Toronto is known for its high-rise buildings and skyscrapers but it also boasts of phenomenal elements of nature that could leave you spellbound. One such attraction is the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada which features the most majestic underwater wildlife creatures, gathered from all over the world.
Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto houses around 20,000 marine animals that belong to over 450 different species. The hands-on activities, sensational exhibits, and detailed learning fascinate visitors from all walks of life. The Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada works with a mission of fostering conservation, research, and education.
Let’s have a look at what is in store for you for an immersive day at the Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto.
The Ripley’s Aquarium Experience
The aquarium is divided into two floors and features 10 one-of-its-kind gallery exhibits with various marine habitats that accumulate 5.7 million litres of water. So Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto will offer you a holistic experience.
Things to Do in Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto has numerous family-friendly arenas so that there is no lack of entertainment. This amusement hotspot is ideal for different situations from an educational day for kids to a date night. Here are some of the most alluring attractions and activities to do in the Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto.
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Learn about the Ecosystems
Understand what life is like for the underwater creatures that live in Lake Ontario and other Great Lakes. The journey then takes you to the Pacific Kelp Exhibit to witness a simulation of the wave conditions on the British Columbia coast. The sea creatures that you will be able to see here are the American Lobster, Giant Pacific Octopus, Large mouth Bass, Wolf Eel, and more. The aquarium features a number of flora and fauna, owing to the three great oceans.
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Journey through the Dangerous Lagoon
One of the most exhilarating experiences in the aquarium can be witnessed at the Lagoon in the aquarium. Step on the moving sidewalk and traverse through North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel. Here, you will find the aquarium’s most fearsome-looking species like Green Sawfish, Sand Tiger Sharks, and Green Moray Eel. Savour the fantastic views of the majestic creatures as they pass over your head from just a few feet above. Also, take a selfie with the shark while you’re at it.
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Relish a Light Show
The Planet Jellies exhibit will teleport you to unearthly world altogether. The mesmerising light show with the dancing jellies on all sides will bedazzle you for sure! The enchanting views of the colour-changing and backlit displays of the jellyfish add to the charm. Also, the ceiling exhibit displays some of the most beautiful and translucent Moon Jellies.
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Enjoy Rainbow Reef
The Rainbow Reef is a mini version of the inviting and warm coral seas that belong to the great Indo-Pacific Ocean. It presents you an opportunity to relish a kaleidoscope of the fishes that dance around their idyllic homes. Get a chance to learn about their endangered yet precious habitats. It is definitely one of the most bio-diverse exhibits in the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada with over 100 species of fish.
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Explore Discovery Centre
The discovery centre exhibits two pop-up displays in a unique cylindrical shape. The interactive exhibits in the discovery centre allow the visitors to get a real experience of the sea by indulging all their senses. Learn about the changing dynamics of the marine environment at the Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto. Experience the underwater world and the sensation of a deep sea dive in a submarine. The kids can have a gala time at the aquatic playground that features a rock climbing wall and a shark slide.
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Saunter at The Gallery
The Gallery in the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada showcases incredible underwater creatures of technicolour hues. You will also get to witness other aquatic animals that will take your breath away. These species have been gathered from all over the world. An interactive eel exhibit will give a taste of the eel shock.
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Get Amazed at Ray Bay
One of the most popular galleries of the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Ray Bay features one species of shark and four species of stingray. Witness the stingrays fly through the water with the use of modified pectoral fins and large flattened bodies. The large observation window allows the visitors to experience the thrill of getting up close with the aquatic animals.
Some Unique Experiences
These special experiences are subject to ticket availability. Please check the prices before you plan to visit the same.
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The Stingray Experience
- Admission
- A Behind the Scenes tour
- An in-water experience in Ray Bay
- A souvenir backpack and towel
- Photos of your experience on a USB flash drive
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Discovery Dive
Swim with the sharks with the help of the S.C.U.B.A. dive program. Experience the beauty of turtles, sawfish, fish, and sharks in real life. This dive will be a guided tour in the Dangerous Lagoon.
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Sleepovers
Evening exploration of the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada will give you an insight into the magnificent marine life that grace the waters. Then have the most adventurous evening of your life by tucking in a sleeping bag beneath the mesmerising shark tunnel, ‘Dangerous Lagoon’. A slumber party, the memory of which will last an entire lifetime, involves animals like sea turtles, sharks, and stingrays. The family sleepovers are available for a family of all sizes with a maximum attendance of 60 people.
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Friday Night Jazz
The Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto transforms into a serene state-of-the-art jazz bar on the second Friday of every month. So, in this experience, you can treat your ears to the most soulful jazz music while sauntering through the aquarium. Friday Night Jazz can be your spot for that memorable date night.
Intriguing Facts about the Ripley’s Aquarium Canada
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- The aquarium exhibits around 20,000 marine animals
- There is a single species of reptile (sea turtle) and 450 species of invertebrates and fish
- 5.7 million litres of water house the marine animals
- The Aquarium displays 50 live exhibits and 100 interactive displays
- It also features freshwater and marine habitats
Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto Open Hours
The aquarium operates daily on a year-round basis from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. The aquarium is the busiest on holidays and weekends from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and the peak hours in the off-season are from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. You would need around two to three hours to have a full-fledged experience of the aquarium.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada Address
The Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto is located at 288 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada.
Accessibility
Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto has been certified as an autism centre and has received an accessibility certification, provided by the Rick Hansen Foundation. There are ramps located on the East and West sides of the facility. The guests who have accessible parking passes can avail of two parking spots. You can contact the guest services a few days in advance with special service requirements or specific mobility if required so that you have a comfortable experience.
Handy Visitor Tips
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- You can carry your hand-held cameras in the aquarium, and avoid using flash for the best pictures. For a commercial photography service or video, you would require special permission.
- Make sure that you get your tickets in advance, and skip the line which would help you save a lot of time. It will especially help you during the peak holiday season. Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto ticket price ranges from $12.50 for children aged 3 to 5, $29 for youth aged 6 to 13, $29 for seniors 65+ and $43 for adults.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada consists of more than 5.7 million litres of water. It is North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel which offers more than 100 interactive opportunities.
There are three Ripley’s aquariums in Canada that come under the operations of Ripley Entertainment.
It takes around 2 to 2.5 hours approximately to tour the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.
The best time to visit Ripley's Aquarium Toronto is during the non-peak hours of 11 am to 2 pm on the weekdays and 11 am to 4 pm on the weekends or holidays.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada boasts of having more than 20,000 animals. What is special about Ripley's aquarium?
How many Ripley's aquariums are there in Canada?
How long does it take to walk through Ripley's aquarium?
What is the best time to visit Ripley's Aquarium?
How many animals are at Ripley's Aquarium?
