Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada
The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the best aquariums in Canada. It has 65,000 animals and 30 Exhibits and Galleries that you can explore!
The Aquarium has been transitioning from the old-school aquariums where animals perform for you to one that educates, and does marine mammal rescue, research and conservation.
The aquarium is a family-friendly paid attraction and it is very popular with children!
The aquarium has many different aquatic species such as sea lions, otters, penguins, fish, sea urchins, etc. In addition, it has an Amazon gallery that has exotic birds, snakes, monkeys, and other animals!
There aren't animal shows anymore where the animals perform for the spectators. However, there are "shows" that you can watch when they feed the seals and sea lions where they explain the feeding, rescue, and conservation aspects of the animals.
One of the best things is the fabulous
The Vancouver Aquarium holds Events such as 'Nights at the Aquarium' which is nighttime access to the Aquarium with a 3 course meal.
They are 2 Gift Shops that sell a wide range of items including toys, and clothes, most with an aquatic theme!
We have lots of Photos and answers to your Frequently Asked Questions.
Plan to spend a minimum half day to a full day to fully explore all the Exhibits and Galleries at the Vancouver Aquarium.
The Vancouver Aquarium is the perfect place to go on those rainy Vancouver days!
Stanley Park Aquarium Video
This video shows the Beluga Whales which used to be at the Vancouver Aquarium. They have unfortunately passed away so obviously you cannot see them anymore, but we wanted to show you the video of them anyways.
Stanley Park Aquarium Exhibits and Galleries
There are over 65,000 animals and 30 exhibits! These exhibits and galleries cover aquatic creatures and locations from British Columbia to around the world! Here is a list of some of the exhibits and galleries:
The Vancouver Aquarium has so many exhibits and galleries. Here are some of the main ones:
Marine Mammal Rescue Exhibit
The Marine Mammal Rescue Exhibit is new as of August 2021. It showcases the work done by the Marine Mammal Rescue Centre which rescues marine mammals.
The centre tries to rehabilitate and release the rescued marine mammals. If this is not possible(i.e. they are non-releasable), the marine mammal will join the family at the Vancouver Aquarium.
You will see animals such as sea lions and harbour seals in this exhibit.
Graham Amazon Gallery
The Graham Amazon Exhibit showcases animals, both aquatic and terrestial, of the Amazon region.
In this exhibit you walk through a re-creation of the Amazon tropic rainforest.
In this exhibit you will animals such as sloths, monkeys, turtles, and birds!
4D Experience
The 4D Experience is a 4D immersive experience. In addition to audio and video you will experience effects such as wind, mist, and scents that are choreographed to the film being watched.
The movie shown changes every 3 months.
Treasures of the BC Coast
The Treasures of the BC Coast exhibit is about the coast of British Columbia and the diversity of life that you will find there.
You will see creatures such as hagfish, seastars, rockfish, sea anemones, sea cucumbers, and giant octopus. You can view these creatures face-to-face through giant windows.
Steller's Bay Exhibit
In the Steller's Bay exhibit you will see Stellar Sea Lions both from above water and below water through large windows.
This exhibit has a "show" where you can watch the sea lions being fed.
This display is part of active research and will help you learn about these animals.
Sea Otters Exhibit
The Sea Otter Exhibit is arguably the most popular exibit at the Vancovuer Aquarium.
It features sea otters that have been rescued as pups, but were deemed unreleasable by the appropriate government agencies.
You get to observe these cute animals as they play, swim, and groom themselves. They groom themselves to keep their fur working to keep them insulated in cold water.
Jellies Exhibit
The Jellies exhibit will take you into the lives of Jelly Fish. You will see jelly fish species from around the world.
The Tropics Exhibit
The Tropics Exhibit showcases the coral reefs, mangrove forests, rivers, and lakes of the tropics.
You will see Clown Fish, reef sharks, turtles, and many other marine creatures that inhabit this region of the world.
Pacific Canada Pavilion Exhibit
The Pacific Canada Pavilion Exhibit is a large 2 level exhibit that showcases the marine life of Vancouver's shoreline. You get an above and below water view of some of the marine life that lives in the Strait of Georgia.
You may see animals such as rockfish, sturgeon, and crabs.
Penguin Point Exhibit (Permanently Closed)
The Penguin Point Exhibit showcases South African penguins.
It is 180 degree viewing of their natural home. You will be able to see them swim and waddle around!
This exhibit has been permanently closed.
Canada's Arctic Exhibit
The Canada's Arctic Exhibit showcases the changes experienced by it's people, land, and animals.
You will learn how climate is affecting the Arctic and it's inhabitants.
Teck Connections and Engagement Galleries Exhibit
The Teck Connections and Engagement Galleries starts your experience at the Aquarium and shows a diversity of aquatic life on 360 degrees of screens. The Engagement galleries are a programming space.
Frogs Forever? Exhibit
Frogs, toads, and salamanders are some of the amphibian creatures you will see in the Frogs Forever? exhibit.
You will learn how they are in peril from human and non-human causes. You will see many types of frogs and learn about their transformations.
Our favourite part of this exhibit is where you can put your head into a bubble to be at eye-level with the frogs in the middle of a show case!
Chief of the Undersea World
The Chief of the Undersea World is a sculpture of a Killer Whale by the renown Haida artist Bill Reid.
This sculpture is out front of the Vancouver Aquarium and is free to view, i.e. you don't even have to enter the aquarium to see it.
Touch Pools Exhibit
The Touch Pools Exhibit lets you touch some animals that live in British Columbia's tidepools. Just roll up your sleeves and don't be scared..you will get wet!
Clownfish Cove Exhibit
The Clownfish Cove exhibit is for children 8 and under to learn by playing.
Wet Lab Exhibit
The Wet Lab exhibit is an interactive learning centre. This is where school children programs take place.
Gift Shops
These are 2 gift shops at the Vancouver Aquarium.
One gift shop is downstairs and is in what appears to be a 'yellow submarine'!
There is a second very large gift shop that you go through when you exit the aquarium.
Vancouver Aquarium Photos
Vancouver Aquarium Events
The Vancouver Aquarium currently only has 1 event, Nights at the Aquarium, occuring as of 2022. This event is where the aquarium is open at night for participants. You get to explore the aquarium plus you get a three-course meal in an intimate setting. It is perfect for a date night!
Frequently Asked Questions about the Vancouver Aquarium
These are the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Vancouver Aquarium
What is the price of admission to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park?
As of May 2022, the Aquarium website has the prices(including GST) are: Regular(age 13-64) $42, Seniors(65+) $36.75, Student(19+ with ID) $36.75, Child(3-12) $26.25, Child(2 and less) Free.
Note that visitors and members MUST reserve tickets online in advance. &bnsp;Tickets are date and time specific to control the amount of people in the aquarium at one time.
What are the Hours of the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park?
The Aquarium re-opened from it's pandemic closure on August 16, 2021.
The Vancouver Aquarium is open 365 days a year from 10am to 5pm. Last entry is 3:15pm.
Where is the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park?
The Vancouver Aquarium is located at 845 Avison Way in Stanley Park.
How long should you plan to spend at the Vancouver Aquarium?
At a bare minimum plan to spend 2 hours at the Vancouver Aquarium. We recommend that you plan to spend half a day at this attraction. It would take a full day to see all the shows and explore all the exhibits thoroughly.
How do I drive to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park?
Enter Stanley Park heading west on Georgia Street from downtown Vancouver, turn right at the roundabout onto Stanley Park Drive, then turn left onto Avison Way immediately after the Stanley Park Information Booth. Proceed 100 meters up and you will see the Aquarium.
Where Can I Park for the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park?
There is a large parking lot immediately in front of the Vancouver Aquarium If this lot is full, there are a few other parking lots within walking distance. For more detailed information (rates, times, etc.) about parking in Stanley Park, please read: Parking in Stanley Park
Can I Get to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park by Bus?
Yes, you can take the #19 Stanley Park Bus to get to the Stanley Park Bus Loop which is located about a 5 minute walk from the Vancouver Aquarium.
Is the Vancouver Aquarium worth it?
Yes, we feel that it is worth it. You can spend half a day to a full day here going through the exhibits. It is also a really good place to take children.
Are there killer whales at the Vancouver Aquarium?
There used to be killer whales at the Vancouver Aquarium, but there are none now. There were some Beluga whales, but unfortunately they passed away. There were also dolphin shows, but these were phased out as well.
Does the Vancouver Aquarium have penquins?
No. In 2023 the Vancouver Aquarium closed the penguin exhibit.
Who owns the Vancouver Aquarium?
Herschend Enterprises bought the Vancouver Aquarium in April 2021 saving it from bankruptcy.
What else is located close to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park?
Located within a short walk of the Vancouver Aquarium, is the Miniature Train ride, Lumbermens' Arch, Horse-drawn Carriage Tour and the Stanley Park Seawall.