Nearly every "things to do in Vancouver" list includes the Vancouver Aquarium—and for good reason: the non-profit organization offers diverse, educational, and fun events for the entire family. For more than 50 years the marine science center at 845 Avison Way has been a year-round BC destination offering progressive programs and interactive exhibits.
Animals to See at the Vancouver Aquarium
The Vancouver Aquarium houses thousands of fish, reptiles, mammals, and invertebrates that live in habitats ranging from the tropical temperatures in the Amazon Gallery to the cold chills of the Arctic Gallery. In pools and viewing tanks, visitors can get up close to rare and common animals including:
- Beluga whales
- Sea otters
- Reef sharks
- Seals and sea lions
- Sloths
- Jellyfish
- Octopi
- Turtles
- Thousands of fish species
- Snakes
- Frogs
The Vancouver Aquarium also has some famous residents. A pair of sea otters, Nyac and Milo, became celebrities through the video Otters Holding Hands on YouTube, the beluga Kavna is the the oldest of her kind in aquariums and zoos worldwide, and the newest beluga Tiqa was born to Qila, who was the first beluga conceived and born in an aquarium in Canada. The aquarium is also a famed location of the CBC series Danger Bay.
Enjoying Live Shows at the Aquarium
A full day of demonstrations make the Vancouver Aquarium an ideal spot to learn about sea life and marvel at the habits of the marine animals.
Dolphin shows remain a favorite as the smart mammals demonstrate their agility and crowds flock to the daily sea otter feeding. Other events to check our include talks on seals and sea lions, reef sharks, beluga whales, birds of prey, and frogs.
Vancouver Aquarium Kids' Activities
The Vancouver Aquarium caters to those visiting for a Vancouver family day trip. A large play area called Clownfish Cove offers lessons about the ocean as well as games. Tanks of fish, snails, jellyfish, and octopi will capture the imaginations of children and keep them enthralled with the undersea world.
Getting to the Aquarium in Stanley Park
The Vancouver Aquarium can be found within the boundaries of Stanley Park. To reach the aquarium, take West Georgia St. towards Stanley Park, turn into the park and then follow signs to the aquarium. Paid parking is available on site.
Alternately, visitors can take advantage of the beautiful waterfront by walking or biking through Coal Harbor. Lastly, the Vancouver Parks Board runs a free summer-only shuttle through the park, leaving from the miniature railway parking lot every 15 minutes between 10 am and 6:30 pm daily.
Other Things to Do in Vancouver BC
Vancouver offers many activities both indoors and out. Great family outings can be part of a winter family vacation or a ski trip to the slopes of the North Shore Mountains.
Chloë Ernst - Chloë Ernst is a travel guidebook author who writes for Frommer's and Globe Pequot Press.
