If you’re looking for an incredible aquatic experience right in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is the place to be. Even though it’s about 500 miles from the nearest ocean, this aquarium brings the wonders of both freshwater and saltwater marine life right to your doorstep. From Canadian waters to tropical reefs and from sharks to shimmering jellyfish, this spot has it all. Let me take you on a detailed tour of what to expect, how to plan your visit, and why it’s an amazing day out for everyone.
Table of Contents
- Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Parking, and Accessibility
- Exploring the Exhibits: From Canadian Waters to Rainbow Reef
- Dangerous Lagoon: The Aquarium’s Largest Exhibit
- Discovery Center: Interactive Fun for Kids and Adults
- Grab a Bite: Ripley’s Cafe
- The Gallery and Shipwrecks: Unique Marine Life and History
- Ray Bay and Shoreline Gallery: Touch the Rays!
- Planet Jellies: Mesmerizing Creatures from Another World
- Behind the Scenes: Life Support System
- Shopping and Souvenirs
- Final Thoughts
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Parking, and Accessibility
Before diving into the exhibits, here are some helpful tips to make your visit smooth and enjoyable. Tickets must be purchased online, and you’ll need to pick a specific day and a one-hour entry window. Keep in mind, your ticket is only valid for that hour, so it’s best to arrive on time.
Parking is easy with several lots nearby. We parked just around the corner, and it was only a five-minute walk to the aquarium entrance—super convenient! For those concerned about accessibility, the entire building is wheelchair-friendly with ramps both inside and out. If you’re bringing little ones, strollers are allowed inside, but wagons are not.
Once inside, you’ll find the code check to your left. After that, head across the lobby and get ready to explore! Be sure to scan the QR code near the entrance for a handy digital map. This map is interactive and lets you zoom in and customize accessibility options, making it easier to navigate the exhibits without missing anything.
Exploring the Exhibits: From Canadian Waters to Rainbow Reef
The first main exhibit you’ll encounter is Canadian Waters. This section takes you on a coast-to-coast journey through the lakes, rivers, and coastal kelp forests of Canada. It’s fascinating to learn that Canada holds about 20% of the world’s freshwater, and here you’ll see over 80 species that thrive in these chilly waters.
Next up is the Rainbow Reef, a vibrant and colorful exhibit featuring tropical fish from the Indo-Pacific coral seas. The warm waters here are home to more than 100 different fish species, swimming around a stunning coral reef setup. This exhibit holds over 200,000 liters of water and offers a glimpse into the delicate ecosystems of coral reefs. It’s a perfect spot to learn about marine conservation and the importance of preserving these habitats.
Dangerous Lagoon: The Aquarium’s Largest Exhibit
One of the absolute highlights of the aquarium is the Dangerous Lagoon. This massive 2.9 million-liter tank is the largest exhibit here and features the longest moving sidewalk in North America. Walking through it is an immersive experience—you’re literally surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles gliding around you.
The moving sidewalk lets you take in the sights without rushing, giving you plenty of time to marvel at these breathtaking creatures. It’s a thrilling and peaceful experience all at once.
Discovery Center: Interactive Fun for Kids and Adults
After the Dangerous Lagoon, you’ll find the Discovery Center. This area is full of interactive exhibits that are perfect for kids to burn off some energy. There’s even an aquatic playground where little ones can have fun while learning about marine life.
One of the coolest features here is the underwater tunnel through a shark tank. Walking through this tunnel gives you a 360-degree view of the sharks swimming right overhead and around you. It’s a bit nerve-wracking but incredibly fun—I definitely had to try it myself!
Grab a Bite: Ripley’s Cafe
After exploring, you might work up an appetite. Ripley’s Cafe offers some basic food options like chicken fingers, fries, pizza, and even poutine—classic Canadian comfort food. They also have drinks, treats, and vending machines, though don’t expect fresh seafood here. It’s a quick and easy spot to refuel before continuing your adventure.
The Gallery and Shipwrecks: Unique Marine Life and History
Next, you’ll enter the Gallery, which showcases some pretty rare and fascinating creatures. Expect to see cuttlefish, seahorses, and even piranhas up close. It’s a great spot to appreciate marine life you don’t often get to encounter in person.
From there, you move into the aquarium’s newest exhibit: Shipwrecks. This section tells the stories of notorious shipwrecks from the Great Lakes and oceans. You’ll find fascinating nautical artifacts and detailed information that brings maritime history to life. It’s a captivating blend of history and marine exploration.
Ray Bay and Shoreline Gallery: Touch the Rays!
One of the most interactive parts of the aquarium is Ray Bay, connected to the Shoreline Gallery. Here, you get the chance to pet stingrays and see small sharks swimming nearby. The aquarium staff kindly remind visitors not to pet the sharks, which is an easy rule to follow.
My little one was super eager to touch the stingrays but found it a bit tricky to reach deep enough into the water. It was adorable to see her so excited, though!
Planet Jellies: Mesmerizing Creatures from Another World
One of the most surreal exhibits is Planet Jellies. These glowing, ethereal creatures look like they belong to another planet. Ripley’s has done an amazing job showcasing them in a way that highlights their beauty and fragility. They’re much larger in person than you’d expect, and watching them glide slowly through the water is truly mesmerizing.
There’s a seating area nearby where you can take a break and just soak in the hypnotic movements of these alien-like animals. It’s a perfect spot to relax and reflect on the wonders of marine life.
Behind the Scenes: Life Support System
Something you don’t usually get to see in an aquarium is the Life Support System. This exhibit reveals how Ripley’s keeps its marine inhabitants healthy and thriving. The aquarium uses over 5 million liters of city water, which is treated and pumped into either freshwater tanks or holding tanks where it’s converted into saltwater.
What’s impressive is that Ripley’s recycles 95% of this water, losing only 5% due to washrooms, kitchens, and evaporation. It’s a great example of sustainable practices in action.
Shopping and Souvenirs
No visit is complete without a stop at the gift shop! Ripley’s has a fantastic selection of clothes, plush toys, and quirky souvenirs. Mark found a cool mug with his name on it, I picked up a silly shirt, and my daughter chose a laser gun toy. It’s a fun way to take a little piece of the aquarium home with you.
Final Thoughts
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto offers a fantastic mix of education, entertainment, and interactive experiences. From freshwater species native to Canada to tropical reefs, sharks, rays, and mesmerizing jellyfish, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re visiting with family, friends, or even solo, you’ll find plenty to marvel at and learn about.
Planning ahead with online tickets and using the digital map can make your visit smooth and enjoyable. Don’t forget to stop by the café for a quick bite and save some time for the gift shop on your way out!
Overall, this aquarium is a hidden gem in Toronto’s downtown core that’s definitely worth a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where is Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada located?
It’s located in downtown Toronto, roughly 500 miles from the nearest ocean.
How do I buy tickets?
Tickets must be purchased online in advance. You select your day and a one-hour entry window, and your ticket is only valid for that time slot.
Is the aquarium accessible for people with mobility issues?
Yes, the entire building is wheelchair accessible with ramps both inside and outside. Strollers are allowed, but wagons are not.
What kind of marine life can I expect to see?
You’ll see over 80 species from Canadian freshwater habitats, colorful tropical fish, sharks, rays, sea turtles, jellyfish, and more.
Can kids interact with the animals?
Yes, kids can pet stingrays in the Shoreline Gallery and enjoy the aquatic playground in the Discovery Center.
Is there food available on-site?
Ripley’s Cafe offers basic food options like chicken fingers, fries, pizza, and poutine, along with drinks and snacks.
What makes the Dangerous Lagoon special?
It’s the largest exhibit with 2.9 million liters of water and features the longest moving sidewalk in North America, giving you an immersive experience surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles.
Ready for an underwater adventure? Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is waiting for you!
