SPECIAL OCCASION EVENT SPACES IN CALGARY

Yes – in fact, we encourage it! We’d be thrilled to welcome you to the zoo for a private Tour of our facilities. Site Tours are free and we will take you through the Venues of any locations that you’re interested in. Please contact us to schedule the Site Tour.

Generally speaking, our Events have two essential pricing components:

1. Venue Rental Fee (which varies based on the location that you select)
2. Venue Food & Beverage Minimum Spend (which varies based on the location and week day that you select)

The Venue Rental Fee depends on the Venue that you select – it ranges from $750 to $2,550. The Venue Rental includes Admission to the Calgary Zoo (for all of your guests), tables, linens, chairs, plates, silverware, and glassware.

The Food & Beverage minimum spend is the amount that you are required to spend on food & non-alcoholic beverage for all of your guests. This amount does not include alcohol, and there is no maximum to what you may choose to spend on your selections. This amount varies based on the Venue that you select and the day of the week that your Event will be taking place. Please note that your Venue Rental Fee, alcohol, and AV needs do not apply to this amount. As an example, if your Food & Beverage minimum is $1,250 and you have 50 guests, you will need to spend $25 per guest on food and non-alcoholic beverages.

We book Events on a first-come first-served basis and your date is not guaranteed until we receive the initial deposit and the signed Contract Agreement. Please contact us for more details.    

You have the right to cancel the Event and terminate the Contract Agreement by giving the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo written notice. If you cancel the Agreement by giving at least six (6) months written notice, we will refund the deposit – except for Team Builders, Christmas & Holiday Parties, and all BBQ’s (E.g. there are no refunds for these types of Events). Corporate and social functions cancelled in writing between two and six (2 and 6) months before the Event date will result in forfeiture of the entire deposit(s). Events cancelled within two (2) months of the date will result in the full anticipated charges of the Event being invoiced.

At the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, the exotic experiences don’t end with the animals. Our chefs extend that feeling of discovery and excitement with inspired creations to delight your senses. With one of the largest catering teams in the city, we’re confident that your guests will enjoy a first-rate dining experience as civilized or wild as your taste! No outside food or beverage is permitted.

Absolutely, yes! Please consult with your Event Sales Coordinator on the full list of prohibited items (due to the safety and welfare of the animals) which include but are not limited to: all balloons, rice, confetti, piñatas, sparklers, fireworks, and all open flames. All décor must be free standing and the setup time allocated is up to 3 hours (including time for Catering to set the Venue). Upon request, your Event Sales Coordinator can check the availability of your Venue for earlier setup.  

Yes, your Event includes admission to the zoo for you and your guests. Guests may arrive up to two hours prior to the Event start time to enjoy the zoo. From 6:00 pm and onwards, you and your guests are requested to remain inside the Venue. Please note that your guests will not be able to access the Venue location before the start time. In order to facilitate entry, your guests will give the name of the Event Party that they are attending.

The guest parking location will be determined by your Venue (E.g. where the Event is being held). Please contact us for more information on assigned Parking locations. Note: parking is not included in your Event – the cost is $13 per vehicle daily. Any attendees with a valid Engage or Inspire membership may use their pass for parking access. Please note that all vehicles must be moved by 11:00 am the following day or they will be towed at the owner’s expense.