Features and Attractions
For decades, the zoo and park have attracted about a quarter of a million visitors a year.
And no wonder - the zoo features 27 exhibits, with over 45 species, including Yaks, Camels, Wallaby, Emu, Macaw, Lemur, Squirrel Monkey, Cougar, Plated Lizard and Meerkat.
The park covers 55.5 acres and is the largest and most diversified playground in the city. It also features equipment for physically-challenged children.
Highlights
- Free admission and parking
- Open year-round, 8:30 am to dusk
- Over 55 acres of scenic riverfront park and zoo exhibits
- 15-minute ride on a vintage miniature train for only $2 each, children under 2 years of age ride free
- Fabulous children's playground including water splash pad
- Over 27 exhibits and 40 species of animals
- Large picnic area along Otonabee River with picnic tables
- Disc Golf course in the North end of the park
- F-86 Sabre jet
- Totem pole donated by the Curve Lake First Nation
- Snack bar open May to September
- Winter tobogganing and cross-country skiing
- Wheelchair accessible
The Animals
Riverview features over 27 exhibits and over 45 species of animals.
The zoo is home to animals ranging from the plated lizards to the great yaks and camels; from reptiles and primates to llamas and cougars.
Opened in 1998, the new primate house is home to approximately 20 monkeys, reptiles and birds, and was made possible through the private bequests of community members. Donations are a key funding source for the park and zoo. Donations are gratefully accepted at boxes throughout the park.
The park and zoo is committed to promoting the educational aspect of its wildlife and resources through easy-to-read signage. School excursions are popular during the months of May and June. Many of the existing structures at Riverview have been erected by local high school and community college students.
The new River Otter Exhibit opened to the public the first week of July, 2007. The otter exhibit has a land area, two large pools, a waterfall, and a slide for the entertainment of the public and the otters.
Meet the Keeper
Our 'Meet The Keeper' program helps to educate visitors on the animals and allows them to ask any questions they may have. From May to September, Monday to Friday at 1 pm, you can meet Zoo staff as they care for the animals. Visit our Events page for more information.
Adopt-an-Animal Program
This program helps pay for the food and care of the animals. Donations over $100 are recognized with a certificate and addition of your name to the donation sign in the middle of the park. Please call us at (705) 748-9301 ext. 2303 or e-mail us to participate in this program.
Riverview Park and Zoo Praised for Ethical Treatment of Animals
Our very own Riverview Park and Zoo has been described as one of the two most ethical zoos in Canada. The zoo is owned and operated by the PUC.
Riverview was lauded for its ethical treatment of animals by Zoocheck, a Toronto-based organization that keeps its eye on Ontario's zoos.
"We feel it's one of the most professionally-run zoos in the province and one of the few zoos that consistently has not overextended its resources, which allows the animals to be treated well", said Zoocheck's Rob Laidlaw.
"If you did a comparative analysis across the province, the Peterborough zoo would rank right near the top," said Mr. Laidlaw. He adds that, "the new primate exhibit is very, very well done."
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For the Kids!
Riverview Park & Zoo hosts one of the most modern play centres in the area, including a 80-ft superslide and a modern splashpad.
From the tot-lot to the integrated play structures, children of all ages can enjoy themselves in Peterborough's largest playground. The playground features an 80-foot superslide, playground equipment for physically-challenged children.
A modern kids' splashpad, washrooms and change rooms are open from May to October. Dumping buckets, water cannons, geysers, and bubblers will entertain the young people during the warm sunny days of summer.
Miniature Train Ride
The Miniature train operates from May to October.
For the young at heart, take an exciting ride on the miniature railroad. The train is pulled by an iron horse replica of an 1860 locomotive and winds its way across the dam over the Otonabee river. The train operates from Victoria Day weekend to Labour Day weekend - 10 am to 6 pm and on weekends in the fall until Thanksgiving Day from noon to 5 pm weather permitting. Tickets for the 15-minute ride are only $2 each, children under 2 years of age ride free.
Picnic Areas
Take a leisurely walk along the river, relax in the shade and enjoy a picnic. There are many benches and picnic tables throughout the park area.
Large group picnic shelters can be reserved by citizens of Peterborough by calling the zoo at 748-9301 ext. 2304 or e-mail us.
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Winter Fun
The Riverview Park and Zoo is open during the winter months. Most of the animals can still be seen in their exhibits and the zoo is picturesque under a blanket of snow. Many of our animals are quite active during the winter months. Most roadways and pathways are plowed to keep them clear of snow.
If you like, bring your cross country skis. The Park area is the perfect spot to glide along in the snow. Ski in the park picnic areas along the Otonabee River for a great view and some good winter exercise. Please note that we do not have groomed ski trails.
Bring your toboggan! The north end of the park boasts a perfect hill for children to slide down in the snow. Bring a thermos of hot chocolate and enjoy some family fun.
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Disc Golf 
The Disc Golf course at the north end of the park is a great source of enjoyment. Bring your frisbee and play the nine-hole course. The game is played to the same rules as golf, but instead of hitting a ball into a hole, you throw the frisbee into a specially-designed basket.
Visit the Peterborough Disc Golf Club website for hints, course maps and rules of the game.
Ornamental Fountain, Sundial, Gardens
The Ornamental Fountain and Sundial are popular areas. Enjoy the sparkling, spraying waters, then it's just a short walk over to the sundial where you can tell the time the old-fashioned way, before mechanical timepieces were invented. Beside the sundial is a scenic water conservation demonstration floral garden.
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Revised:2012-09-06| Revised by: Peterborough Utilities Group Login