Vancouver Aquarium

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Vancouver Aquarium is as entertaining as it is educational

Sea Otters holding hands at Vancouver Aquarium cc licensed photo by mindluge

Located inside beautiful Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is Canada's largest aquarium and the fifth largest in North America.

One of Vancouver's top tourist attractions for over 50 years, this was the first Aquarium in the world to capture and display an Orca whale, although they no longer keep Orcas in captivity. Sea lions, sea otters and a rescued dolphin 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. The animals are organized into twelve different exhibits and galleries, where trained naturalists are on hand to answer any questions you might have.

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.

Each day the aquarium features a full schedule of fun and interesting shows, all included in your admission. You can see a list of the day's shows on the information board inside the aquarium and on the official website. There show schedule includes an immersive 4D cinema experience.

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. A non-profit charitable organization, your admission fee not only goes towards maintaining the aquarium and its many animals, but also helps support their ongoing work. 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 relying on breeding their current specimens.

Combining a visit to the Vancouver Aquarium with a walk around the famous 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 below.

See the complete line of Vancouver Experiences on Viator

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: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Address: 845 Avison Way, Vancouver, BC V6G 3E2, Canada

Phone: (778) 655-9554

Official Website: Vancouver Aquarium

Vancouver Aquarium Reviews

Rated 4.5 out of 5 Star Rating

5 Star Rating I would highly recommend visiting the aquarium for all ages. There is so much to learn about the ocean and the effects it plays to our planet and ecosystem. The aquarium is segmented into different parts for tropical, deep sea, prehistoric, and more. For travelers, there are lockers for $1 that can fit about two full backpacks. This way you can securely stow away your stuff while exploring the aquarium. Be sure to enjoy the live showings of the sea otters and lions. There are a few cafes around the venue so you can snack or enjoy some lunch in between. The halibut fish and chips were great and topped off with a fish coned ice cream. 10 of 10 would recommend.
Douglas Chan-Wing - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Lots to explore. Great for children and adults! We spent about 2-3 hours here. There’s a cool movie you can watch, a wet lab, and lots of information regarding the animals at the aquarium. Lots of food options available as well. My favourite part was the otters. There are events/activities happening at different parts of the day. Overall, worth seeing at least once in your life.
Crystal V - a month ago

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5 Star Rating The Vancouver Aquarium is a sanctuary of marine wonder and discovery. Each exhibit is a window into the vibrant and diverse world beneath the waves, meticulously curated to both educate and inspire. The marine life on display, from the playful sea otters to the majestic sharks, captivates the imagination and fosters a deep appreciation for our oceans. The staff, with their profound knowledge and passion, enhance the experience, guiding visitors through the intricate tapestry of aquatic ecosystems. Interactive displays and educational programs further enrich the visit, making it both informative and delightful for guests of all ages. The Vancouver Aquarium is more than just a destination; it is a beacon of conservation and education, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of marine life. A visit here is a journey into the heart of the ocean, an experience that leaves one both awed and enlightened.
Danny Veiga - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Such an amazing place to visit to learn about our ocean and the effects on the ecosystem. I would highly recommend anyone to visit this place to explore all the different types of fish, amphibians, and more. For travelers, there are lockers for you to stow things away while you explore. It is $1 for each locket and it holds at least two fully packed backpacks. There is a cafe for coffee, lattes, pastries and a restaurant for lunch (fish and chips, chicken tenders, salads, etc). Be sure to watch the sea lion and otter showings! 10 of 10 would recommend.
Doug Chan - a month ago

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5 Star Rating Admission price on Maps says CAD$28 but it is actually CAD$55. Nice Aquarium with many marine animals. Includes skeletons of historical dinosaurs that once swam the oceans. Located in beautiful Stanley Park. Great for adults and kids old enough to walk on their own.
Fritz Feltner - in the last week

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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 1 block to West Pender Street. Cross to the far side of Pender and look for the westbound #19 Stanley Park Bus Stop to your left.

From Waterfront Station exit onto Cordova Street and cross over at Seymour Street and walk uphill 2 blocks to Pender Street. Turn right on Pender and walk ½ block to the westbound #19 Stanley Park Bus Stop.

Ride the #19 Stanley Park bus to its terminus just inside the park then make your way to the east following the signs for the quick 5 minute walk to the aquarium.