There’s a particular hush that settles over a crowd the moment the moving walkway carries you beneath the water at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Sharks drift overhead, a green sea turtle paddles by like it’s running late for something, and the bustle of Bremner Boulevard feels a lot farther away than a few metres of glass. For a building tucked right at the foot of the CN Tower, it’s remarkably easy to lose track of time in here.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a neighbour who hasn’t been back since a school trip, here’s how to make the most of your next visit.
When to Go
Timing makes a real difference. The aquarium itself lists its peak hours as 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on weekdays and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, with summer and holidays the busiest stretches of the year. That makes a fall or winter weekday a smart bet for more elbow room at the glass, especially if you arrive early or later in the afternoon. Prefer evenings? The aquarium’s Sharks After Dark offer takes $5 off admission after 5 p.m., when the crowds thin out. Give yourself 2 to 3 hours, check the day’s hours before you head out, and remember that your ticket doesn’t allow re-entry once you leave.
What Not to Miss
Dangerous Lagoon is the headliner for good reason. A moving glidepath carries you through what the aquarium calls North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel, with sharks and sea turtles swimming all around you.
Planet Jellies is the calm, glowing counterpoint. Hundreds of jellies pulse through softly lit tanks, and it’s hard not to linger longer than you planned.
Ray Bay is where rays glide past and are even hand-fed by divers. For a closer encounter, head to the Shoreline Gallery, where you can reach out and touch a ray as it swims by.
The dive shows bring it all to life. A scuba diver feeds and interacts with the animals while an educator shares species facts and conservation tips. Check the daily schedule when you arrive.
Only in Toronto
A few moments here feel unmistakably local. The Canadian Waters gallery takes you coast to coast through freshwater wilds, local fisheries and kelp forests, with more than 80 species, including sturgeon and the giant Pacific octopus. On the second Friday of every month, Jazz Night brings a live band and drinks under the sea from 7 to 11 p.m., with upcoming dates on October 9, November 13 and December 11. And when you step back outside, the CN Tower is right there above you, with Roundhouse Park just steps away.
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