LEARNING CAN BE A TRULY WILD EXPERIENCE!

The Greater Vancouver Zoo is dedicated to creating an educational environment that inspires appreciation and concern about wildlife and wild places.

With our special school rate, the zoo is a vital resource for teachers and students, offering programs, animal information and much more. Inspire your students with a visit to the Greater Vancouver Zoo. You may explore on your own, reserve a narrated train tour, experience our newly renovated  North American Wilds walk through section or take part in one of our educational programs listed below.

All school and group bookings must be ‘pre-registered’
at least 2 weeks in advance and are subject to availability.
Please complete a registration form and fax/mail/email it back to us.
A confirmation will be sent out within 5 days.
Only upon receipt of the confirmation should you assume that your class is booked.
If you do not receive a confirmation, please contact us.
Payment is due upon arrival.

Special School Rates available for: Licensed Public and Private Schools, Licensed Preschools and Continuing Education programs, Registered Home School Organizations, Daycares and Day Camps and Non-Profit Organizations.
Note: Minimum group size: 10 people.

Click here for FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS for Teachers

School Rates:

*All prices include the 5% Goods & Services Tax and a $0.25 conservation fee

Click here for the SCHOOL RATES

We require the following number of chaperones:

Preschool to Grade 3: 1 free adults’ admission per 5 paying students (includes teacher)
Grade 4 and over: 1 free adult admission per 10 paying students (includes teacher)
Free admission for Special Needs Assistants

Note: School rates are subject to change at the discretion of the Greater Vancouver Zoo.

Perks:

Show your BCTF card and receive a complimentary pre-field trip zoo visit.
Free admission for chaperones. Preschool - Grade 3: 1 adult per 5 paying students. Grade 4 and over: 1 adult per 10 paying students. Free admission for Special Needs Assistants.
Free ‘Pre’ and ‘Post’ activities for all educational programs with a confirmation package containing information to get the most out of your field trip.
School buses park for free (individual vehicles: $6.00 per vehicle per day).

Education Programs:

All Education programs are based on the B.C. Ministry of Education curriculum and standards.
Most programs are approximately 45 to 55 minutes in duration (unless otherwise specified).
Education programs are available to organized groups (minimum group size: 10 people).
Grade levels are a suggestion only. Most programs can be customized to meet the needs of individual teachers.
Pre and post activity sheets are available upon arrival, as well as scavenger sheets

You and the Zoo
Preschool and Primary Level
Full of fun facts, this is an overview of some of the animals at the Greater Vancouver Zoo. Learn some of the features, basic needs and importance of each animal in its environment. This program is also available for E.S.L. students.

Amazing Animal Adaptations
Primary, Intermediate and Middle School Level
Discover the unique adaptations that enable animals to fit into and play an integral part in their ecosystem. Look for unique physical features and learn the behaviours that enable animals to survive in their different habitats.

Endangered Species
Intermediate and Middle School Level
Many plants and animals are now threatened with extinction. Explore the role of students, zoos and conservation organizations in protecting species that would now be extinct. Learn about the unique characteristics of some endangered species and their roles in the ecosystem.

The Web of Life
Intermediate and Middle School Level
Develop an understanding and appreciation of the checks and balances needed to sustain a healthy ecosystem while learning about the roles specific species play in a food web.

Please note: If you have focused on specific animals for any of the above programs, please specify when registering.

Also limited group numbers of 15 children and adult chaperones per session. Only available from October through to February.

Click here for the SCHOOL REGISTRATION FORM

or you can fill out our new PRE-REGISTRATION form ONLINE here

Outreach Programs:

Our Outreach Programs are fun, full of fascinating facts with a strong conservation message and include live animals or birds, as part of the program. The Zoo offers a variety of programs to different size groups that discuss a variety of species and the roles that they play in the environment. Here at the Greater Vancouver Zoo we are passionate about conservation and we want to satisfy your thirst on animal knowledge!

Please contact Barbara Lafresnaye at 604.856.6825 ext 26 for more information, or email edu@gvzoo.com.

ADDITIONAL OPTIONS:

Narrated Miniature Train Tour

A 12-15 minute narrated tour (advance reservation required).
Feedings and Special Events
Please see our ‘what to do’ link for more detailed information.

Night in the Wild
Have you and your class experienced a ‘Night in the Wild’ at the Greater Vancouver Zoo? Your evening may include camping under the stars, an evening Educational program or a combination of both.

Please note: Minimum group size is 20 people.

Click here to download the Night in the Wild Registration Form

Reserved Picnic Area(s)

 Area A = $25.00 Area B = $50.00 Area C = $75.00
A $50.00 deposit is required upon registration

Picnic areas are booked between 10-3pm or 4-8pm

Please Note: Gazebos near playground cannot be reserved, please see map or phone for more information.

Contact Information:

Education Department
Greater Vancouver Zoo
5048-264th Street
Aldergrove, B.C. V4W 1N7

Tel: 604.856.6825 ext. 26 Fax: 604.856.6857
edu@gvzoo.com

Hours of Operation:
April 1st - Sept. 30th (9:00 – 7:00) ~ October 1st - March 31st (9:00 – 4:00)