Vancouver Aquarium
Discover Vancouver's vibrant marine world, from playful otters to ethereal jellyfish, with a strong focus on conservation and rescue.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Vancouver Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover Vancouver's vibrant marine world, from playful otters to ethereal jellyfish, with a strong focus on conservation and rescue.
"A wonderful place to spend a few hours and definitely a must-visit in Vancouver!"
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Vancouver Aquarium tickets online in advance .
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the exhibits .
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playful Sea Otters
Pacific Northwest
Witness the energetic antics of sea otters, especially Tofino, celebrating her rescueversary with ice cakes and clam paste art .

Mesmerizing Jellyfish
Tropical Waters
Be captivated by the bioluminescent and graceful movements of various jellyfish species in their dedicated exhibits .

Rescued Marine Mammals
Marine Mammal Rescue Centre
Learn about the vital rehabilitation efforts for seals and sea lions, like the adorable baby seals needing rescue .

Treasures of the BC Coast
Pacific Northwest
Explore the diverse local marine life, from sharks to colorful fish, in this well-regarded section .
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Save
Embrace the Stanley Park Location
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Vancouver Aquarium tickets online in advance.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the exhibits.
👶 Family-Friendly Amenities
Nursing rooms and family washrooms are available, making it comfortable for families with infants.
📍 Combine with Stanley Park
The aquarium is in Stanley Park; explore the park's trails, water park, or nearby eateries afterward.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Vancouver Aquarium tickets online in advance.
🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the exhibits.
👶 Family-Friendly Amenities
Nursing rooms and family washrooms are available, making it comfortable for families with infants.
📍 Combine with Stanley Park
The aquarium is in Stanley Park; explore the park's trails, water park, or nearby eateries afterward.
💰 Consider Membership
If you plan multiple visits, an annual pass can be cost-effective and offers early access on Saturdays.
📱 Check Feeding Times
Plan your visit around animal feeding times for more engaging and active viewing opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Vancouver Aquarium for its engaging exhibits, particularly the playful sea otters and mesmerizing jellyfish. The focus on conservation and animal rehabilitation is highly appreciated, with staff noted as friendly and knowledgeable. While some find the ticket prices steep, many feel the educational value and overall experience justify the cost, especially when combined with Stanley Park.
"Great sea otter program by Vanessa! Super engaging and loved getting to know more about the otters. Also really enjoyed the seal feeding and getting to know more about the rescues! The entire aquarium was a blast, got to see so many amazing creatures, the pacific and tropical sections are beautiful. Highly recommend getting tickets online, and they have a great student discount. 10/10 would recommend for a great half day trip."
Jessica Chen
"Had such a great time at the Vancouver Aquarium! My favorite part was watching the sea otters—they’re so playful and fun to see up close. The exhibits are well done and very educational without being overwhelming. Staff were super friendly and clearly care about the animals. A wonderful place to spend a few hours and definitely a must-visit in Vancouver!"
Leo P
"Spent about 5 hours there. Came out for 30 min for kiddos to have lunch in the car and went back in for second half! Love the re-entry privilege!
Sea lion show is an absolute must! And watched the 4D theatre twice!
Stay till 2pm the jellyfish “petting lab” opens up! It’s worth the wait!
Lots of washroom and wheelchair accessible areas. Very well built for kids and families!"
J J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Vancouver Aquarium is located at 845 Avison Way in Stanley Park. You can reach it by public transit (bus routes 005, 019, 023), by car (parking available but can be busy), or by cycling along the Stanley Park seawall.
Yes, there is parking available near the aquarium within Stanley Park. However, it can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so arriving early is recommended.
Absolutely! Several bus routes, including the 005, 019, and 023, stop near the Vancouver Aquarium, making it easily accessible via public transportation.
Yes, the aquarium is easily accessible by bike, with dedicated paths along the Stanley Park seawall. Bike racks are available nearby.
From downtown Vancouver, you can take a bus (like the 005 or 019) directly towards Stanley Park, or enjoy a scenic walk or bike ride to reach the aquarium.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's generally considered pricey.
It's best to check the official Vancouver Aquarium website for the most up-to-date admission fees and potential discounts.Yes, purchasing Vancouver Aquarium tickets online is highly recommended. It can save you time at the entrance and sometimes offers better deals.
Look for student discounts, and consider membership if you plan to visit multiple times. Some organizations may offer discounts, so it's worth checking.
Vancouver Aquarium hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current operating hours before your visit.
Children under 3 typically receive free admission to the Vancouver Aquarium. Always verify current age policies on their website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the playful sea otters,
the mesmerizing jellyfish, the rescued marine mammals, and the 'Treasures of the BC Coast' exhibit.Most visitors spend 3-5 hours at the aquarium, but you can easily spend a full day exploring all the exhibits, talks, and the 4D theatre.
Yes, the aquarium is very family-friendly and great for toddlers. They often have free admission for children under 3 and many engaging exhibits.
Yes, the Vancouver Aquarium features a 4D theatre with changing shows. Check their website for current showtimes and information.
While direct interaction is limited for conservation reasons, the 'wet lab' allows for touching some sea life, and feeding demonstrations offer close-up views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is food available on-site, but it can be quite expensive.
Many visitors opt to bring their own snacks or plan to eat outside the aquarium.The aquarium typically has a cafe or restaurant offering various food and beverage options. It's best to check their website for current offerings.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the aquarium's policy on outside food. Some visitors have mentioned eating lunch in their car.
Yes, after visiting the aquarium, you can find more affordable dining options in nearby Denman Street or explore the Stanley Park Brewery.
Expect typical cafe fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Prices are generally higher than outside establishments.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography is often discouraged to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for specific signage.
The jellyfish exhibits offer stunning, ethereal shots.
The playful sea otters and the rescued seals also make for great photo opportunities.Avoid using flash photography, especially in darker exhibits, as it can stress the animals. Some specific exhibits might have temporary restrictions.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal. Many visitors use their smartphones effectively, especially with the ambient lighting.
Video recording is usually permitted, but again, be mindful of flash and avoid disruptive behavior. Short clips of the animals' movements are popular on social media.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Young Children
For parents with infants, the aquarium provides nursing rooms for privacy, and the general atmosphere is very accommodating to crying babies. You can expect to spend around 2-4 hours here, which is often enough for young children's attention spans. Combining the visit with a picnic in Stanley Park is also a great option.
💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers
To save on food costs, consider packing your own snacks or planning to have a meal outside the aquarium in areas like Denman Street, which offers more affordable options than the on-site cafe. By strategically planning your visit for weekdays and combining it with free activities in Stanley Park, you can maximize your experience without overspending.
❤️ Couples and Adults
Engage with knowledgeable staff, learn about vital conservation efforts, and enjoy the unique ambiance. Afterward, you can explore the romantic Stanley Park seawall, visit a local brewery, or enjoy dinner in the vibrant West End. It's a great option for a relaxed date or a cultured afternoon.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation and Research Efforts
Visitors can learn about these efforts through informative displays and by observing the dedicated staff. The aquarium's research initiatives contribute to a better understanding of marine ecosystems and the challenges they face. This dedication to science and conservation is a key reason many visitors find the aquarium to be a worthwhile and ethical destination.
Navigating Crowds and Timing Your Visit
If you're a member, you might have access to special early entry times on Saturday mornings, offering a truly quiet experience. For those without membership, aiming for a Tuesday around noon has been noted as a relatively quiet time. Be aware that school field trips can increase crowds during certain weekdays, though generally less so than summer camps.
The Stanley Park Advantage
For dining, you have options both within the aquarium (though pricey) and in the surrounding areas. Consider the Stanley Park Brewery for a casual meal or explore the diverse culinary scene on nearby Denman Street. This integration with one of Vancouver's most beloved natural attractions makes the aquarium visit even more rewarding.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit