Canada’s first exotic animal cafe set to open in Toronto
Published November 10, 2025 at 1:01 pm
You’ve heard of cat cafes–and if you’ve travelled abroad, perhaps you’ve checked out a dog, rabbit, owl, hedgehog or capybara cafe–but if you live in Toronto, you have never been able to check out a local reptile cafe.
Until now.
This month, Mystik Cafe–which bills itself as Canada’s first exotic animal cafe–will open its doors in Toronto’s Kensington Market neighbourhood.
“More than a café – it’s a living, breathing experience,” the operators write on the cafe’s official website.
“Not Just Coffee. Not Just Creatures.”
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The cafe’s website said the space is home to a community “built on compassion for animals, people and the planet,” with every visit supporting ethical animal care and enrichment, animal educators and a “growing space for kindness, learning and connection.”
The cafe, split into the Ocean Cafe and Reptile Jungle, will feature food and drink (think regular and specialty coffees, refreshers, baked goods, and desserts) in the cafe portion, and animals in the “jungle” area.
The animal area, which is ticketed, will boast a number of slippery, slithery and aquatic animals, including snakes, lizards, geckos, turtles, frogs and exotic fish. According to the cafe’s website, the animals come from “trusted, ethical sources,” including private rescues and responsible breeders across Ontario and Canada.
Once open, the cafe will offer a number of experiences, ranging from a “sneak peek” pass for $15.99 to the “ultimate Mystik experience” for $35.99. The ultimate experience, which is 60 minutes, includes hands-on animal encounters, a drink, a dessert and a Polaroid photo.
On its website, operators say that not all reptiles will be handled, and that those who do interact with customers are those that enjoy being touched and held. The reptiles are not venomous and pose no danger to guests “when approached respectfully.”
The cafe is suitable for guests of all ages, but children under three are not allowed to touch or handle the reptiles.
The website says the space is also available for private parties.
The cafe is set for a soft opening on Nov. 16.
To learn more, click here.