Vancouver Aquarium image

Vancouver Aquarium

Tourist attraction Non profit organization Aquarium Education center

One of the Most Reviewed Non profit organizations in Vancouver


Address

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

Website

www.vanaqua.org

Contact

+1 778-655-9554

Rating on Google Maps

4.50 (9.7K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Monday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Tuesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Thursday: 10 am to 5 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 5 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: aquarium (77) Vancouver (61) visit (52) animals (49) Aquarium (43) time (38) great (36) marine (35) experience (33) exhibits (30)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Lysa M. 1 year ago on Google
    Fun! Buy your tickets ahead of time to avoid lines. Lot of different areas to explore and learn. The outdoor part with seals, etc was very different from the Aquarium in Toronto which was very nice! It has a good variety of species. Too many frogs for my liking … lol but it was great! Staff was nice and there was a person by the map to explain things. 4D movie was good too. Will definitely come back if I go to Vancouver again.
    20 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Guilherme G. 9 months ago on Google
    Wow, this place in amazing. It says online that you will take about 90 minutes - 2 hours to see everything but it will take you at least 3 hours and you will enjoy every second of it. They have daily attractions such as snake display, feeding and training seals and sea lions, 4D Cinema, a Wet Lab and others you don't want to miss. The aquariums and other animal displays are made with such attention to detail you really feel like you're inside it. Some have water until eye level and then what would the habitat look like not just under but above water level too. Beautiful! The staff is very skillful and helpful, and they will kindly answer your questions when you ask. It is a very clean environment and even being full of animals, it doesn't smell like. Everything is impeccable. For kids: it is a really nice place to take kids of all ages, they seem to be almost hypnotized by the animals and there are some very cool and simple explanations in every display, so they can read for themselves, learn and don't have to ask you every single thing. It is a highly recommended tour whether you're a tourist in Vancouver or if you live in Vancouver. Do not miss it, you won't regret it.
    11 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nicolas R. 1 year ago on Google
    We’ve gone there on a regular Monday. There weren’t a lot of people as we got there around 3 pm. The place closes at 5pm so we had plenty of time to visit the place. They had so many things to look at. They also have a 4D theater which shows you a movie on different animals. This time we were able to see a movie about the “salmon run” (the salmons’ life). There is a gift shop at the end of the visit. The place isn’t cheap at all. The entrance is a little bit expensive I’d think. It was a great place though and workers were nice and helpful.
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 bartika d. 1 year ago on Google
    I would give this place a few extra stars if I could! This place provides fun-filled leisure and features animal rescue and care facilities. It is perfect for any child interested in marine life and having a turtle-y great time (I know, pathetic)! We went on a Saturday and were positively delighted to see children smitten by the magic of the place! In most of the tanks, the water is mirror smooth and has species of such beauty darting across. We enjoyed watching the playful antics of the sea otters. I had absolutely no idea that there are so many varieties of sea anemone species that run almost the full spectrum of colors, from subdued greens to fluorescent pinks! Some of them looked like petals waving in the breeze. There are a number of activities aimed at educating and entertaining visitors in a fun and engaging manner. The cherry on top of the cake? I was given a free slushie!
    10 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jake L. 2 months ago on Google • 284 reviews New
    A kaleidoscope of marine biodiversity. The aquarium is home to over 70,000 creatures and the way the aquarium showcases different marine environment from around the world is amazing. Through interactive displays, engaging talks, and behind-the-scenes tours, we gained insights into the lives of marine creatures and the importance of conservation. It’s a reminder of the delicate balance of marine ecosystems and the role each of us plays in preserving them. My favorite things were the 4D theatre, the otters, the sea lions, and learning about these animals and what we can all do to help them. This was my second visit to the aquarium and I will return many more times I’m sure.

  • 5/5 Justin S. 2 months ago on Google • 264 reviews New
    Very nice aquarium just like the other ones ! What I really like is the sea lion show (the feeding one and training one ) The sea lions are very interactive during the show ! The staff take good care of the animals ! They have some educational programs there to help the young generation understand the importance of protecting the ocean and the animals ! Really appreciate the wonderful experience and education here !

  • 4/5 Allison R. 3 years ago on Google
    The Vancouver Aquarium is a great spot for both kids and adults. The two major downsides are the lack of parking and the amount of people. My advice would be to buy your tickets ahead of time, we spent over an hour in the ticket line. Otherwise, it was a great experience with lots of cool things to see!
    9 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jason T. 4 years ago on Google
    This is the place you CANNOT miss when you visit Stanley Park. ****avoid weekends or long weekend****. For faster entering please get you Tim’s online or get membership(best price, if you are going to visit for more than twice with a year. One year / three year membership options) please check online or counter for details. In the aquarium you can see a lot of animals such as penguins, sea lions, beavers, dolphins, Fishes, frogs.....and etc. You could almost spend whole day here with your families especially with kids. Vancouver aquarium does have two cafes which you can have a quick bite or drink while you are spending quality time here, also few gift shops for you to get some souvenirs for kids to remember by. If you like to have memory photos to print out, make sure stop by right after entrance for photo taking. PS. If you might be back for more than twice in one year, I think membership would be the best deal for you.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jaina A. 2 years ago on Google
    To say I was excited for this stop on our trip was an understatement! We had booked our trip to Vancouver around when the aquarium had announced they were reopening! I was taken back by how informational the aquarium is. From all the different types of frogs, to facts about the sea lions, to facts about our oceans, it was so informative. We loved how much there was to see and the sea otters we’re definitely a favourite of ours! The 3D movie was also super cool! Overall, I can’t wait to go back to the Vancouver Aquarium.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ads 2 years ago on Google
    This place is dope! Iv been wanting to come here for ages but was waiting for a perfect rainy day scenario to visit. It's honestly an awesome place and I love the fact it educates everyone about our beautiful planet and the hazards of global warming as well as the incredible ocean habitants. It's a sad reality for sure, but they spread awareness, encourage and educate for all age ranges for this ever so important topic. Everywhere they can, they use innovative methods towards an eco friendly environment. I enjoyed the learning sections of communities across Canada who reside in Nunavut which is super interesting. The aquarium provide umbrellas for if it's rainy when checking out the outdoor exhibits if it's a crummy day which is cool. All in all, a great way to contribute towards a needing and deserving, excellent non-profit cause to help the animals. The jellyfish are totally memorizing. Talking to the staff just goes to show how much they sincerely and deeply care for the animals welfare and environments. Support our local communities, precious marine life and beautiful planet!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ryan H. 1 year ago on Google
    The Aquarium is so much more than just fish! It has frogs and snakes and marsupials and birds! We spent three hours there and it could’ve been a whole day event! The shows outside were fun and educational. My favourite attraction is the otters, they are so fun and playful! You “otter” visit the Vancouver Aquarium!
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 KIRAN S. 3 years ago on Google
    Its very less to see view from photos just visit once u will feel the ocean in your eye
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 sayar s. 4 years ago on Google
    The Vancouver aquarium is one of the important place to visit. It has huge number of different marine life species to look at. This is a great place to bring kids. They have maintained the aquarium properly. Will definitely recommend to all of my friends and others to visit here. There is also a very huge parking area adjacent to the aquarium.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karone P. 1 year ago on Google
    Been here multiple times even worked it for a day and it’s always a spectacular experience. Always a new event or display in the works, loads of information, various aquatic creatures to observe. It’s quite peaceful even, created these beautiful photographs. Biggest complaint would be prices.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tom H. 4 years ago on Google
    This place is perfect for kids and adults. There are lots of different species of marine life to look at and to learn. The overall layout is very spacious. Since it's located inside Stanley park, there are lots of parking. We're here from 1pm to 5pm and still have some places that we didn't get to check out yet. Good thing we have 2 years membership so we can come back anytime. Highly recommend!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Don C. 3 years ago on Google
    We LOVED this place. As always. The staff is amazing and I love it more with covid protocols. I dont like large crowds so was nice to just be able to put around the place without massive amounts of people. The creatures are wonderful and my sons first time going and he is in awe of everything. Thanks to all who work there. Greta job
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jasleen K. 3 years ago on Google
    The aquarium was amazing!! It can be bit pricey for a regular ticket, but it’s totally worth it. Near the sea wall, parking is available. You will see a variety of fishes, turtles. They also have special shows hosted for general public. Hope it will re-open soon. The coolest thing to watch was the variety of snakes 🐍
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Chester U. 2 years ago on Google
    I'm so happy this place reopened, and just in time for our trip. So much fun, especially with our 2yo. He was amazed with everything. Also, I'm fairly happy they don't have captive whales anymore either, but plenty of critters still to view.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Karthik S. 1 year ago on Google
    This Aquarium was a good hang out spot to visit with Family. My 7 year old had a great time and was fully entertained and drained after the 2-3 hour long visit. They have fishes/Marine wildlife collections from all over the world. The 4D movie experience was good and worth the time.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Kenny H. 3 months ago on Google • 10 reviews New
    Definitely a magical place to contemplate unique species and have a wonderful time! Either you go on a date, with friends, family or on your own, you’ll enjoy the visit and your heart will melt in tenderness. The otters are my favorite marine animals. I loved seeing that there is at least one animal of every specie that’s rescued and follows the protocol to then be released back to nature or possible and if not, they are still well taken care of. You can’t miss it!!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Benjamin S. 7 months ago on Google • 46 reviews
    Visited on a Monday with my family! Great exhibits especially on the Amazon side. The local Pacific Ocean exhibits were plentiful with lots of information on location and different species. We enjoyed the 10-15 min sea lion show! They displayed tricks and were rewarded with a bucket of fish. The gift shop had many cute plush stuffed animals. My second visit this year and I thoroughly enjoyed it all over again.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nicolò F. 2 months ago on Google • 39 reviews New
    The Aquarium it’s very cool, the fact that is in Stanley Park it’s even better, the surroundings are amazing. We went in the morning, there were no queue, and the staff was really welcoming. Even if part of the exhibition was closed all the aquatic animals and plants were gorgeous. If you visit Vancouver you can’t miss this place.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aom H. 2 years ago on Google
    So much fun! So many things to see so a couple hours passed by so fast. I can't count how many times my babies said "wow" lol.. Their first time there and they said momma, I had so much fun today, can we please come back again? Of course, we will! Love jellyfish!! The staffs were so nice, so friendly and informative.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bijan M. 2 years ago on Google
    I live this place! The fish are so cool to look at and I love the sea lions. According to my friend who was in the camp, it was a great experience! It was extremely saddening to hear that they needed to close. The baby otter Joey was extremely cute! I love this place!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Cedar T. 2 years ago on Google
    My grandparents used to volunteer here so I've been going for years, and it's so amazing and inspiring to see how they've improved and the renovations that have been made. The staff care so much about the animals, and care goes into every piece of this establishment, from environmentally friendly packaging on their food to the make of the products in their gift shop. I recently went on a rainy Wednesday with my boyfriend, and it was the slowest I've ever seen it! It was tranquil and peaceful as we strolled through the aquarium, enjoying seeing the fish and staff more relaxed than how it would be on more chaotic days. I will continue to love and support the Vancouver Aquarium for as long as they continue to care for and appreciate ocean life as much as I do.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian S. 1 year ago on Google
    It's beautiful in every way. Very informative. Lots of exotic species. You should check out the 4D screening there. Would come again! Also, their merch store is really thought out. You can take a lot of photos there too. Very awe-inspiring.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lyra Camille C. 1 year ago on Google
    The place was very entertaining for me! I had fun with the sea otters, penguins and the others! They have a schedule of their activities on their website so you can watch how they train them and maybe they’ll give you a show! Make sure to book your tickets ahead of time (online if possible!) to avoid expensive tickets on site. Overall, the experience was unforgettable. This is a nice place to bring your family or if you want to have a date. 😉
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 J 9 months ago on Google
    It had been about 15 years since I’ve been here, and I was totally pumped for a similar experience. The information online even supported this. Unfortunately it was not the aquarium I remember. No whales, or Penguins. Though I understand the reasons behind closing some of their more famous exhibits, I can’t pretend I wasn’t disappointed. However, if you’ve never been I would 100% recommend this aquarium. Loved the Seals and Sea Otters and my daughters still had a blast! It is still probably the best you’ll see compared to most aquariums out there. If you’re expecting whales and Penguins you should probably skip this attraction. Oh and display your parking receipt. We received a parking ticket even though we paid. Thank goodness I kept my receipt, or I’d be paying $85 for parking lol.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Ayrton R. 8 months ago on Google
    Nice aquarium to come with family from other countries. My brother in law loved this place. Also, they sell food at good prices and also I recommend to go to the 4d cinema. The only problem is not transit friendly so be ready to walk 15/20 from the bus stop.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Michelle M. 8 months ago on Google
    Enjoyed our visit to the aquarium - lots of exhibits with attention to detail. I was surprised to see animals such as monkeys and a sloth too. I liked the focus on habitats. Lots of frogs, fish and jelly fish. The otters are a draw card but visibility was poor when we visited (not sure if it was the glass or the water). There is a touch pool with starfish etc. We bought tickets on the day (short queue, about 10 minutes). It was quite busy inside but still ok to be able to see the displays with patience. You will need about 90 minutes if it is a little busy and you want to look at every thing. There is a car park nearby and this is probably the most convenient way to access. Otherwise there is 1 bus (number 19) that stops a 10 minute walk away. There are some stairs at the aquarium to access the outdoor exhibits (such as seals, otters) but I did not see a lift. Lots of water fountains and refill stations scattered throughout the aquarium, often near the toilets. I liked the funny t-shirts in the gift store too!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Dash of D. 5 months ago on Google
    Beautiful aquarium. Perfect place to hang out with your family for the day. I recommend getting the membership as buying daily tickets can add up. It was $70 for 2 adults and baby strolled in free. Cafeteria offers a variety of food for meals and there are free refills. The seal show during their meal times is a must, try to schedule your visit around that time. It’s very educational for children of all ages.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 jean-pierre m. 3 years ago on Google
    This is a beautiful aquarium to come and visit. Most of the big creatures outside in the big tanks are saved animals but too injured to go back into the wild. Lots of amazing and colourful fish to look at inside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Kelvin L. 3 years ago on Google
    Very nice aquarium. One way protocol is in place but the pace of movement will vary by how long the guests are spending at each viewpoint. Parking is a bit pricey but it is Stanley Park.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Bryce F. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience at the aquarium. I'd suggest getting your appointment as early as possible so you have free reign of the place. Almost all exhibits are open and there is a huge variety, including sloths, and it takes about an hour to go through. The staff was very friendly and informative. Would be five stars if it wasnt so prohibitively expensive.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tarik A. 3 years ago on Google
    COVID19 - friendly setup with good spacing and plenty of sanitizing station. Benches have signs if they've been sanitized in case you need to rest. Exhibit is "one way" so no back tracking. Had a lot of fun there. Appreciated the focus on rescue and research, as well as the sensitization of our impact on the ocean. The museum also had a section with reptiles, spiders, birds and possums in the tropical section. Would recommend going to support them as they've been struggling lately. Enjoy!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nathan N. 3 years ago on Google
    A bit of a small aquarium, especially compared to other aquariums in other cities, but it still has great exhibits. It's well structured, and the staff are amazing here. There's a wide variety of animals to look at, and each area is it's own experience.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 James Roger D. 3 years ago on Google
    The Vancouver Aquarium is by far one of Vancouver's nicest most beautiful tourist attractions!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Renato F. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to enjoy the day with the family while visiting Vancouver and the Staley park
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 A S. 3 years ago on Google
    My favorite aquarium in the world, I love the penguin exhibit. They have a lot to do here, either on a date or with family.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jane D. 3 years ago on Google
    Everyone was so nice here, and got to visit the stingrays with my young cousin - was a great day to spend some time with family of all ages.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Baljeet K. 3 years ago on Google
    We have been going here for over 30 years with family and friends . we look forward to a re opening .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lynn F. 3 years ago on Google
    Missing this place, truly a gem. It’s easy to be ignorant and say this place is horrible. If you do your research, you’ll learn the Vancouver aquarium does a lot more good than harm. We hope to visit soon one day!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Garry 3 years ago on Google
    The view is mesmerizing. Staff is soft spoken and very knowledgeable. Happy to see different species of marine life altogether at once.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 台北天氣晴 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) It’s a nice place for family!!! I have visited before in the summer of 2015. There are many creatures that you can't see in Taiwan: beluga whales, narwhal whales, polar bears and so on. It is a great place to travel and relax! Every time you come to Vancouver, you must come ❤️ (Original) It’s a nice place for family!!! 之前在2015暑假已經有造訪過,有許多台灣看不到的生物:白鯨、一角鯨、北極熊等等。是旅遊、放鬆的好地方!每來Vancouver必來❤️
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matteo M. 3 years ago on Google
    dog dog
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maria N. 3 years ago on Google
    Just because you can't hug them doesn't mean you can't love them 🐠 🦑🐡🐟 🐙 As many of you know, the Vancouver Aquarium is currently closed due to COVID-19. @vanaqua is definitely one of my favorite places here in the city! They do incredible educational work, research and direct action programs. Due to the closure they have limited ways to fund the current operations and most importantly to feed the over 70.000 animals. If you can, please consider donating or purchasing a small gift from their online shop. Which btw ships daily, all around the world. They offer great sustainable toys and homeware, educational gifts, face masks and more. I recently purchased one of their face masks and it sits very comfortably on the face.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Skeltoh 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Many different species of animals. Fair entry price. Parking lots available. Pleasant visit. (Original) Viele unterschiedliche Tierarten. Faire Eintrittspreis. Parkplätze vorhanden. Angenehmer Besuch.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tracy L. 3 years ago on Google
    A fantastic afternoon reliving our weekly adventures to VA when our daughter was young, and showing off the exceptional exhibits, from rescued baby Joey to the West Coast gallery to the anacondas, to a new guest. This facility is a BC/Canada treasure and we must all ensure its survival.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ellora N. 3 years ago on Google
    One of the best places to visit in Vancouver. Great fun for kids and adults. Awesome jellyfish and tropical galleries.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Matt Z. 2 years ago on Google
    One of the awesome aquarium I have visited. The jelly fishes and otter are my favorite. There’s an amazing 4D movie of outputs right right now, highly recommended! Some outdoor show of seal and sea lion , they are so cute and smart.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sanjeet S. 2 years ago on Google
    Always a fun and busy day at the aquarium. Great place for kids. A variety of aquatic species to see and learn about. Seals, sea lions, penguins, otters and walruses are the outdoor attractions. The place has a 4D cinema and shows every 30 mins which a worth a watch. The amazon zone has a sloth.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brooke M. 2 years ago on Google
    I loved this place! Definitely worth the entry cost, so many amazing animals and fish to see. I loved the Amazon area and the animals outside were all really fun to see. The aquarium is definitely a must do on your visit to Vancouver.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 גל �. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place to visit in a rainy day . Great place for children. Its a rescue facility. We saw fish, jellyfish, sea lions and otters. They require a vaccine card to Covid 19 for entering.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Tere A. 2 years ago on Google
    Prepare your vaccine card and photo at the entrance while on the line up. Online PDF ticket says do not come earlier that 10 minutes, but yesterday was so long good thing we came early. Very quick check in once you pass the entrance line up. Lots of aquatic animals. We really enjoyed our visit, so beautiful. Very informative for kids and adults. I learned a lot yesterday. Very happy with our purchase. Free ticket for child, family day promo for every 1 regular adult purchase. Lots of people yesterday due to the long weekend probably.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Addictive B. 2 years ago on Google
    The place is great with lots of aquatic animals. Also there are monkeys, an Anaconda, penguins, seals and Sea Lions. My toddler had a great time visiting & seeing all the animals. If you are a fan of sharks & whales, you will be disappointed as there are none of them. Only a baby shark swimming in the sting ray tank. Gave it 3 star because there is no parking included and the cost of the tickets are very high (42$).
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 M H. 2 years ago on Google
    A bit pricey but very entertaining! Plus the cost is for a good purpose. Took about 2 hours to walk slowly through all areas and have a snack. The gift shop has some good deals and a lot of Canadian made local goods. I was pleasently surprised with the forest area with the birds, tortoises, monkeys, and snakes! They were all very fun and active. Just wish we were able to see the penguins when we went.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 D M. 2 years ago on Google
    Im so thankful to this beautiful live entertainment for your eyes only and educational experience as it's such a beautiful inspiring moment in time. I do suggest getting a yearly membership you'll want to keep coming back for more. Vancouver loves to be environmentally conscientious , friendly and they really do care for this city. One of my favorite places to just relax my mind.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Tammy W. 2 years ago on Google
    Great little place to take your kids our for an educational day to see fish and other marine life. Due to covid, some attractions were not in full operation, such as the children's play area. Our kids enjoyed watching the sea lions being fed, the underground pool view of the tank is great and viewing gallery of the penguins are a real treat. We got an annual membership so we can come back throughout the year.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Damian W. 1 year ago on Google
    Really busy tourist location but worth it. Lots of cool fish, animals and kid friendly activities. Outdoor and indoor exhibits, for sunny days bring sunglasses and sunscreen. Parking is fairly limited and can take roughly 2-3 hours to get through. Really enjoyed the seals and jellyfish.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nadine T (. 2 years ago on Google
    A very cool experience. I have been here a handful of times. Dress for some of it being outside. Stroller friendly. The food is pretty decent from the cafe. Expensive parking. Although coming back from Covid there are still some animals missing. Will be back again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Jordan Kevin M. 1 year ago on Google
    Their British Columbia wildlife section is very interesting and we got to learn more about the aquatic fauna of the area. We loved the outdoor area where their sea lions and penguins were. The aquarium goes a bit beyond animals that live in the water (or mostly in aquatic environments). Their Amazon section, which we didn’t know about and were pleasantly elated to visit, was very fascinating especially coming from somewhere very far away from the Amazon. I never thought I’d see a phantasmal poison frog in person! They’ve got impressive immersive displays too. The animals seem like they were all well-looked after too. Their souvenir shops had great, diverse selections of souvenirs and gift items, all sold at fair prices (for an urban Canadian souvenir shop). They sell stuff like toy seals and octopuses. It’s also great to know that they’re involved in animal rescue, rehabilitation and conservation. Vancouver Aquarium is definitely a good spot to spend time with the family, to go on a date, or just to unwind and appreciate nature.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christian B. 1 year ago on Google
    I thoroughly enjoyed this aquarium. It was a very relaxing atmosphere and had very varied exhibits including some monkeys even! Lots of frogs which I love, make sure to check out the frog area if you're a fan. What really made the admission worth it though was the shows/feedings. Definitely do not miss the sea lion show!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oscar Paz (. 1 year ago on Google
    It's been a while since I last visited and it's still very enjoyable. Great place to take your young kids so they can first experience some of the wonders of our little blue marble in space. I recommend getting a membership if you're local. If you bought regular tickets you can swap them for a year's membership at almost no additional cost. Great place to fall back on on those dreary days when you don't want to be outside.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Andy and Nhu H. 10 months ago on Google
    The Vancouver Aquarium left me awe-inspired with its enchanting atmosphere and captivating marine exhibits. From the moment I entered, I was immersed in a world of wonder and amazement. The diversity of marine life on display was truly remarkable, from graceful penguins to adorable sea otters. The exhibits were thoughtfully designed, providing both education and entertainment. The knowledgeable and friendly staff added an extra layer of excitement, sharing interesting facts and answering questions with enthusiasm. The interactive displays and shows were a definite highlight, with the sea lion show being particularly mesmerizing. I appreciated the aquarium's dedication to conservation and environmental awareness, as well as their efforts in promoting marine research. The Vancouver Aquarium offers an unforgettable experience that instills a deep appreciation for our oceans and the need to protect them. Whether you're visiting with family or exploring solo, I highly recommend a visit to this incredible institution.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 easy l. 9 months ago on Google
    y aquarium visit was absolutely delightful! From the vibrant displays of colorful fish to the graceful movements of majestic sea creatures, every moment was captivating. The well-maintained exhibits provided a fascinating insight into marine life. I was in awe of the diversity and beauty of the underwater world. The staff was friendly and informative, adding to the overall experience. It was a truly mesmerizing and educational outing for all ages. I can't wait to visit again!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Maggie Z. 7 months ago on Google
    The aquarium is huge, with different sections to explore and there are many activities and even a 4D show throughout the day. We spent around 4 hours there to see everything. The burgers are delicious, staffs are patient and enthusiastic. Loved the sloth, seals and sea otters. I would recommend to buy tickets in advance before going, have your student card if needed.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharleen M. 7 months ago on Google
    Great place to visit with friends or family. My daughter loves this place and all the diverse animals to see. Recommend to come early as parking lot fills up fast and you may be driving for a bit to find one. Can make a full day out here
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sam S. 6 months ago on Google
    The amazing place for everyone who is coming to Vancouver. I took my parents to this aquarium and they were so happy to see the wonderful creatures of God. The ticket is around 35$ which is worthwhile. They offer amazing 5d shows and 🦭 seal shows. Workers feed the seals and the seals perform various activities while getting fed. Kids are gonna love this place. Everyone inside was so excited to see all the creatures. There is also a snake in there which is the size of an anaconda. There is also a photobooth, the staff clicks the picture,they even add a background and lets you take the photos home for 30$.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Blampin 5 months ago on Google
    The Love of my Life and I had such an amazing visit to the Vancouver Aquarium. We visited: The Sea Otters, Various species of fish from every different region of the West Coast of BC and also many foreign countries. Frogs, Toads, snakes, Alligator, Turtles and Tortoise, birds, spiders, bats, eels, jellyfish 🪼 omg there is just too much to list . Its all so amazing the way they have it displayed and laid out. The Displays of each feature is presented in such a professional, humane and comfortable way for each species.. They make the environment for them mimic their natural habitats PERFECTLY which is so compassionate of each person in charge of caring for these creatures. I had so much appreciation for what these people do everyday. We went to the 4D theater feature at the end and it was Awesome! They have 3D glasses and you watch a Christmas feature with all these realistic sounds. Vibrations, water spray, smell of things in the video and intense flashes. It was so Coool. The children must really have a memorable moment from this event. I cannot stress enough how special of a family event this would be to take your loved ones to!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pam S. 5 months ago on Google
    The real highlights of this aquarium were the feeding and training experiences. The knowledgeable and passionate staff were very informative and entertaining in their presentations, and interacted expertly with their audiences. My top tip would be: for visitors to find out the times for the otter feeding, sea lion training, jellyfish and seal feeding on arrival at the aquarium, so as not to miss out on these experiences. The Wet Lab was most interesting and hands on. The layout of the aquarium was easy to follow and the exhibits had clear signage. We loved the Graham Amazon Gallery. The only food outlet open on the day we visited was the Courtyard Cafe where we had a coffee. It was a wonderful day learning about Canada and BC's aquatic life.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 J. S. 2 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    The Vancouver Aquarium holds a special place in my heart, serving as more than just an attraction; it's a sanctuary that offers solace and tranquility. Throughout the years, it has become one of my most treasured safe spaces, a reliable haven where I can immerse myself in the beauty and calm of marine life. Even during the busiest times, such as the Family Day weekend, the aquarium has consistently exceeded my expectations, providing a serene and engaging experience amidst the hustle and bustle of holiday crowds. The meticulously curated exhibits, showcasing a diverse array of marine ecosystems, offer a window into the underwater world that is both educational and mesmerizing. The gentle hum of the tanks and the soft, ambient lighting create a soothing atmosphere that instantly puts me at ease. Each visit renews my sense of wonder and deepens my appreciation for the ocean's inhabitants, from the majestic to the microscopic. What truly enhances the experience is the staff's unwavering commitment to excellence. Their passion for marine conservation and visitor education is evident in every interaction, from informative presentations to the thoughtful layout of the exhibits. Their dedication ensures that every guest, regardless of age or background, leaves with a greater understanding of and respect for marine life. On Family Day weekend, despite the expected crowds, the aquarium managed to maintain its peaceful ambiance, allowing me and many others to enjoy the exhibits without feeling overwhelmed. The staff handled the influx of visitors with grace and efficiency, ensuring that everyone had a pleasant experience. I am immensely grateful for the Vancouver Aquarium and its role as a beacon of calm and joy in my life. It's a place where I can momentarily set aside the stresses of the outside world and reconnect with the natural beauty that lies beneath the waves. I highly recommend the Vancouver Aquarium to anyone looking for an enriching, peaceful escape into the wonders of the aquatic world.

  • 5/5 Yeux de g. 2 months ago on Google • 33 reviews New
    This was a great place to spend the day with your family lots of things to see, great food. It was a bit busy but we went on a Saturday and it was during a family discount event so it was to be expected. The only downside to our visit was finding parking so be prepared to drive around in circles until someone leaves. But overall it was a blast and highly recommend anyone to visit. All ages and wheelchair accessible.

  • 5/5 Linsa L. 3 months ago on Google • 29 reviews New
    You can spend an entire day watching amazing aquatic life and learning about sea creatures and being surprised by many cute , unique, and different species and watching their talents. The experience is so calming and satisfying. It also makes you realize it's so brilliant that different aquatic lives live in harmony and enhance each other's beauty. Very fun, educational, and informative visit.

  • 5/5 Mimi M. 3 years ago on Google
    Patiently waiting to see Joey the otter again 💕

  • 4/5 Mayte G. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) The Vancouver Aquarium is located within Stanley Park, where you can see a wide number of marine species and some exhibits. (Original) El acuario de Vancouver se encuentra dentro del Stanley Park, donde se puede ver un amplio número de especies marinas y algunas exhibiciones.

  • 5/5 Pti D. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Superb aquarium for young and old (Original) Superbe aquarium pour petits et grands

  • 5/5 Heloisa C. 3 years ago on Google
    I loved the visit. There are a lot of animals and shows.

  • 5/5 Bryan T. 3 years ago on Google
    Great place to bring the family

  • 5/5 Maria j. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Beautiful Vancouver Aquarium, they have the option of taking souvenir photos, and a well stocked souvenir shop. Ideal to go with the family. (Original) Hermoso el Acuario de Vancouver, tienen la opción de tomarse fotografías de recuerdo, y una tienda bien surtida de souvenir. Ideal para ir con la familia.

  • 5/5 Commaa A. 3 years ago on Google
    For my 31 years growing up in Vancouver and having the pleasure of working with the staff. This is a recommendation. Period! Kind regards, , Board of Directors Community Representative at CJSF 90.1FM

  • 4/5 Qadgop the M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautifully done, very interesting.

  • 5/5 justin d. 3 years ago on Google
    The whales were very friendly, they gave me some cash, now I’m rich. Would visit again. #WHALESON2024🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳🐳

  • 1/5 Laura T. 3 years ago on Google
    Came to the aquarium in August and had an accidental overcharge which I was assured by 2 separate people would be refunded within 3-5 business days. I’ve since sent multiple emails and it’s now been over 2 months and still the refund has not shown up. Very disappointed in the lack of communication. Not a single email or phone call back in 2 months.

  • 4/5 Alaa A. 3 years ago on Google
    Good place but expensive

  • 1/5 Jeng S. 3 years ago on Google
    very sad place, good it closed, free the animals

  • 3/5 Jason W. 3 years ago on Google
    I found this place to be just okay. They don't really have any creatures that standout from standard aquariums. Found it to be busy the whole time I was there, but something to do if you're visiting I guess...

  • 5/5 Mirembe K. 3 years ago on Google
    absolutely stunning!

  • 4/5 Diana H. 3 years ago on Google
    I really like my time spent here, the entry is a bit pricey but in my opinion it was worth it, really nice exhibits, and informative panels, I would recommend for all ages

  • 5/5 Gotwic G. 3 years ago on Google
    Hope it will be back soon :(

  • 5/5 Matthew C. 3 years ago on Google
    Always fun to check out, sad about it being closed for now!

  • 5/5 Linda r. 3 years ago on Google
    One of my favorite places to go with kids. Lots of parking.

  • 5/5 Chirag P. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good place, must be add in top visitors place

  • 5/5 John M. 3 years ago on Google
    Amazing place.

  • 4/5 Allan P. 3 years ago on Google
    Haven't been here since high school, lots have changed. Got in just be for they temporarily close their doors.

  • 5/5 Alicia Magno A. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) In addition to its galleries and exhibits, the Vancouver Aquarium is one of the institutions in the world that contributes the most to the preservation of marine species. It's awesome (Original) Además de sus galerías y exhibiciones, el Acuario de Vancouver es una de las instituciones en el mundo que más contribuye a la preservación de las especies marinas. Esta padrísimo

  • 5/5 獨孤明 3 years ago on Google
    The Vancouver Aquarium (an initiative of Ocean Wise Conservation Association) 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. On August 9, 2010 Prime Minister Stephen Harper and B.C. Premier Gordon Campbell announced capital funding of up to $15 million. The province would donate $10 million in funding over the next three years to help pay for a planned expansion of the 54-year-old facility, Premier Gordon Campbell said. Harper added that Ottawa would hand over up to $5 million to the aquarium for infrastructure upgrades. The aquarium, however, remains a nonprofit organization. The property is owned by the City of Vancouver and rented to the aquarium for $40,000 a year since 1991 (prior to which it was $1 per year). In October 2009 the Vancouver Aquarium was designated as a Coastal America Learning Center by the US Environmental Protection Agency. As the first Learning Center in Canada, this designation is intended to strengthen the Canadian/U.S. partnership for protecting and restoring shared ocean resources. On August 31, 2020, the non-profit announced on Facebook that due to the financial stresses caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, it was pausing its public programming for the time being while it engages in strategic planning for the financial sustainability of its future operations. The Vancouver Public Aquarium Association was formed in 1950 by UBC fisheries and oceanography professors Murray Newman, Carl Lietze and Wilbert Clemens. After receiving the help of timber baron H.R. MacMillan, alderman and businessman George Cunningham and $100,000 from each of the three levels of government. (City of Vancouver, Province of British Columbia, Federal Government of Canada), it opened on June 15, 1956 with the ribbon being cut by federal Minister of Fisheries James Sinclair. Sinclair's daughter 7-year-old Margaret was also present at the ribbon cutting ceremony (she would later marry Canadian Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau and give birth to Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau). Officially Canada's first public aquarium, the Vancouver Aquarium has become the largest in Canada and one of the five largest in North America. The Vancouver Aquarium was the first aquarium in the world to capture and display an orca. Other whales and dolphins on display included belugas, narwhals and dolphins. In 1975, the Vancouver Aquarium was the first aquarium accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). The aquarium is also accredited by the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) and in 1987 was designated Canada's Pacific National Aquarium by the Canadian Federal Government. On July 23, 1995, a beluga whale named Qila was born. She was the first beluga to be both conceived and born in a Canadian aquarium. A second calf, Tuvaq, was born on July 30, 2002, but died unexpectedly with no previous sign of illness on July 17, 2005. In 1996, the Vancouver Park Board instituted a municipal bylaw that prevents the Vancouver Aquarium from capturing cetaceans from the wild for display purposes, and only obtain cetaceans from other facilities if they were born in captivity, captured before 1996 or were rescued and deemed un-releasable after this date.

  • 5/5 Lena T. 2 years ago on Google
    Very nice place especially for kids. Our kids loved to see the different kinds of sea creatures. We did not see shows I think they cancelled it due to Covid-19.

  • 5/5 Greek S. 2 years ago on Google
    Very fun! Been coming here for years and have yet to be disappointed. The staff were all very friendly and informative. Had a great time seeing the feeding of the Sea Lions and Seals, and I got to see my favorite animal, the sloth, this time (sometimes he's hiding)! It was extremely busy, which is to be expected for a Sunday afternoon. However, if you're concerned about crowds, I would suggest coming during a weekday when school is in session. They've made a great effort in keeping everything sanitized and clean. Thanks to the wonderful staff for all their hard work!

  • 4/5 Ah Rin P. 2 years ago on Google
    Very fun place to go to with family and friends. So fascinating. Lots of things to see. The amazon area was too hot. I enjoyed the sea lions and the collections of jellyfish. Lots of fishes I wished I can take them home.

  • 5/5 Camellia C. 2 years ago on Google
    Worth spending at least two hours here. Very friendly customer service- when I lost the direction, always had someone came to help :) I missed the sea otters the first time, I guess it's because the seal is so vocal, you may be attracted by them lead to passing the otters. And don't miss the downstairs multiple frogs! The 4D experience was fun, every 20mins/session and there is a kids’ playing area around the cinema.

  • 5/5 Rihanna 2 years ago on Google
    Fun place for kids. They enjoy and love it. The only option for lunch is the Cafe which has prepared cold sandwiches and confectionary. You will need at least 3 hours to visit everywhere.

  • 5/5 Aniket S. 2 years ago on Google
    Loved the experience, it can take someone around one hour 30 minutes to two hours depending on how much time you spend on each exhibit, so plan ahead and go with plenty of time as I was asked to rush and actually skipped a few exhibits.

  • 4/5 sarah-leanne d. 2 years ago on Google
    A great-family friendly activity that offers you the opportunity to see marine wildlife up close. The animals are rescue animals that either can't be rehabilitated or will be rehabilitated and released. A great means of teaching young children the importance of environmental stewardship in a digestible, socially responsible way. Somewhat related, this isn't Marineland, so don't expect the animals to do tricks beyond simple play and training required for their regular physicals. Also, the marine section is outside, so plan for the weather. Lastly, the aquarium is conveniently located in Stanley Park, close to the train and the rose garden (and far from the coyotes). Take the bus in or ride a bike so you can park and do a bit of hiking afterwards.

  • 5/5 Tanis H. 2 years ago on Google
    Super fun, educational experience for yourself and the entire family, gift shop has many beautiful souvenirs and the staff is super friendly, the animals are fairly interactive with the public, definitely recommend checking out the 4D movie, it's included with your general admission tickets

  • 5/5 Adam S. 2 years ago on Google
    Great aquarium. So many great sea creatures to look at. The seals are fun and the sea otters are adorable.

  • 5/5 Christopher A. 2 years ago on Google
    We had a blast. Everything was nice and clean, well maintained. Good signage and flow through the aquarium. Jellyfish seemed to be everyone’s favourite. Staff were friendly and nice. Would visit again

  • 5/5 Amy W. 2 years ago on Google
    I’ve been to the Vancouver Aquarium over the past 20 years. Every visit has been special and memorable. I love the marine animals here. My favourite is the sea otters! I am glad it’s now reopen with adequate covid-protocols in place. It does get a little too crowded to my liking during weekends, so be prepared for that or avoid if that’s something of concern to you. Vaccine passports are checked when entering so have your screenshot and ID ready! Overall, still great aquarium experience like what I’ve had before thanks to the great staff working there!

  • 5/5 Deepthi V. 2 years ago on Google
    Really good! Vancouver aquarium is a fun place for kids as well. Don’t miss the stellar sea lions and the activities they do. It is also located in Stanley park. So you can checkout more than just the aquarium.

  • 5/5 Skye A. 2 years ago on Google
    Great place for all ages! So much to see and learn. Will have you saying "wow look!" over and over again

  • 5/5 I K (. 2 years ago on Google
    What a great place to visit with children! My son went on two rounds and didn’t want to leave after 5 hours! Lol Staff is friendly and informative. So many things to see and if we lived in Vancouver I’d definitely purchase a year pass to entertain little one on rainy days.

  • 4/5 Kat M. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful scenes and aquatic life. I had a lot of fun overall. Lots of people, many of which were kids. A sea lion sang for us and the others had a but of a tussle. Lots to see and learn!

  • 5/5 M. T. 2 years ago on Google
    I am a member of the Vancouver Aquarium and brought a friend to enjoy the promotion of free entrance of this week! Just go online and book the time you are going! Great fun!

  • 5/5 Mike E. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing experience. I went on Jan 1st and it was not crowded which was great to enjoy all the exhibition. Highly recommended during summer 👌

  • 5/5 Kingphaka C. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing place I fall in love with the sealife , I couldn't get out of here so beautiful and breathtaking . Highly recommend, please visit and you will continue to come here again and again. Amazing place for nature lovers! Enjoy the time and please don't miss it. Get ready for the camera and capture the best photos and vedio!!!👍 Cheers!!

  • 5/5 Syed Taseen B. 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful aquarium, certainly the best in Canada as there is a few sections of things to see. Great for kids, 4D theater was a nice touch. They also have penguins!! Very stroller/wheelchair accessible. Lots of different species including an Amazon section and lots of jellyfish. Parking outside the building is awful, but you need to be always circling around. This is in Stanley Park, so there are a ton of things to see/do before or after your visit.

  • 4/5 Laura M. 2 years ago on Google
    The Vancouver Aquarium is awesome! The ambassador creatures and the information about various ecosystems and creatures is super. The focus on British Columbia marine ecosystems is fantastic. I could spend all day just hanging out with the seals and sea lions - in fact I nearly did! I just wish it wasn't quite so expensive - that makes it just that much less accessible.

  • 3/5 Rohan R. 2 years ago on Google
    The Vancouver aquarium is good place to visit. There are three main sections. You would need about 3 hours to see the whole place. Being the Family day weekend it was really crowded. The food at the restaurant was fresh hot and tasty. The jellyfish exhibits were great. There was a section with some really amazing frogs.The penguins were also a good watch. It was very difficult to get parking and took us almost 20 minutes to get in and 20 more minutes to get parking.

  • 4/5 Karthegaginiy P. 2 years ago on Google
    Excellent place to take your whole family to. So many great things to learn from the sea life animals. The parking system is the one thing that I do not like. Securi guard is on in giving out tickets right away and not taking any explanations. $45 fine for delaying my parking payment by 5 min. Lesson learned ;-) The gift shop is amazing !!!! Prices are reasonable too and all plushes are 20% off currently.

  • 5/5 Richard W. 1 year ago on Google
    We have had annual membership for years for my boy. We had a blast each time we come here. Beluga and beavers are the most favorite animals for my kids. Educational and functional place for visitors in Stanley Park, the world renowned park. My son had a birthday party here where he got to feed the fish in front of his classmates that made everyone jealous. We love this arrangement. It has been one of our family life as well as science center when kids grew up. It will always be in our memory and stop when we are in town.

  • 5/5 Adel 1 year ago on Google
    Best Aquarium I’ve seen in years. Wry good location (inside Stanley Park) and excellent variety of marine animals and also highly informative for all.

  • 5/5 Preet S. 1 year ago on Google
    The Vancouver Aquarium is so much fun for all ages, no matter if you are a kid or an adult. It is so relaxing to see all the jelly fish, turtles, snakes, flamingo, a baby shark, starfish and much more. There are entertaining and educational shows which are a learning experience for everyone. The gift shop has lots of variety but it's expensive. Highly recommended 👌

  • 4/5 Neil S. 1 year ago on Google
    I loved it. Some of the exhibits are very unique and packed into a small area. I particularly enjoyed the jelly fish and Sea Otters who are cute beyond words. Some areas could do with a tidy up and the Penguins looked particularly sad in their area.

  • 5/5 Ethan B. 1 year ago on Google
    Great experience! A little on the pricier sides as aquariums go but we absolutely got our money's worth, even seeing the feeding of the sea otters and the feeding of the sea lion. So many different species to see and even land creatures as well like snakes and frogs. All in all, I recommend this.

  • 5/5 Bailey M. 10 months ago on Google
    We love visiting the aquarium! We went yesterday and it was quite busy but it was excellent. We watched a few of the presentations and found it very informative. My daughter especially liked the Sharks 4D movie and seeing the shark in the tropics section. I really liked the reptile display downstairs and enjoyed the presentation.

  • 3/5 K2 H. 9 months ago on Google
    Beautiful exhibits and scheduled shows. Lots of great information and a lot to experience! I would suggest going within the first two, three hours of opening or the last two, three hours of closing. In between that time frame was just too crowded and busy to fully enjoy the experience. Despite that, it was an overall a beautiful day! Thank you VanAqua

  • 5/5 PureNRG2002 10 months ago on Google
    One of the biggest aquariums I've visited, the Vancouver Aquarium is clean, very spacious, and should appeal to children of all ages and adults. To save time (and a little money) and to avoid lines, my small group ordered tickets online in advance. I also recommend arriving at or before opening time. On the weekday we visited, there were a ton of school children - but not a problem if you arrive early enough to visit the quieter areas. The Aquarium does an excellent job at educating the public through their displays, signage, staff and live shows. My favorite activities included watching numerous jelly fish, graceful sea lions swimming underwater, a slow-moving sloth, and the recreated "tidal pool" where you could gently touch the sea urchins. Plus so much more! We spent about 2 1/2 hours there.

  • 5/5 Sharon D. 10 months ago on Google
    This Aquarium is definitely a 5 star attraction. They have all varieties of fish and various sea creatures. They also have a few mammals like monkeys, sloths and more. There are birds in their version of the Amazon Rainforest too. The Aquarium is clean and spacious and the staff are friendly. There is a decent cafe too and a 4d movie experience. We enjoyed our visit.

  • 5/5 Kaitlyn K. 9 months ago on Google
    I loved my visit at the aquarium! It was busy, but with a bit of patience, I was able to see all the exhibits and try out the touch pools, 4d shark movie, and watch the seal feeding. I stayed for 4 hours and could have easily stayed longer. The aquarium has so much information available to learn about the wide variety of creatures in their care. The staff seem very knowledgeable and passionate about aquatic animals. I was glad to hear that lots of animals in the aquarium are rescued.

  • 5/5 Chris F. 9 months ago on Google
    It’s had to be critical of the Vancouver Aquarium, so much of what they do here is behind the scenes and they do so much for the marine environment, however it has changed so much since COVID. The porpoises and beluga’s were dearly missed but glad they didn’t replace them just to have them. We visited on a Monday and it was packed! Parking was brutal, and it took over 45min from entering Stanley park, to ‘crawl’ up to the parking area. The staff at the concession were friendly, and happy to help, but were very overwhelmed. We ordered hot chocolates and the machine ran out of powder, so we had to go back to ask to make us new ones, which they did without hesitation, however while there waiting, all off the milk, cream, ketchup, napkins were empty. There were countless staff members inside helping / guiding visitors on the attractions which made learning a lot easier - all of them were delightful and great ambassadors for the aquarium. The 4D more was a nice treat and very glad it’s included, the young lady leading this was very good at her job, and even though she gives the same speech every half hour she was enthusiastic! The entrance fees are steep, and at this price I’m not sure if we will come back anytime soon, but glad we got to experience it. The missing animals left a void that was very noticeable but the aquarium is still a must visit place for any family.

  • 3/5 Stephanie D. 9 months ago on Google
    A good place to take your kids. It's feeling quite dated and run down since the last time I visited 11 years ago. The price point is quite high, plus parking and of course the great gift shop.

  • 4/5 ray n. 9 months ago on Google
    This would have gotten 5 stars if they had stayed true to their word, whereby on their site, they state they limit the number of people in the aquarium at all times. Their limit seemed to be a bit high and if you are like me, who is somebody who prefers the sound of nails on a chalkboard to screaming children, bring noise cancelling headphones and lots of Advil. Otherwise, fantastic exhibits, and thank you for seasonal changes.

  • 3/5 Mallory M. 9 months ago on Google
    First off, make sure you buy advance tickets. Prices will vary based on the day, which I don’t like, but it is what it is. We paid $50 per person on a Sunday and considering there are families attending, that’s very expensive for four people. I understand there’s some costs to running an conservation-based aquarium, but it’s a huge expense for a few hours. I was expecting more given the price. If you want to see sharks, don’t bother because I think I saw one in the whole aquarium. The otters are very cute and the sea lions are also lovely, but most of the animals are fish that aren’t incredibly remarkable. If you’ve been to the Edmonton Valley Zoo, this is a similar experience but with aquatic animals. If your kids like sea animals they will probably enjoy this, but your bank account will be drained. I did enjoy the twist ice cream though -$7 for a very large portion in a waffle cone.

  • 5/5 Kelly R. 7 months ago on Google
    This aquarium is a nice surprise for me. I didn't expect to see so many rare marine creatures here. There are different species of jellyfish, fish, anemones, frogs, spiders, and many others. Adult price is around $45, child $29. Highly recommended.

  • 5/5 Donald D. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful aquarium with abundant species from all around the world. The cutest in my opinion being the otters 🦦 and the seals 🦭. Loved it and would bring others to visit. Took me 3 hours to see everything including the Sharks 4D mini documentary.

  • 5/5 Nina 7 months ago on Google
    A great place for family outing! I went there on a weekday so there was no queue at all. I bought the tickets right on the spot. Inside, there are a lot of variety of animals, not just marine animals but also birds and tortoises. One thing that i like about this aquarium is thst they have an elevated platform so that kids are able to see the fishes from up close as some of the aquariums has high walls. They also have some jellyfishes which i think is very mesmerizing!

  • 5/5 Joe I. 7 months ago on Google
    I love aquariums and this one justifies its steep entry fee with a diverse range of aquatic life in large, clean exhibits. I can't pick just one highlight: the jellyfish, the unique turtles, the absolutely massive anaconda, or the precious harbor seal the zoo rehabilitated from a devastating injury. Top-notch attraction. A must-visit in my book.

  • 5/5 Jasmine I. 6 months ago on Google
    Where does one even begin? The aquarium is such a beautiful place to visit. There’s sooooo much to see. I was not expecting monkeys or bats and I was so happy (they’re two of my favourites). The jellyfish were magnificent and the corals were beautiful. There were so many frogs and so many cool creatures. My only downside was that it was very busy and very loud. Some people are also kind of rude and will just barge right infront of you. It’s not the aquariums fault so they definitely get 5 stars easily. Beautiful and will 100000000% be going back when I visit Vancouver again!

  • 5/5 Mina 7 months ago on Google
    Such an amazing place. The sections are very wells set. It will take 3-4 hours if you like to see everything in details. The outdoor shows were great. The food was decent.

  • 5/5 James G. 6 months ago on Google
    Such an interesting, attractive and educational experience. Very well planned. A great way to learn about the undersea part of our world. Outstanding displays. The marine mammals here are all rescue animals. Great place to spend 4-5 hours. Definitely good value for money.

  • 5/5 T 6 months ago on Google
    Thoroughly enjoyed my time at the aquarium. I came as a solo adult during a weekday. It was a good time to go to avoid major crowds and lots of strollers. They have lots of interesting animals and exhibits to view. The wet lab was very cool. It was hands on where you had staff available to answer questions about sea urchins/starfish. They also have a movie theatre which I did not partake in, but they were showing ocean episodes of Planet Earth. The seals, sea lions and otters were also very fun to watch! Right in beautiful Stanley Park ☺️

  • 5/5 Karli G. 5 months ago on Google
    Nice place to explore the underworld species. They have many species and a lot of educational information . Very recommend for families with children. They have a food area and a gift store. Make sure you don’t loose track of time by accident cause staff will be yelling at you to leave cause they are closed now.

  • 5/5 Anna G. 4 months ago on Google
    The Vancouver Aquarium is a captivating experience. From vibrant marine exhibits to engaging interactive displays, the variety of sea life on display is truly awe-inspiring. The knowledgeable and friendly staff add a personal touch, enhancing the overall visit. Whether you're a marine enthusiast or a family looking for an enjoyable day out, the Vancouver Aquarium offers a fantastic adventure that leaves you with a deeper appreciation for our oceans.

  • 5/5 Gurpreet K. 5 months ago on Google
    One of my favourite places to go in every season. They have animals rescued and have daily shows to watch. You can spend half a day there with your family. They have lots of theme shows and dinner events. Busy during holidays, so parking is a big stress. So if spending so long for parking better go around Stanley Park and walk the seawall as well. It's a pretty place with lots of cute creatures. And if you are a member you get discounts and at some events, you can bring a friend for free(just have to keep an eye) And the good thing is they have this place going on with donations and volunteers as well. During the Christmas season, I always get the mug with hot cocoa😝 I have a small collection from each year.

  • 5/5 karrie Weddle (. 4 months ago on Google
    Had a wonderful time. After walking around Stanley Park, came back to the aquarium. Started off watching the otter feeding. They definitely had the zoomies afterwards and were playful and fun to watch. Went to the underwater viewing area for the seals and sea lions. They were being very active too. Walked around inside for awhile and enjoyed the fish, and was able to see the octopus out and about. Then did their 4D Polar Express theater and followed that with going down to observe Scuba Santa they have for the holidays. Santa goes underwater and visits the kids. He was making sure each child got a special moment through the glass. The jellyfish tank dressed up as a snow globe was really cute. Spent a couple hours there and didn't even go to the touch pool lab experience or the sea lion training show. I think they canceled the jellyfish feeding, I didn't see it on the board once I was there. Plenty of Christmas photo ops. Was decorated nicely for the holidays.


Call +1 778-655-9554 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

Trends



Last updated:

Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Stanley Park image
1
Stanley Park
Park
Vancouver's largest urban park has beaches, trails & family attractions, plus a picturesque seawall.
4.80 (46.2K reviews)
Gastown Steam Clock image
2
Gastown Steam Clock
Tourist attraction
Built in 1977, this well-known, antique-style clock is powered by steam & whistles to tell the time.
4.50 (20.9K reviews)
Canada Place image
3
Canada Place
Convention center
Built to look like a ship, this iconic complex houses a convention centre, hotel & ferry terminal.
4.60 (20.7K reviews)
English Bay Beach image
4
English Bay Beach
Public beach
Bustling beach with volleyball courts, plus a concession stand & the Cactus Club Cafe for food.
4.70 (16K reviews)
Queen Elizabeth Park image
5
Queen Elizabeth Park
Park
Urban landmark on a hill featuring manicured gardens, a conservatory, sculptures & sports courts.
4.70 (14.5K reviews)
Last updated:
()