The Vancouver Aquarium is a public aquarium located in Stanley Park in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. In addition to being a major tourist attraction for Vancouver, the aquarium is a centre for marine research, ocean literacy education, conservation and marine animal rehabilitation.
The Vancouver Aquarium was one of the first facilities to incorporate professional naturalists into the galleries to interpret animal behaviours. Prior to this, at the London Zoo Fish House, naturalists James S. Bowerbank, Ray Lankester, David W. Mitchell and Philip H. Gosse (the creator of the word aquarium) had regularly held "open house" events, but the Vancouver Aquarium was the first to employ educational naturalists on a full-time basis. Aquarium research projects extend worldwide, and include marine mammal rescue and rehabilitation.
Monday | 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
Tuesday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
Wednesday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
Thursday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
Friday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
Saturday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
Sunday | 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM |
Fabio Lopes | Feb 8, 2018
This was such good surprise as it’s such a friendly place to visit and with so much to see! It’s super family and kids friendly and their initiative to recycle and reuse materials in order to protect marine life is incredible. Almost zero plastic is used in their cafeteria and for me that’s a big plus! The research work is incredible and transparent throughout the entire visit where you’ll have the chance to see a dolphin, sea lions and seals, penguins and sea otters amongst other animals and plants! I was skeptical at first but ended up having the beat day of my holiday in Vancouver!
Jap Talianadian | Mar 4, 2018
I really enjoyed my time here. The exhibits were great and I got to touch a ray! The jellyfish were beautiful and thankfully I was able to see the live show with the dolphin and false killer whale. Missed the penguins. Staff was friendly and seemed happy.
The | Jan 10, 2018
Great place! They have many unique animals/sea creatures there, from endangered frogs from Brazil to the electric eel, the sloths, and weird-looking sea critters. The exhibits/aquariums are really beautifully designed. The dolphin exhibit was pretty cool! As well as the otters! I was told that there was a beluga or narwhal (can't remember which) there, but we did not see it. They have stingrays that you can touch! Also, like someone else said, the food is expensive. Overall, a good place to see and I recommend going.
Human Being | Jan 9, 2018
It's a great place to wander. The aquarium itself is fairly small compared to others I've attended, but contains many interesting live exhibits. You'll find seals, sea lions, rays, jellyfish, frogs, starfish, an electric eel, and many local aquatic lifeforms. They have had belugas and other cetaceans in the past, although I think those exhibits are being phased out. There are usually fossils available for viewing as well. The gift shop is extensive if you're looking for souvenirs, but with it being in Stanley Park and so close to the water, I prefer to take a slew of pictures to commemorate my visit.
Jan Basill | Mar 4, 2018
A definite must see. For all ages. Enjoyed the 4D experience the most. Try it out. Wonderful marine displays. Friendly staff who are there to answer your questions. Good cafe. Was busy place. We biked there from the downtown area. Very easy to access
Jessi Peters | Mar 31, 2018
Amazing experience! The indoor aquarium part was spectacular! Kids loved the new stingray exhibit too. The larger sea animal tanks outside were pretty murky and gross though. I'm sure they're doing their best, but I'm glad they're transitioning away from having larger animals.
Nadjeschda Nordquist | Mar 17, 2018
Even if you just go to pet the stingrays, the admission fare is worth it. We did that and so much more. We saw the sea lions training and I think we hit every exhibit. Did you know they have fruit bats and marmosets? Yes, I know, not aquatic, but it's there and the animals are so well taken care of. Also, they have a marine wildlife rescue service so all the proceeds are going to a good cause.
John Brown | Mar 31, 2018
Everything was in very good condition and you can tell they take good care of the animals. For the overall price I felt the shows were somewhat underwhelming and there was less to do then expected. My kids, 10,8 and 6 had a lot of fun. We may go back in 5 years as it a once every few years activity.
Derek Jensen | May 6, 2018
Wonderful place. My son loves going there and we love taking him! It's a great place for families to visit! They change things up from time to time so that there is something new to experience as well. Very friendly staff and many beautiful creatures to see. I also really like that they are so environmentally conscious, even with their restaurant. We will go back many times!
seanicroute | May 8, 2018
Such a great place to take kids and visitors to Vancouver. Located in the gem of Vancouver so you can combine this with a visit to Stanley Park. All parking within the park is paid parking. Great marine life on display and there is a new exhibit rotation periodically. Best to visit on a weekday if possible as the aquarium gets very busy during the weekend. Emphasis on local marine life is great for teaching kids of all ages about our local waters. There are no longer any cetaceans on display here. Gift shop is a bit of a touristy trap but there are nice momentos here to remember your visit.
Anthony Pooran | Apr 26, 2018
This place is worth every penny. Great place for families, especially kids to run around and explore. It has multiple levels including an outdoor section. Very clean and up to date. The staff were friendly, approachable and very informative about the exhibits. Definitely check out the bird sanctuary exhibit where you go into a cage where animals roam around you. I look forward to visiting again. So much to learn about marine biology that I couldn't soak it in one trip.
Joanna Rose | Apr 26, 2018
If you’re a BC resident and buy your tickets online you get 15% off! Need MINIMUM 3 hours to see everything and that’s not even enough. So many cool/cute critters and creatures, especially fun for kids - educational and interactive. 10/10 would recommend. It’s pricey, but it’s worth it to go once a year.
Neil Campbell | May 6, 2018
Excellent upgrade to an already great place. All it needs are leaping salmon in the front water feature. Great for all and well priced for the family outing. Information is easy to find on all the creatures and kids will learn so much.
N N | May 27, 2018
Good place to spend half a day with kids. Much of the key areas were not in shape due to either filter issue or renovation. Parking is very limited. Location is cool and if you are planning to bike as well, the location comes handy. Great emphasis on plastic pollution, my kids got influenced as well. 4D theatre is good. Dolphin show is just okay. Good eating options in cafeteria.
Menderes Fatih GÜVEN | May 25, 2018
It is a mid sized aquarium. Fish tanks have some interesting species. I personally loved their jellyfish exhibits. Their tiny frog collection is worth mentioning too. Their mamals collection is quite poor. However I am actually happy to, not see big marine mammals in tiny pools. They also have a 3+D movie theater in which they show 20 minutes educational and fun movies. Good place to visit with family and have a fun day.
Maxman Williams | Jun 4, 2018
This had always been a gorgeous place and has evolved and changed with the times. Bringing attention to how humans have affected or planet. To understand that we share or planet with many different species is the most humbling aspect. It isn't just survival of the fittest, it is our responsibility to insure that we manage or future for all species. Unfortunately with today's political movements and or self absorbed society, I believe we may have passed the tipping point, with unfortunate circumstances ahead. As social media has grown, so to has our selfish nature as being. It amazes me, living in this wonderful city fill of beauty and opportunity that so many people still lack a massive respect for our environment. As in touch as I normally am, the artistic display of the Vortex should only be seen in person. I have not included pictures to insure the integrity of the artists message remains intact. Please go and enjoy this opportunity and appreciate the message and presentation.
Andrew Bellhan | May 24, 2018
My future wife recently took me here for our anniversary. Honestly my wife looked absolutely gorgeous at the aquarium, I'm pretty sure all these fish were trying to sneak a peek, and I feel like my wife's beauty really added to the aquarium experience. I liked the dolphin show and the sea otters, although I wish I could have befriended the sea otters and smuggled them out of the aquarium and kept them all in my 2 bedroom 2 bathroom condo on the upper East side. When it came time to leave I told my wife that I would buy her a plush doll from the gift shop because I really wanted one but couldn't justify one for myself. She refused and I left empty handed. I still enjoyed my experience greatly I just wish I left with either a real sea otter, or at the very least, a plush one.
Adam McKechnie | Jul 4, 2018
The Vancouver Aquarium is an institution in the city, and for good reason. They exist to not only further the knowledge of aquatic life, but also provide a valuable resource for those who want to engage with what they would never see otherwise. The aquarium itself is open, well-designed, and has something for everyone. There are significant interior spaces that concentrate on certain ecosystems, with an intense focus on the local environment and the types of life in British Columbia's waters. A massive indoor tank provides a view of many species interacting. There are outdoor areas as well, where different instructional shows occur, providing additional context for the life on display and their behaviours in the wild. In terms of the facility, there are many amenities. A cafe is by the entrance, and of course there is a gift shop. There are many washrooms and water filling stations for those quick breaks, and there are even additional dining options for seasonal visitors. Nothing too fancy, but certainly filling enough if you forgot to pack a lunch. The added bonus of the location is that outside of the aquarium is one of the best parks in the world, so there's no shortage of experiences after you've ended your visit. A fantastic experience, and one that my family loves so much that we have annual passes.
Francis Li | Jul 16, 2018
Small aquarium but fun for my kid. I like how they are very considerate of our environment. Their cafe will not give straws or caps for your drinks to conserve plastic. The aquarium itself has a lot of different fish but some of the tanks need better maintenance as they are all growing algae and hard to see what's inside. The aquarium is also very hot during summers so don't expect to feel cool inside. It's not only customers either, you can see staff fanning themselves to stay cool.
Mohamad Alzoubi | Jul 4, 2018
Great place for a family to visit. Lots to see and learn about. Great location, can walk around Stanley Park once you're done inside. Would highly recommend for tourists/visitors as well. The 4D show is excellent and very popular with our family. Great place for all ages and is wheelchair accessible as well. The volunteers have been very knowledgeable and friendly. We will definitely be back!
Nicole P | Jun 24, 2018
Great place for a family to visit. Lots to see and learn about. Great location, can walk around Stanley Park once you're done inside. Would highly recommend for tourists/visitors as well. The 4D show is excellent and very popular with our family. Great place for all ages and is wheelchair accessible as well. The volunteers have been very knowledgeable and friendly. We will definitely be back!
Igésia Carvalho | Jul 14, 2018
This place it is great for adults and children. I believe it is a relaxing experience. I am from Brazil and I was impressed with the variety of aquatic species from Amazon they have. It can easily take 3 hours to see this place. The parking structure close to the front entry is small but there is a huge area around the aquarium where you can park (get ready to walk). They have a 4D cinema inside and a variety of activities like presentations and touching species.
Darcy Chow | Aug 15, 2018
Love the Vancouver Aquarium! Lots of different exhibits to see. Great place to spend the day for kids and adults. The staff and volunteers are really friendly and knowledgeable. I think it's a great place because its focused on education and conservation more than just entertainment. But not to say it's not entertaining! It's also located in beautiful Stanley Park, but I hardly see the park at all because I usually end up spending all day in the aquarium!
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