for visits with toddlers, to avoid queuing at food stands during the busy midday period.
Is African Lion Safari accredited?
African Lion Safari has been the subject of ongoing discussion regarding accreditation with organisations such as the Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) body. We recommend checking directly with the park and with CAZA for the most current accreditation status, as this can change over time.
Plan Your Visit to African Lion Safari Ontario
If you’re planning a day trip from Toronto, Mississauga, Burlington, or Hamilton, African Lion Safari is a must-visit attraction. It’s one of Ontario’s top family destinations that brings the thrill of African wildlife right to your backyard. Whether you’re a nature lover, photography enthusiast, or simply looking for a fun day out with the kids, this wildlife adventure park in Ontario delivers memories that last a lifetime. We have visited more than once and always recommend it as one of the top things to do in african lion safari ontario for families exploring Southern Ontario.
We have done the planning so you do not have to. Browse our tried and tested Canada travel itineraries and start your adventure.
Related Destinations
- Exploring areas near the best waterfalls in Canada offers opportunities to observe unique ecosystems.
- Embarking on the best hikes in Canada allows for immersive wildlife encounters.
- Looking for more Ontario family fun? Check out our guide to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada for another top Toronto-area day trip.
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