Vancouver Aquarium

Tucked inside the rainforest of Stanley Park is a slice of life beneath the surface. 65,000 animals live there, from splashing sea otters to Giant Pacific Octopuses and Pacific Sea Nettles with tentacles stretching up to 15 feet. This ocean sanctuary is better known as the Vancouver Aquarium, Canada's largest aquarium and one of the best things to do on a day-trip to the city.

For over 60 years, the Vancouver Aquarium has connected people of all ages to the wonders of the underwater world. Over time, it has become a global leader in conservation, animal care, and marine science. Every visit supports groundbreaking research and conservation efforts, helping to protect marine life and our oceans for generations to come.

As you plan out your trip to this special place, here’s everything to keep in mind before you go.

Hours, Tickets, and Timed-Entry Info

The Aquarium is open almost every day from 10 AM to 5 PM. Be sure to check the online calendar in advance to confirm opening hours for the day you plan to visit.

Purchasing tickets is simple on their website, where you can choose between daily passes and annual memberships. Keep in mind that annual memberships pay for themselves in less than two visits! There are different pricing tiers for adults, students, children, and seniors, but don’t buy a ticket for any aspiring marine biologists under three. They are welcome to explore for free.

Once you’ve selected the day you’d like to visit, you’ll be asked to pick a preferred time slot. This indicates when you’d like to enter the Aquarium. There’s no time limit once inside, so stay and explore at your own pace.

How to Get to the Vancouver Aquarium

Travelling to the Aquarium is easy, whether walking from downtown, driving to Stanley Park, taking transit, or grabbing an Uber.

From Coal Harbour, it’s one of the most scenic walks in the city. You’ll wander through the beautiful West End neighbourhood, along the iconic Seawall, and through the towering evergreens of Stanley Park.

If you’re travelling by car, there are pay parking and electric-vehicle charging stations adjacent to the Aquarium. The website’s directions page offers more information on nearby lots and alternate parking options within the park.

For a more sustainable and seamless alternative to driving, consider taking the bus. Hop on Translink's #19 bus to Stanley Park and arrive within a five-minute walk to the Vancouver Aquarium. Plan your transit route on Translink’s website.

Highlights Not to Miss

Once inside the Aquarium, it’s time to explore. There are more than 120 world-class indoor and outdoor exhibits that bring the underwater world to life. Dive through the captivating tides of Canada’s coastal waters to the colourful coral reefs of the Tropics. Here’s just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Aquarium highlights you won’t want to miss.

Amazing Axolotls Exhibit

One of nature’s most fascinating, remarkable, and undeniably cute creatures is on full-display at The Amazing Axolotls Exhibit.

The immersive gallery is filled with interactive displays, hands-on learning opportunities, and dynamic visuals, bringing this tiny amphibian’s story to life. Learn how they regenerate lost limbs, explore their ecosystem, and dive into the science behind what makes them so unique.

Wondrous Jellies

Perhaps the most mesmerizing exhibit at the Aquarium is Wondrous Jellies, home to a rotating display of global jellyfish species. Specialized illuminated tanks allow visitors to see these fascinating creatures in all their glory, pulsing and drifting through the water.

Graham Amazon Gallery

Make your way to the Graham Amazon Gallery and journey deep into the heart of the Amazon Rainforest. Discover the incredible biodiversity of one of the biggest ecosystems in the world, including wonders such as Linnaeus's Two-Toed Sloth!

B.C’s Wild Coast

Get a sneak peek into the Aquarium’s Marine Mammal Rescue Centre, one of the largest rescue facilities in the world. The Aquarium rescues distressed animals, including seals and sea lions, and seeks to rehabilitate them for release back into our local waters.

Accessibility at the Aquarium

The Aquarium welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities to play, learn, and explore. Their accessibility guide includes information on support and services available to help visitors plan out their visit. Accessibility services include parking, stroller-friendly spaces, monthly Sensory-Friendly Hours and more.

The Aquarium also offers Comfort Kits, which include a range of resources to support visitors with sensory sensitivities. These are available at the Guest Services Desk in Upper Teck, near the Globe. Inside the kit, you’ll find noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and cue cards.

Guests requiring a wheelchair can rent one free of charge from the Guest Services desk. There are also accessible washrooms for motorized or oversized wheelchairs in the Frogs Forever and Tech Engagement galleries inside the Aquarium.

If you have any questions, you can always contact their accessibility team for help.

Whether you’re wandering through glowing jelly tanks or watching rescued sea otters splash along B.C.’s Wild Coast, a visit to the Aquarium promises a day of wonder for everyone who visits. Consider this your sign to start mapping out an unforgettable ocean adventure at the Vancouver Aquarium.