Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada

The Vancouver Aquarium is one of the best, if not the best, aquarium in Canada. It has many exhibits and does research and conservation. The aquarium has many different aquatic species such as dolphins, otters, penguins, fish, sea urchins, etc. In addition, it has an Amazon gallery that has many exotic birds, snakes, and other slimy animals! The aquarium also has a popular dolphin show that you shouldn't miss! The aquarium is the perfect place to go and spend a day, especially on those rainy Vancouver days! The aquarium is a family-friendly attraction and children will be amazed by what they see!

The Vancouver Aquarium has recently undergone a $100 million dollar renovation/expansion.

2021-08-16: The Vancouver Aquarium has re-opened! There is a new Marine Mammal Rescue Centre exhibit and a brand new 4D theatre experience with a film called Octopus.

2021-04-15: The Vancouver Aquarium has been purchased by Herschend Enterprises, a US theme park operator. This will probably save the Aquarium from permanently closing.

2020-09-08: The Vancouver Aquarium has closed indefinitely due to the Covid pandemic.

Stanley Park Aquarium Video

This video shows the Beluga Whales who unfortunately have 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

Jelly fish at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park, Vancouver, BC, Canada

The Vancouver Aquarium has 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:

Marine Mammal Rescue (new in August 2021)
Graham Amazon Gallery
The Tropics
The 4D Experience
Treasures Of The BC Coast
Jellies
Steller's Bay
Sea Otters
Pacific Canada Pavilion
Penguin Point
Canada's Arctic
Teck Connections and Engagement Galleries
Frogs Forever?
Chief of the Undersea World
Touch Pools
Clownfish Cove
Wet Lab

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 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.

Graham Amazon Gallery

The Graham Amazon Exhibit showcases animals, both aquatic and terrestial, of the Amazon region. You are able to walk through a re-creation of the Amazon tropic rainforest. You will animals such as sloths here and learn about the threats to the Amazon.

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.

The 4D Experience Exhibit

This exhibit 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. New for August 2021 is a film called: Octopus: Blue Planet.

Treasures Of The BC Coast Exhibit

This 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.

Jellies Exhibit

This exhibit will take you into the lives of Jelly Fish. You will see jelly fish species from around the world.

Steller's Bay Exhibit

In this exhibit you will see Stellar Sea Lions through large windows. You will get to see them underwater. This display is part of active research and will help you learn about the role these animals play.

Sea Otters Exhibit

This is one of the most popular exhibits and features sea otters that have been rescued as pups, but were deemed unreleasable by the appropriate government agencies. They are fun to watch. You will probably see them grooming, but it is not for you, it is for them to keep their fur working to keep them warm in the frigid water.

Note, the aquarium's website says that this exhibit is temporarily paused now.

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

The Penguin Point Exhibit showcases South African penguins. It is 180 degree viewing of their natural home. You will be able t see them swim and waddle around! This exhibit is very popular.

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 ad it's inhabitants.

Note that the Arctic Tour show is temporarily paused.

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 Exhibit

This is a large bronze art work of a killer whale done by the famous Haida Artist Bill Reid that resides in the plaza outside the Aquarium. It is an amazing piece of art that you definitely need to see.

Touch Pools Exhibit

The Touch Pools Exhibit lets you touch some animals. 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.

What is the price of admission to the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park?

As of August 2021, 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 maintain physical distancing requirements!

Masks are recoomended for ages 12 and over who are not fully vaccinated.

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 9:30am to 5:30pm. Last entry is 20 minutes before closing time.

Where is the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park?

The Vancouver Aquarium is located at 845 Avison Way in Stanley Park.

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 are being phased out as well.