Self Guided Programs
Self-guided visits are a great option for groups seeking an alternative to facilitated educational programs at the Zoo and The Leaf.
We are pleased to offer special admission and the following tools to help you make the most out of your visit. Please review our self-guided visit rates and policies below then complete and submit our booking form at least five days in advance of your planned visit.
Prices and programs are valid until August 31st. Bookings for the 2025/26 school year will start September 2, 2025.
Rates
Discounted admission rates for self-guided visits for school and registered daycare groups are as follows:
| Zoo | Leaf | |
| Children 2 years of age and under | FREE | FREE |
| Child (3-17) | $9.80 + GST | $8.25 + GST |
| Chaperone* | FREE | FREE |
| Additional Chaperones | $21.75 + GST | $15.25 + GST |
| 1:1 Aide/Support Worker | FREE | FREE |
*Chaperone Ratio: 1:10 for Pre-K to Grade 12. Please note, that free chaperones only apply to groups with 10 or more children/students. Groups with less than 10 children/students will be charged $21.75 + GST per adult chaperone at the Zoo and $15.25 + GST per adult chaperone at the Leaf.
Payment Policies
To ensure a smooth experience, all program fees must be settled either before the scheduled field trip date or on the day of the visit. Failure to comply with this policy may lead to the cancellation of your program.
Accepted forms of payment include:
- Electric Funds Transfer: EFT’s must be sent at least two business days prior to your visit.
Please include the following details:- Booking Number
- School Name
- Visit Date
- Cheque: accepted for pre-booked groups ONLY. Present cheque at visitor services upon arrival for your visit. Personal cheques are not accepted. Groups that do not pre-book must pay by one of the other payment methods below.
- Visa, Mastercard, debit, or cash: present payment at visitor services upon arrival
- POs are not accepted
Free Self-Guided Programs at the Zoo
Polar Bear Program
Canada is home to approximately 16,000 of the estimated 20,000–25,000 polar bears in the world. That is more than 2/3 of the global population! Take your students on a self-guided tour of our award-winning Journey to Churchill exhibit and learn all about these amazing animals.
Before you visit the Zoo, we encourage you to download and review the PowerPoint presentations below so you know what to expect before your arrival and to learn more about polar bears. These presentations are designed to be shared with students.
Polar Bear Program - All About Polar Bears (PPSX)
Polar Bear Program - All About Journey to Churchill (PPSX)
Program Guide
The program guide is designed to help you make the most of your self-guided visit to the Zoo.
We encourage you to divide your students into groups accompanied by a designated chaperone who received a copy of this guide in advance of your visit.
Self-Guided Polar Bear Program Guide (PDF)
Self-Guided Polar Bear Program Guide - FRENCH (PDF)
Ethogram Activity Worksheet
Ethology is the study of animal behaviour. Scientists use ethograms to help with this research. Use our polar bear ethogram chart or use the blank one to study other animals.
To participate in this activity as part of your self-guided visit, you will need to bring the following supplies:
- Ethogram activity worksheet - one copy per student/group
- Pencils
- Stopwatch or timer
- Clipboard or something sturdy and flat to write on
Instructions for how to use the chart are provided in the Program Guide. While this activity is most suitable for students in Grades 3 to 5, it can be adapted for younger students. Encourage them to use their senses to observe and report on what the polar bears are doing and leave the charting up to your helpful chaperones.
Self-Guided Polar Bear Program - Ethogram Activity Worksheet (PDF)
Online Resources
There is a lot of great information available online about polar bears, climate change, and Arctic research. Here are a few resources to get you started.
Assiniboine Park Zoo, Leatherdale International Polar Bear Conservation Centre
Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Sustainable Development, Wildlife Branch
National Geographic
National Geographic KIDS
Polar Bears International
World Wildlife Fund
Government of Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada
Government of Canada, Species at Risk Public Registry
Churchill Northern Studies Centre
ArcticNet
National Snow & Ice Data Centre
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
Endangered Species Scavenger Hunt Program
Did you know that Assiniboine Park Zoo is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA)?
As a member of both organizations, Assiniboine Park Zoo is involved in important conservation and research projects. This scavenger hunt will have students finding and learning about endangered species throughout the Zoo, as you guide them on their adventure of discovery and their quest for solutions.
Before visiting the Zoo, we encourage you to download and review the PowerPoint presentations below so you know what to expect before your arrival, the roles of a modern zoo and what Assiniboine Park Zoo is doing to help endangered species. These presentations are designed to be used by the teacher or shared with students.
Learn about Endangered Species (PPSX)
Learn about the Roles of Zoos (PPSX)
Scavenger Hunt
The Endangered Species Scavenger Hunt is designed to help you make the most of your self-guided visit to the Zoo. Read the Zoo signage to discover each animal’s global conservation status. If the animal is found in Canada, see if there are differences between the global, federal, and provincial statuses. Find as many animals as you can in the scavenger hunt worksheet.
We encourage you to divide your students into groups accompanied by a designated chaperone who received a copy of this scavenger hunt in advance of your visit. Students can be responsible for collecting information about habitats and/or conservation status.
Endangered Species Scavenger Hunt English (PDF)
Endangered Species Scavenger Hunt French (PDF)
After your visit, we hope you continue the study of endangered species in the classroom. While our scavenger hunt looked at the statuses of some of our zoo animals, it would be important to research why certain species are threatened, and what actions can be taken to help the animals. You can reinforce what your students learned by having a class discussion about global threats to animals, causes, and local solutions that your students can initiate at home, school, or in the community. Help students build connections to the environment by having them share stories about enjoying nature, maybe at the park or zoo, or while camping or travelling.
Online Resources
There is a lot of great information available online about endangered species, threats to animals, and organizations trying to protect species and habitats. Here are a few resources to get you started.
The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Association of Zoos & Aquariums - Saving Animals From Extinction
University of Michigan Animal Diversity Web
Assiniboine Park Conservancy, Conservation & Research
Red Panda Network
Snow Leopard Trust
Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program
World Wildlife Fund
Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada
Government of Canada Species at Risk Index
Manitoba Species and Ecosystems at Risk
Nature Canada
Nature Conservancy of Canada
Canadian Wildlife Federation
Zoo Navigator
Navigators are experienced zoo volunteers trained to support and enhance our zoo visitor’s experience. The Zoo Navigator will meet your group upon arrival and help you plan the best route and schedule for your day. The Navigator will stay with your group for the first hour, orienting you to the zoo, including lunch locations and the best times to visit certain exhibits. Along the way, the navigators will share their passion for the zoo with your group.
If you are interested in having a complimentary Zoo Navigator for your visit to the zoo, please fill out this request form.
We will contact you via email to confirm if a Navigator is available. Navigators are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.
Free Self-Guided Program at The Leaf
Leaf Scavenger Hunt - Coming Soon!
Journey through the four distinct worlds inside The Leaf to learn about the different plants and animals found throughout the biomes. Find yourself in a vibrant display surrounded by colour, texture, and fragrance. Make friends with gentle butterflies, breathe in the aromas of the Mediterranean, and find winter respite in a tropical oasis.
(This program is coming soon!)
The Leaf Scavenger Hunt is designed to help you make the most of your self-guided visit to the Leaf. Visit the biomes, read the signage, and keep your eyes peeled for everything that is on the scavenger hunt worksheet.
We encourage you to divide your students into groups accompanied by a designated chaperone who received a copy of this scavenger hunt in advance of your visit. You can how many and which challenges you would like to complete depending on the amount of time you have.
Policies
Policies
Admission
- Admission fees will be based on final numbers received at least 2 business days prior to your field trip or you will be charged for the number of participants listed in your booking form. To update your numbers, email groups@assiniboinepark.ca.
- Group tickets are NON-REFUNDABLE. Any additional tickets needed upon arrival will be charged a regular admission rate.
- Group discounts do not apply for Education & Programming or Special Events and cannot be used in combination with any other discounted admission (ie seasonal promotions).
- Group members must enter together. One person is to pay for all group members who are on-site at the time of entry. We do not hold tickets for late arrivals.
Chaperones
- One adult chaperone is required for every 10 children/youth to ensure that all children/youth are supervised AT ALL TIMES for their own safety as well as the safety of the animals and other guests.
Good Behaviour Policy
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Groups must respect and follow the Zoo Rules and Leaf Rules during their visit
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Please be kind to the Park and Zoo. Do not litter. Use the available garbage and recycling cans.
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Class and group behaviour is the responsibility of chaperones, NOT Assiniboine Park Conservancy’s staff.
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We reserve the right to ask a group that is disruptive, or presents a danger to themselves or others, to leave the Zoo without compensation.
Assiniboine Park is a gathering place for all in our community and we want to ensure we are providing spaces and experiences that make everyone feel welcome, safe, and respected. To that end, please see our Safe Spaces for All statement here. This statement shares our values and the expectation that the creation of safe spaces in the Park is a responsibility shared by all Park users. The statement also outlines a behavioural code of conduct and some limitations on activities in the Park.
For more information please contact:
Phone: 204-927-6003
Email: groups@assiniboinepark.ca
