Canada is home to some fantastic aquariums that showcase
incredible marine life, from local species to exotic creatures. Whether you're
interested in interactive exhibits or stunning underwater displays, here are
the top 10 best aquariums in Canada:
1. Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
📍 Location:
Toronto, Ontario
- Why
Visit: One of Canada’s most famous aquariums, located at the base of
the CN Tower, it features over 20,000 aquatic animals.
- Highlights:
- The Dangerous
Lagoon tunnel with sharks swimming overhead.
- Touch
tanks with stingrays and horseshoe crabs.
- Interactive
exhibits for kids and live dive shows.
Website: ripleyaquariums.com/canada
2. Vancouver Aquarium
📍 Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
- Why
Visit: Located in Stanley Park, this is one of Canada’s largest and
most respected aquariums, with a focus on marine conservation and
research.
- Highlights:
- Dolphin
and sea otter exhibits.
- Immersive
galleries on Arctic and BC coastal marine life.
- Educational
programs and behind-the-scenes tours.
Website: vanaqua.org
3. Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea
📍 Location:
Sidney, British Columbia (near Victoria)
- Why
Visit: Focused on the rich marine ecosystem of the Salish Sea, this aquarium
highlights local marine life.
- Highlights:
- Hands-on
touch pools featuring sea stars, anemones, and crabs.
- Stunning
jellyfish displays.
- Interactive
exhibits about local Indigenous culture and the marine environment.
Website: salishseacentre.org
4. Ocean Wise Marine Mammal Rescue Centre
📍 Location:
Vancouver, British Columbia
- Why
Visit: A unique facility dedicated to rehabilitating and releasing
marine mammals, run by the Vancouver Aquarium.
- Highlights:
- Educational
programs about marine mammal conservation.
- Opportunities
to see rescued seals and other animals in recovery.
Website: marineanimalrescue.org
5. Magnetic Hill Zoo and Aquarium
📍 Location:
Moncton, New Brunswick
- Why
Visit: Part of a larger zoo, the aquarium showcases marine life alongside
other animal exhibits.
- Highlights:
- Aquatic
species native to the Atlantic Ocean.
- A
family-friendly environment with interactive displays.
- Perfect
for a day trip with kids.
Website: magnetichillzoo.ca
6. Marineland
📍 Location:
Niagara Falls, Ontario
- Why
Visit: While primarily known as a theme park, Marineland also features
marine exhibits and performances.
- Highlights:
- Beluga
whales, dolphins, and seals.
- Educational
shows about marine animals.
- An
expansive park combining aquatic attractions and amusement rides.
Website: marineland.ca
7. Aquarium du Québec
📍 Location: Quebec
City, Quebec
- Why
Visit: This impressive facility features over 10,000 animals from the
Arctic, freshwater rivers, and the ocean.
- Highlights:
- Polar
bear and walrus exhibits.
- A
jellyfish tunnel and touch tanks.
- Winter-themed
outdoor displays and seasonal activities.
Website: sepaq.com/ct/paq
8. Ucluelet Aquarium
📍 Location:
Ucluelet, British Columbia (Vancouver Island)
- Why
Visit: A small but eco-friendly aquarium focused on local marine
species, with a catch-and-release policy.
- Highlights:
- Interactive
touch tanks featuring Pacific Northwest marine life.
- Educational
programs about ocean conservation.
- Seasonal
exhibits that rotate frequently.
Website: uclueletaquarium.org
9. Huntsman Marine Science Centre
📍 Location: St.
Andrews, New Brunswick
- Why
Visit: A marine research and education facility offering hands-on
experiences with local marine life.
- Highlights:
- Touch
tanks with sea urchins, starfish, and other species from the Bay of
Fundy.
- Aquarium
exhibits showcasing local fish and invertebrates.
- Outdoor
tours and field programs for visitors of all ages.
Website: huntsmanmarine.ca
10. Bonne Bay Marine Station Aquarium
📍 Location: Norris
Point, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Why
Visit: A small but fascinating aquarium showcasing the marine
biodiversity of Gros Morne National Park.
- Highlights:
- Touch
tanks with crabs, lobsters, and starfish.
- Guided
tours of the exhibits.
- A
focus on marine life unique to Newfoundland’s waters.
Website: bonnebay.ca
Honorable Mentions:
- Discovery
Passage Aquarium (Campbell River, BC): A seasonal aquarium focusing on
the local marine environment.
- Petty
Harbour Mini Aquarium (Newfoundland): A small catch-and-release
aquarium ideal for families and children.
- Sturgeon
Interpretive Centre (Fraser Valley, BC): Focuses on the conservation
and education of white sturgeon.
Tips for Visiting Aquariums in Canada:
- Plan
Ahead: Check opening hours and book tickets online where possible.
- Educational
Programs: Many aquariums offer guided tours, feeding sessions, and
interactive displays.
- Eco-Conscious
Choices: Support aquariums focused on conservation and research
efforts.
- Best
for Kids: Ripley’s Aquarium, Vancouver Aquarium, and Aquarium du
Québec are particularly family-friendly.
