Vancouver Aquarium

Bring a water bottle, a waterproof camera, possibly waterproof clothes (though you will be warned when your in the “splash zone” during shows) and possibly your own food.

I used to have a membership to the Aquarium (unlimited access) and it pays for itself after just a few visits. It’s a wonderful place to visit, rain or shine (many exhibits are indoors) but the food is expensive. The Aquarium is a research facility, though, so it’s not like your money is going nowhere; there are usually animals in the process of being rehabilitated (see otters rescued from oil spills for example) and marine behavior is also studied, so it’s very worthwhile.

Spend a weekend in Stanley Park, and make sure one whole day is spent in the Aquarium.

They were shooting, “Josey & the Pussycats” and the location was there. I just remember hanging out there when they didn’t need me and seeing the huge fish.

One of the nicest aquariums to which I have ever been. It was a bit crowded, but the presentation of the animals was excellent, particularly of the jellyfish (loved the moon jellies) and the belugas…how spectacular! I would encourage others to put visiting this aquarium in their top 3 if visiting Vancouver..I want to go back already!

BELUGAS!!!!

I have been going to the Aquarium since the early ‘70’s. Their biggest attraction back then was Skana, who I think was the first killer whale (orca) in captivity. She put on a spectacular show. Apparently she was very temperamental (what whale wouldn’t be in a little tank, I guess). They don’t keep orcas anymore, but they still have belugas and dolphins. If I recall, the shows are also shorter than they used to be. The aquarium has gotten much more animal-friendly over the years, just like zoos and aquariums almost everywhere. It has also been recently updated and I think they’re adding a whole new wing.

One more note: their head veterinarian, Dr. David Huff, just went into semi-retirement…he is the BEST! He was also our veterinarian for over twenty years and I can’t say enough about how dedicated he is to these animals. The aquarium is in good hands.

Believe it or not, even though I grew up on Vancouver Island, and made frequent trips to Vancouver, I have not yet managed to visit this site. Just recently, my step-son (with his biological mother) - for his first trip out of the Yukon Territory - got to go, and loved it. My other step-son has not yet been. When we go home to visit my parents next, I intend to take him (and his brother, and father.)

I have been there, studied there and worked there. It was absolutely amazing. You should see cute little sea otters and huge belugas. Vancouver Aquarium have well trained staff and also have lots of activities and opportunities for you and your children. You can become a marine mammal trainer for one day and at the end of the day you can have the opportunity to stay at night in front of the marine mammals galeries with belugas. i loved it..

Seeing underwater life upclose, without diving, is a real treat. Those animals and mammals are worth seeing.

Definitely the highlight of the day. The Aquarium has a baby beluga whale, which was born only a few months ago. The baby is quite small (in comparison to the other whales) and is grey instead of white, which camouflages it in its mother’s shadow. Other marine mammals at the aquarium included pacific dolphins, sea lions and sea otters. The sea otters were so cute! After lunch they had a nap on their backs and held hands!!!

The first time I spent a weekend in Vancouver I tried to convince my travel companion that we should go to the aquarium, but it was a no go. The second time we went he suggested we go and boy was is worth it! We should have gone the first time because it was the off season and there would have been less people, but it was worth fighting the crowds. I would definitely go back.