Vancouver Aquarium Overivew
The Vancouver Aquarium is the largest aquarium in Canada. Home to 70,000 animals and over 150 aquatic displays, the Aquarium is a leader in marine preservation, conservation and education and one of Vancouver's favourite destinations (especially on rainy days).
Both the Aquarium's indoor and outdoor displays are arranged by geographic region. Indoors, visitors can see marine life from the Georgia Strait and from the coast of BC, sharks and sea turtles from the "Tropic Zone," and a wide variety of fish and other animals from the Amazon Rainforest.
Outdoor exhibits are among the most popular, since they house the big mammals, including Beluga whales, white-sided dolphins, Stellar sea lions, and sea otters. These large tanks have indoor viewing windows, too, so the animals can be seen both above and below the water.
While you're at the Beluga whale tank, keep an eye out for the newest addition, Tiqa, born at the Aquarium on June 10, 2008.
Getting to the Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium is located in Stanley Park, at 845 Avison Way. From downtown Vancouver there are signs leading to the Aquarium along W Georgia St., near the main entrance to Stanley Park.
Drivers will find parking near the Aquarium; for the bus, take #19 to the Stanley Park Loop.
From June 17 - September 21, there is a free Stanley Park Shuttle, which stops at 15 of the park's most popular attractions, including the Vancouver Aquarium.
Open Hours
- September - June 9:30am - 5pm
- July - August 9:30am - 7pm
Tickets September - June
- Adults $19.95
- Seniors/Students/Youth $14.95
- Children (4-12) $11.95
- Children (3 & under) Free
Tickets July - August
- Adults $24.95
- Seniors/Students/Youth $14.95
- Children (4-12) $11.95
- Children (3 & under) Free
Annual Membership
- Family Group $125
- Adult $55
- Seniors/Students/Youth $39
- Children $29
Special Activities
- Animal Encounters
Animal Encounters let you see what it's like to feed and train some of the Aquarium's most popular residents, including the Beluga whales, dolphins and otters. - Sleepovers
Sleepovers are a chance to stay at the Aquarium over night, touch live sea stars, sea urchins and anemones, and bed down in front of one of the aquatic galleries. There are nights specially designated for kids, families, and adults; couples get their own sleepover on Valentine's Day.
Conservation & Research Programs
- Vancouver Aquarium Research Programs
- Marine Mammal Rescue
- TD Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup
- Ocean Wise
Making the Most of Your Visit
You can easily spend about three hours at the Vancouver Aquarium, and it is a great place to head during cold, rainy days. Just a few minutes from downtown Vancouver, you can combine a rainy-day visit with a trip to the Vancouver Art Gallery or the (admittedly not so edifying) Pacific Centre Mall.
On sunny days, exploring Stanley Park is the best way to enhance your trip. Walk the Seawall, take the kids on the Miniature Train or head to the beach to see some marine life in person.
Current Exhibitions & Programs: Vancouver Aquarium
