Vancouver Aquarium

Overview

The Vancouver Aquarium is Canada's largest aquarium, located inside Stanley Park. Home to over 70,000 animals from 735 species, it combines public exhibits with marine research and animal rescue operations since 1956.

Highlights

• Amazon Gallery: A two-storey tropical rainforest exhibit with caimans, sloths, and free-flying birds.
• Pacific Canada Pavilion: Local marine habitats with giant Pacific octopi, sea otters, and jellyfish.
• 4D Theatre: An immersive theatre combining 3D film with in-theatre effects.

History

Founded in 1956, it was the first aquarium in Canada to incorporate professional naturalists and the first in the world to display an orca whale (Moby Doll, 1964). It voluntarily ended cetacean captivity programs in 2018 and now focuses on rescue and rehabilitation.

Visitor Tips

• Marine Mammal Feeding: Check the daily schedule for sea otter and penguin feeding times.
• Rainy Days: 80% indoors, ideal for Vancouver's many rainy days.
• Duration: 2–3 hours.