Since its opening in 1956, The Vancouver Aquarium has been dedicated to conserving aquatic life. Sprawling over 9,000 square metres, its impressive exhibits and galleries showcase over 50,000 animals from around the world, making it an engaging and inspiring adventure for all ages.
Plunge into the underwater viewing galleries to see a whole world of marine life swimming around. Colours abound in the Tropic Zone where bright orange clownfish dart about sea anemones and blacktip reef sharks traverse the coral-filled waters. Watch penguins waddle about at Penguin Point or get up close to the native Pacific giant octopus at the Treasure of the B.C. Coast exhibit. Don't miss out on the daily dolphin and beluga whale shows.
Touch pools with crabs, sea anemones, jellyfish and more allow you to get intimate with the animals and are a delight for both adults and children. For a more personal experience, take part in a full, interactive training session with aquarium trainers to feed the giant whales and help out during their daily training session at the Beluga Encounter. Understand the inner workings of the aquarium in a one-hour guided tour Behind the Scenes with the trainers as they care for the animals. If an entire day spent at the aquarium isn't enough, you can even book a Sleepover that is held on some Saturdays over the year. All activities require advance booking you’ll need to sign up on the aquarium's website well ahead of time.
Dive into a multi-sensory adventure through the underwater world in the aquarium's 4-D Experience. Watch as larger-than-life images leap out of the screen while realistic sounds and scents surround you. The innovative 4-D technology also allows you to touch and feel as if you were part of the film.
While its underwater exhibits are impressive, they are not the only ones worth checking out. Immerse yourself in the hot and humid Graham Amazon Gallery, a mini rainforest where tropical birds fly freely and two-toed sloths try to hide. Experience simulated tropical thunderstorms every hour with rolling thunder, rain, and lightning.
Located in the heart of Stanley Park, the Vancouver Aquarium is a 15-20 minute walk from downtown. Many bus routes stop here and parking is available for a fee.
