Ripley's Aquarium of Canada - Tips for Visiting

Sharks and rays, jellyfish and barracudas, octopi and eels; it’s like Jacques Cousteau’s dream took flight. A moving path floats you through an incredible, underwater world, where you come face to face with thousands of amazing sea creatures at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada.

Ripley’s Aquarium, located at the foot of Toronto’s CN Tower, opened in 2013, has 20,000 marine animals (450 species) in over 5.7 million liters of water; a 2-story kelp forest and 50 live exhibits. A 97-metre tunnel moves you through the Dangerous Lagoon, which sharks and eels share with green sea turtles.

This is a world of learning, creativity and wonder, where you can get a close look at darting schools of brilliantly coloured tropical fish and touch a ray or shark. It’s a magical place that brings out the child or mermaid in each of us.

It’s no wonder this jaw dropping attraction is a hit with tourists and families alike.

Areas to Explore

Rainbow Reef – This is where you will see some of the most colourful species – like the graceful angels, butterfly, and clownfish, as well as tangs, damsel and surgeonfish.

Dangerous Lagoon – This is the closest you’ll ever get to a shark – unless you get in the tank and swim with them.

Jellyfish Tanks – Watch these weird and wonderful creatures as they gracefully float up and down.

Canadian Waters – features sea creatures from Canadian Waters.

The Gallery – houses different undersea life including various living coral.

Ray Bay – is the home of stingrays.

Touch Tanks – This is a perfect opportunity to put your hands in the water and feel some of the sea creatures.

Photography Classes

Learn to take some fishy photos that are sure to impress your friends and family. This three-week course will teach you the basics in camera settings, angles, and editing to help you capture the perfect Aquarium photo. This course is offered to digital photography enthusiasts with an interest in the Aquarium.

Each week will begin with a classroom session led by the talented photography instructor, Andrea Gimblett. After some helpful instructions and refreshments, participants will be able to test their skills on the stunning exhibits.

Programs

There are many educational and interactive programs, especially for children (100 interactive displays including touch exhibits).

You can get up close and personal with sharks in water with a variety of rays; cownose, spotted eagle rays and roughtail stingrays.

For an additional fee, you can snorkel with the rays (3:00 pm daily). There’s an interactive dive show every two hours, stating at 11:15 am; learn more from a diver who communicates with the audience while swimming with aquatic animals.

Ripley’s even has day camps available, for kids of all ages (2 – 18), perfect for PD days and March Break (this March Break is already sold out).

Dine and Shop

You can grab a quick bite at Ripley’s Café in the Discovery Centre on the lower level. The menu features something for everybody. After eating, visit the Cargo Hold Gift Shop where you’ll see a unique collection of items from around the world as well as local artisans.

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada Ticket Purchases

The ‘sea and sky’ package – giving you access to Ripley’s Aquarium as well as the CN Tower. The ticket allows you to discover the views from the LookOut Level including EdgeWalk view and a walk on the world-famous glass floor and outdoor SkyTerrace. Adults (13-64) $52.75, Kids (4-12) $30.75, additional Child $20.00. Tickets only valid until Thursday May 16, 2019.

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