Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver - blue and green round ball
1 / 10

Vancouver Aquarium

4.5
·11k reviews·Vancouver, Canada

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

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, near opening or closing

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Loading map...
Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver - blue and green round ball

Vancouver Aquarium

Best Time

Weekdays, near opening or closing

Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

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

4.5
(11k reviews)

"A wonderful place to spend a few hours and definitely a must-visit in Vancouver!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎟️ 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 .

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Playful Sea Otters

Playful Sea Otters

Pacific Northwest

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

TikTok
Mesmerizing Jellyfish

Mesmerizing Jellyfish

Tropical Waters

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

TikTok+2
Rescued Marine Mammals

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 .

TikTok+1
Treasures of the BC Coast

Treasures of the BC Coast

Pacific Northwest

Explore the diverse local marine life, from sharks to colorful fish, in this well-regarded section .

Reddit

Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds & Save

Visit on weekdays during school terms for fewer crowds. Consider purchasing tickets online in advance to potentially snag deals and skip lines. Weekday mornings or late afternoons are often less busy than midday.Reddit

Embrace the Stanley Park Location

The aquarium is nestled within the beautiful Stanley Park. Plan to combine your visit with a stroll through the park, a visit to the water park (seasonal), or a meal at a nearby brewery.Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, near opening or closing
Why
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Tuesday afternoons
Why
Generally quiet and less chaotic
Crowd
Low
When
Weeknights, 3-5 PM
Why
Beat the rush, more relaxed
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

We didn’t see the octopus today but the tank for it is set up! 🐙 My first time here and I did not expect this place to be this cool 😳 Definitely worth the stop- conservatory video next 🌿 (Visit their site to donate!) www.belleisleconservancy.org Aquarium’s Donation Link: https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_f2eadafd-7a8b-11ea-8134-0ab2f2f28c00&WidgetId=232448 #BelleIsleAquarium #...
@estheresong
795.9K likes • 4.6M views

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Vancouver Aquarium tickets online in advance.Reddit

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the exhibits.Reddit

#jellyfish ~ and theyre bioluminescent!! :D #sealife #aquarium #vancouver
@sillyjellifish
757K likes • 2.6M views
this DIVA💜@Vancouver Aquarium #fyp #arianagrande #myeverything #seal
@himani.a
311.6K likes • 1.1M views

👶 Family-Friendly Amenities

Nursing rooms and family washrooms are available, making it comfortable for families with infants.Reddit

📍 Combine with Stanley Park

The aquarium is in Stanley Park; explore the park's trails, water park, or nearby eateries afterward.Reddit

Guys im running out of clips (´༎ຶོρ༎ຶོ`) ig that means i need to go back to Vancouver asap #aesthetic #jellyfish #vancouver #aquarium #viral #calm
@coffeeflavored
257K likes • 3.2M views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎟️ Book Tickets Online

Save time and potentially money by purchasing your Vancouver Aquarium tickets online in advance.Reddit

🥾 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring the exhibits.Reddit

👶 Family-Friendly Amenities

Nursing rooms and family washrooms are available, making it comfortable for families with infants.Reddit

📍 Combine with Stanley Park

The aquarium is in Stanley Park; explore the park's trails, water park, or nearby eateries afterward.Reddit

💰 Consider Membership

If you plan multiple visits, an annual pass can be cost-effective and offers early access on Saturdays.Reddit

📱 Check Feeding Times

Plan your visit around animal feeding times for more engaging and active viewing opportunities.Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.5
(11k reviews)

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

Playful sea otters
Mesmerizing jellyfish
Conservation efforts

What People Dislike

Expensive tickets
Pricey food

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.TikTok

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.Reddit

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.Reddit It's best to check the official Vancouver Aquarium website for the most up-to-date admission fees and potential discounts.TikTok

Yes, purchasing Vancouver Aquarium tickets online is highly recommended. It can save you time at the entrance and sometimes offers better deals.Reddit

Look for student discounts, and consider membership if you plan to visit multiple times. Some organizations may offer discounts, so it's worth checking.Reddit

Vancouver Aquarium hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current operating hours before your visit.TikTok

Children under 3 typically receive free admission to the Vancouver Aquarium. Always verify current age policies on their website.Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Don't miss the playful sea otters,TikTok the mesmerizing jellyfish,TikTok+2 the rescued marine mammals,TikTok+1 and the 'Treasures of the BC Coast' exhibit.Reddit

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.Reddit

Yes, the aquarium is very family-friendly and great for toddlers. They often have free admission for children under 3 and many engaging exhibits.Reddit

Yes, the Vancouver Aquarium features a 4D theatre with changing shows. Check their website for current showtimes and information.Reddit

While direct interaction is limited for conservation reasons, the 'wet lab' allows for touching some sea life, and feeding demonstrations offer close-up views.Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is food available on-site, but it can be quite expensive.Reddit 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.Reddit

Yes, after visiting the aquarium, you can find more affordable dining options in nearby Denman Street or explore the Stanley Park Brewery.Reddit

Expect typical cafe fare like sandwiches, snacks, and drinks. Prices are generally higher than outside establishments.Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Yes, photography is generally allowed, but flash photography is often discouraged to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for specific signage.TikTok

The jellyfish exhibits offer stunning, ethereal shots.TikTok+2 The playful sea otters TikTok and the rescued seals TikTok+1 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.TikTok

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.TikTok+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Young Children

The Vancouver Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families with young children, including toddlers and infants.Reddit Children under 3 often get in for free, making it an accessible outing. The exhibits are designed to be engaging for little ones, with many colorful displays and active animals like the sea otters TikTok and playful seals.TikTok+1

For parents with infants, the aquarium provides nursing rooms for privacy, and the general atmosphere is very accommodating to crying babies.Reddit 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.Reddit

💰 Budget-Conscious Travelers

While the Vancouver Aquarium is noted as being somewhat expensive,Reddit there are ways to make it more budget-friendly. Look for online ticket deals or consider purchasing a membership if you plan to visit multiple times, as this can offer savings and perks like early access.Reddit

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.Reddit 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

The Vancouver Aquarium offers a surprisingly serene and educational experience for adults and couples. The 'Treasures of the BC Coast' exhibit provides a fascinating look at local marine life, and the mesmerizing jellyfish displays are perfect for a calm, contemplative outing.TikTok+2

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

The Vancouver Aquarium is deeply committed to conservation and research, playing a crucial role in marine animal rehabilitation and scientific study. They are known for their work with rescued marine mammals, providing a safe haven for animals that cannot survive in the wild.TikTokReddit This focus on rehabilitation and ethical care is a significant aspect of their mission, distinguishing them from more entertainment-focused aquatic parks.Reddit

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.Reddit

Navigating Crowds and Timing Your Visit

The Vancouver Aquarium can get quite busy, especially during peak seasons, weekends, and holidays.Reddit To ensure a more relaxed experience, weekdays during school terms are highly recommended.Reddit Arriving near opening time (around 10 AM) or in the late afternoon (3:30-4 PM) can also help you avoid the midday rush.Reddit

If you're a member, you might have access to special early entry times on Saturday mornings, offering a truly quiet experience.Reddit For those without membership, aiming for a Tuesday around noon has been noted as a relatively quiet time.Reddit Be aware that school field trips can increase crowds during certain weekdays, though generally less so than summer camps.Reddit

The Stanley Park Advantage

Being situated within the expansive Stanley Park offers visitors a unique advantage. Your aquarium visit can easily be extended into a full day of exploration. After immersing yourself in marine life, take a leisurely walk along the famous seawall, rent a bike, or visit the seasonal water park at Lumberman's Arch.Reddit

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.Reddit This integration with one of Vancouver's most beloved natural attractions makes the aquarium visit even more rewarding.

You may also like

1 of 2