Indian River Reptile and Dinosaur Park
Walk on the wild side at the Indian River Reptile Zoo! As one of the only accredited reptile zoos in the country, the Indian River Reptile Zoo is home to more than 400 different reptiles from around the world. The park’s many features — both animal and animatronic in nature — make it fun for the whole family.
Established in 1998, the Indian River Reptile Zoo’s chief priority is the protection of reptiles. This is why, on any given day, only a fraction of the reptile residents can be seen by the public. In order to reduce stress, the animals are rotated and given plenty of time to relax behind-the-scenes. The Zoo also prides itself on being a sanctuary for abandoned and government-seized smuggled reptiles.
The Reptile Zoo’s other biggest attraction is from another era — literally! The Dinosaur Park features over 60 life-size animatronic dinosaurs that move and roar. Visitors drive through and observe the dinosaurs from the comfort of their car, and tickets always sell out fast.
The Zoo is just 15 km east of Peterborough on Highway 7 and County Road 38. Parking is free for all guests.
For up-to-date information and details on the Indian River Reptile Zoo, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.
More about Indian River Reptile and Dinosaur Park
Imagine if you shared your living space with over 400 others! That’s something the residents of the Indian River Reptile Zoo know well — more than 400 different reptiles call the Zoo “home,” including over 100 crocodiles, alligators and caimans.
Each enclosure features the reptile’s natural habitat, and information about the species is always displayed nearby. The Reptile Zoo offers visitors the unique opportunity to get up close and personal with reptiles they likely wouldn’t see anywhere else.
The expansive collection features boa constrictors, pythons, vipers, cobras, turtles, giant tortoises, lizards, alligators and crocodiles. The Zoo is also well-known for its rattlesnake exhibit, which is the largest in all of Canada.
Another unique feature is the Croc-Walk, an exhibit that allows courageous visitors to walk above six climate-controlled ponds as dozens of different crocodile species watch from below.
Venture outside and visitors will find 18 hectares of unique natural landscape and fun features to explore.
The showstoppers in the Park are two Tyrannosaurus Rex modeled on the largest T-Rex fossils discovered to date — “Scotty” and “Sue.” The Dinosaur Park’s T-Rex siblings are known as “Scott” and “Susan,” more dignified monikers since they’re much more than just bare bones! Some of the dinosaurs are even available for rent for private parties and events. Talk about crashing a party!
Those kids curious about paleontology can visit an area where they are able to dig around to see what bones and fossils they can discover in the dirt and sand.
If you’re not tired from discovering dinos, check out the mini-golf course! Constructed on the grounds using all-natural landscaping materials, the Standing Stones Mini-Golf course is 18 holes of pure fun.
Visitors are welcome to take a nature walk, of which there are several on the grounds. One includes the famous Norwood Esker, a gravel ridge left by a retreating glacier over 12,000 years ago. The Indian River Reptile Zoo also features a picnic area and gift shop, where visitors can purchase plush toys, apparel, décor, and other gifts.
Since the Indian River Reptile Zoo consists of indoor and outdoor exhibits, be sure to dress appropriately for the weather. And prepare for a prehistoric adventure!
Last updated: August 18, 2023