Vancouver Aquarium
Discover the wonders of the ocean at Canada's largest aquarium, located in the heart of beautiful Stanley Park.

Nestled within the lush greenery of Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is one of the city's most popular attractions. As a dedicated centre for marine research, conservation, and animal rehabilitation, the Aquarium offers an experience that is as educational as it is entertaining. It is home to over 65,000 animals, from playful sea otters and majestic sea lions to colourful tropical fish and frogs, providing a fascinating look into the diverse life found in our planet's waters.
Why Visit the Vancouver Aquarium?
- Incredible Marine Life: Get up close with thousands of aquatic species in galleries that transport you from the BC coast to the Amazon rainforest.
- Focus on Conservation: Learn about vital ocean conservation and marine mammal rescue efforts. The Aquarium is a non-profit, so your visit supports this important work.
- Playful Sea Otters: The rescued sea otters are a highlight for many visitors, famous for their charming and playful antics.
- Location in Stanley Park: The Aquarium's setting makes it easy to combine your visit with a walk or cycle along the famous seawall or a visit to other park landmarks.
What to See & Do
- Steller's Bay: Watch the powerful Steller sea lions glide through the water in this impressive underwater viewing gallery.
- The Tropics: Step into a warm, humid gallery to see colourful fish, sharks, and even a walk-through bat cave.
- Treasures of the BC Coast: Discover the amazing diversity of life found right here in British Columbia's local waters.
- 4D Experience Theatre: Engage all your senses in this immersive theatre that combines a 3D film with special effects like wind and mist.
- Daily Talks & Feedings: Check the daily schedule for expert talks and feeding times, which provide fascinating insights into the animals and their care.
Food & Drink Options
- The Aquarium has several food and beverage options, including the Courtyard Cafe and Coffee Bar, offering a range of meals, snacks, and drinks.
- You can also bring your own food and enjoy it in the outdoor picnic areas within Stanley Park, just outside the Aquarium.
Pro Tips & Local Insights
- Buy Tickets Online: Tickets must be purchased online in advance for a specific time slot. Book ahead to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
- Check the Daily Schedule: Plan your visit around the daily talks and feeding times to get the most out of your experience. The schedule is available on the Aquarium's website.
- A Full Day Out: Combine your visit with a walk around the famous Stanley Park seawall for a memorable and pleasant day.
Nearby Attractions
- Stanley Park: The Aquarium is located within the park, which offers trails, beaches, totem poles, and the famous Seawall.
Facts For Your Visit
Fee: Yes. Tickets must be purchased from the official website in advance.Vancouver Aquarium Hours:
Opening hours may differ on holidays
- Monday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Friday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Saturday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Sunday: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada
Phone: (778) 655-9554
Official Website: Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium Reviews
Rated
We had an amazing time here! As soon as we walked in, we completely lost track of time exploring and discovering all the different animals..They were absolutely lovely to see. One of my personal favorites was the black and golden poison dart frog 🐸 such a perfect and fascinating color combination! ✨️
The food was also delicious. My son and I started with some fries as an appetizer, and of course, we couldn’t leave without trying the ice cream it was so yummy! Overall, we had a fantastic day and made some great memories. Highly recommended!
D.T - a month ago
We happened to visit the Vancouver Aquarium today while driving around with friends, and it was absolutely amazing! The place is much bigger than we expected, and all the animals look so cute and well cared for. The staff are incredibly friendly and passionate about their work.
One of the highlights was on the lower level, where we saw an educational session about snakes. What really impressed us was how the staff member actually knelt down to let the children in line touch the snake and patiently explained everything to them. Such a thoughtful and dedicated attitude truly makes a difference!
This place is definitely worth visiting again!
Aven Fu (EvaMoonStore) - 2 months ago
Expensive for a day admission - interesting but compared to other aquariums in the world does not stack up too high. The diversity of ocean animals is actually limited, specially missing large animals typical of the pacific ocean (dolphins, whales, manta-ray., sharks. Focused on rescuing sea lions which is fine and i assume funding is limited
Julio Villafuerte - 2 weeks ago
The entry fee for 2 was about $95 in Jan 2025, truly eye-popping. But did I have a great time? You bet.
It exceeded my expectations, it was significantly more enjoyable and memorable compared to what I remembered as a kid.
Other than wishing that the admission prices were more friendly, I would recommend dropping by the aquarium if you’re from out of town.
I recommend budgeting 3.5-4 hours for the visit.
Josh Lin - 3 months ago
Worth every penny! I feel the ticket is pricey at first, but the animals look like they are being cared well and in good condition. Plus the experience is super cool.
I spent ~3.5 hours. There are so much to see with variety of pieces across the globe. If you are a fan of aquarium, consider getting a membership for ~80$, you can freely come within a year, which is more beneficial than a 50$ one time entrance.
Huynh Anh Diep Tran - 3 months ago
Directions
Skytrain and Bus Line | Nearest Station | Walking Time |
---|---|---|
Expo Line | Burrard Station | 5 Minutes |
Canada Line | Waterfront Station | 5 Minutes |
How to get to Vancouver Aquarium by Skytrain and Bus
From Burrard SkyTrain Station take the Burrard Street Exit. Walk to your left (north) along Burrard Street to West Pender. Cross to the far side of Pender and look for the westbound #19 Stanley Park Bus Stop to your left.
From Waterfront Station on the Canada Line exit onto Granville and walk uphill 1/2 block to West Pender. The #19 Stanley Park bus stop is westbound on Pender just before Granville.
Ride the #19 bus to its final stop at the Stanley Park bus loop. From there, follow the signs for the easy 5-minute walk to the Aquarium entrance.
Map & Instant Route Finder
Click&Go Map and Route Finder with public transit, walking, driving or cycling directions. Get up-to-the-minute transit times for your route.
Accommodations near Vancouver Aquarium:
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Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr -
Photo Credit: marsupilami92 - cc license via Flickr
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