The Vancouver Aquarium: It’s Not Just for Kids

Last week I spent several hours in the company of my eleven year old niece at the Vancouver Aquarium in Stanley Park. This is ONE of the places to visit in Vancouver and it certainly isn’t just for kids. I know I had as much fun as she did – perhaps even more. The aquarium is one of only two in Canada and is considered to rank in the top five around the world. People of all ages can enjoy the exhibits and there are plenty of hands on opportunities to thrill the young ones. There are daily beluga and dolphin shows, birds of prey talks, sea otter feeds and family programs.

70,000 animals call the aquarium home. The Amazon region is a special feature from now until the end of April.

What do you see on a trip to the Vancouver Aquarium??

It’s hard to decide where to start

Here are some of my favourites:

• Jellyfish – I get mesmerized watching them swim.

• I loved the whole exhibit featuring the aquatic environments in and around Vancouver and Vancouver Island. It’s one thing to visit an area on land but to see what lies beneath the ocean is eye opening – and for anyone who has already been to one of the featured areas, it’s particularly interesting to see what lies below the surface. I had no idea that there was such local diversity in species. Port Hardy, Bella Bella, Quadra Island, Whytecliff Park, Burnaby Narrows, Barkley Sound and Jervis Inlet are represented.

• Wandering around from aquarium to aquarium and trying to pick out the animal on display feels a bit like Finding Waldo. My niece was always faster than I was at this.

• You can’t help but fall in love with the sea otters and the beluga whales. Both mammals can be observed outside and then below the surface on a lower level so you can marvel at what adept swimmers they are.

• The tropical aviary featuring a sloth (which sleeps 23 hours of the day), parrots, butterflies and more exotic birds is a fun stop – especially since you can get close to the animals.

• I loved the display of the Splendid garden eel – a very unusual creature.

I’ve been to the aquarium before where you could touch a stingray. Last week’s visit permitted touching of sea anemones – which have a surprising grip. You can also find volunteers walking around with snake skins and animal skins – all for touching and educating the public.

Even if you don’t have children I highly recommend a visit to the aquarium. Or borrow a neighbour’s kid or take your grandchild, cousin, neice or nephew but find a way to visit this place. The Vancouver Aquarium has something to offer everyone.

Vancouver Aquarium Location, Hours and Rates

The Vancouver Aquarium is in Stanley Park, close to the area with the totem poles. Look for road signs pointing you to the aquarium when you first enter the park.

The aquarium is open 365 days of the year. In spring, fall and winter it’s open from 9:30am to 5 pm. From July 1st to Labour Day weekend it’s open from 9:30am until 7pm. The last few hours are often the least crowded.

Adults are $21, seniors $16, youth (13-16) $16, kids (4-12)$13 and children 3 and under are free. Tickets can be purchased online – which could save you a lot of time.

**Plan on a minimum of one hour and up to 3 hours depending on how many shows you attend.**

Leigh McAdam

HikeBikeTravel

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