Vancouver Aquarium

A very popular Vancouver attraction for over 50 years, it was the first Aquarium in the world to capture and display an Orca whale, although they no longer keep Orcas in captivity. Beluga whales, sea lions, sea otters and dolphins are just a few of the thousands of species on display. The Aquarium, the largest in Canada, is currently home over 50,000 animals native to areas ranging from Canada's northern Artic, to local BC waters to the Amazon rainforest. Trained naturalists are on hand in the galleries to answer any questions you might have during your visit.

The aquarium opened its largest ever expansion in the summer of 2014. The expansion includes an outdoor courtyard where they feature educational programs, entertainment for the kids, concerts and other special events throughout the summer. Inside, you'll find a huge globe wrapped with screens that take you on an exploration of the world's oceans and the life within. Be sure to check out the updated tropical gallery which also includes a new bat cave.

If you get hungry during all your exploring, you can head over to new Ocean Wise indoor or outdoor cafes.

It's good to know that the Vancouver Aquarium, while indeed entertaining, is highly focused on education, ocean and marine research, and conservation. The institution is highly respected around the world for their efforts in these areas. Your admission and supports an excellent cause. Except for rescuing distressed animals, which are only kept when it's determined they are not releasable, the aquarium does not engage in capturing wild animals and relies on breeding their current specimens.

Visiting the Vancouver Aquarium combined with a walk around the Stanley Park seawall is a memorable way to spend a gratifying and pleasant day. For complete details about the Vancouver Aquarium click on the official website link above.