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.