There are few locations in Toronto that are exciting for both adults and kids. One of them is Ripely’s Aquarium Toronto, a majestic aquarium with over 20,000 sea creatures from more than 450 species. Aside from the excitement of seeing exotic sea creatures, your kids can learn a great deal about marine animals at Toronto aquarium.

By taking a quick stroll southeast from the CN Tower, you will get to the famous attraction of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. Whether you want to see dangerous sea and freshwater animals, or cute and dancing jellyfishes, this place will not disappoint you. Plus, you can even gently touch some stingrays at some exhibits!

Before talking more about the elegance of the Toronto aquarium and its exotic fishes, let’s briefly go through the history of this place.

History of Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto

The Ripley’s Aquarium was originally planned to be located in Niagara Falls in 2004, but it was eventually moved to Toronto.

With a total cost of CA$130 million, the construction began in August 2011 and the aquarium was officially opened in October 2013. This project was backed by different levels of government from federal to city levels and the contributions were worth CA$29 million and tax incentives.

Hailed as one of the most famous Toronto landmarks, the Ripley Aquarium brings people closer to marine life; but throughout its existence some animal rights activists have criticized this aquarium. These groups explain that keeping animals in cages is bad and have organized protests and rallies.

Despite all these cases, Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto is still a place of great interest for those who want to discover the underwater world. This place features many exhibits,  each showcasing different species of marine animals.

Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto Visiting Guide

The Toronto Aquarium can offer you long-lasting memories, but only if you plan your visit well. You don’t want to arrive at the landmark with excitement, only to see closed doors, do you?

We have gathered all the important information you may need to visit the attraction in detail; such as its location, how to get there, open hours, and more. Here is your visiting guide for Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada:

Location

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is situated in downtown Toronto’s entertainment district at 288 Bremner Boulevard. This attraction is just steps away from the CN Tower. Visitors can easily reach the aquarium by walking from Union Station through a pedestrian pathway. While there’s no on-site parking available and street parking is scarce, there are a few underground parking options in the vicinity.

Parking Options: Near Rees and Queens Quay, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, underground at Lower Simcoe Street (south of Bremner), Front Street and Blue Jays Way, Blue Jays Way and Navy Wharf Court.

Directions & Map

• By Car from East: Highway 401 to Don Valley Parkway south, to Gardiner Expressway west, exit at Spadina Avenue, north on Spadina, right on Bremner Boulevard.

• By Car from West: Highway 401 to 427 south, to Gardiner Expressway east, exit at Spadina Avenue, north on Spadina, right on Bremner Boulevard.

• By Car from North: Highway 404 to Don Valley Parkway south, to Gardiner Expressway west, exit at Spadina Avenue, north on Spadina, right on Bremner Boulevard.

• By TTC: Subway to Union Station, follow SkyWalk west or walk on Front Street’s south side to York or Simcoe, south to Bremner, then west on Bremner.

Open Hours

Ripley Aquarium is open every day from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.

If you prefer a quieter visit, try to visit outside of the peak hours. During weekdays, the aquarium typically gets busy from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. On weekends, holidays, and in the summer, the busy hours are from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

For a more peaceful experience, early mornings or late afternoons are recommended. This way, you can enjoy your time there away from the crowds.

Also, plan to spend about two to three hours there, as this allows you to enjoy everything without rushing.

Tickets & Discounts

The prices for Ripley’s Aquarium Tickets vary. Children (3 to 5) enter for a minimal fee, while youth (6 to 13) tickets and seniors (+65) are moderately priced and adult tickets are also slightly higher.

For exact pricing, discounts, and details about special events, be sure to check the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada’s website. The deals and events they offer are worth a look.

Also, to save time and money, you can get a Toronto CityPass; as buying one ticket will allow you to get into five big landmarks like Ripley’s Aquarium, CN Tower, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, and either Toronto Zoo or Ontario Science Centre.

Exhibits Of Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto

This aquarium has some of the most exotic and fabulous exhibits you can find in the world. Each showcases a different part of marine life, and none of them are alike. Toronto’s Aquarium exhibits consist of lower and upper sections. Let’s go into details of what you can find in each section and exhibit.

Upper Level Exhibits

The upper level of Toronto aquarium consists of 3 exhibits which are:

1. Canadian Waters

Explore the diversity of Canada’s own aquatic ecosystems, from the chilly Atlantic shores to the Great Lakes, showcasing species like the lobsters, Pacific salmon, and the prehistoric-looking lake sturgeon.

Some Species of Canadian Waters:

• Red King Crab
• Giant Pacific Octopus
• Lake Sturgeon
• American Eel
• Red-Bellied Piranha

2. Shoreline Gallery

This interactive zone allows visitors to get hands-on with marine life found in shallow waters, such as touching starfish and encountering small fish species up close, emphasizing the richness of shoreline ecosystems.

Some Species of Shoreline Gallery:

• Cownose Ray
• Southern Stingray
• Roughtail Stingray
• Spotted Eagle Ray
• Axolotl
• Forbes Sea Star

3. Kelp Forest

Witness the towering beauty of kelp, an essential marine plant that forms underwater forests, providing habitat and food for a wide range of ocean creatures.

Some Species of Kelp Forest:

• White-spotted Rose Anemone
• Purple Sea Urchin
• Bat Star
• Common Rock Barnacle

Lower Level Exhibits

Unlike the upper level, the vastness and variety of the lower level exhibits is much greater. The Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto lower-level exhibits consists of:

1. Rainbow Reef

Immerse yourself in a vibrant tropical paradise, teeming with brightly colored fish and coral species from the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific region.

Some Species of Rainbow Reef:

• Achilles Tang
• Powder Blue Tang
• Clown Tang
• Convict Tang
• Blackspotted Puffer

2. Dangerous Lagoon

Take a thrilling walk through an underwater tunnel, surrounded by sharks, rays, and sea turtles gliding in the waters around you in this captivating exhibit.

Some Species of Dangerous Lagoon:

• Sand Tiger Shark
• Lemon Shark
• Goliath Grouper
• Atlantic Tarpon
• Green Turtle

3. Discovery Centre

A journey and experience designed especially for kids and families, featuring interactive touch pools, educational displays, and activities that make learning about marine life fun.

Some Species of Discovery Centre:

• Ocellaris Clownfish
• Red Lionfish
• Blacktip Reef Shark
• Spotted Scorpionfish
• Zebra Shark
• Whitetip Reef Shark

4. The Gallery

Admire the delicate beauty of seahorses, jellyfish, and living corals, showcasing the intricate and often fragile nature of marine ecosystems.

Some Species of The Gallery:

• Staghorn Coral
• Potbelly Seahorse
• Electric Eel
• Weedy Seadragon
• Mandarinfish
• Neon Goby

5. Ray Bay

Observe the graceful movements of stingrays in their habitat, with feeding demonstrations that highlight the unique behaviors of these fascinating creatures.

Some Species of Ray Bay:

• White-Blotched River Stingray
• Ocellate River Stingray
• Spotted Eagle Ray
• Southern Stingray
• Cownose Ray

6. Planet Jellies

Enter the ethereal world of jellyfish, with illuminated tanks showcasing these mesmerizing creatures in a ballet of colors and movements.

Some Species of Planet Jellies:

• Moon Jelly
• Pacific Sea Nettle
• Blubber Jelly
• Upside-down Jelly

7. Shipwrecks

Discover the role of shipwrecks in marine ecosystems, serving as artificial reefs that support a diverse array of marine life, illustrating nature’s ability to adapt and thrive.

Some Species of Shipwrecks:

• Swallowtail Seaperch
• Swell Shark
• Oldwife
• Sea Lamprey
• Peacock Mantis Shrimp

8. Life Support Systems

Learn about the behind-the-scenes technology and processes that keep the aquarium’s inhabitants healthy and their environments balanced, highlighting the importance of water quality and ecosystem management.

Places & Hotels Nearby Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto

The location of Aquarium Toronto in downtown means that it is surrounded by various landmarks, as well as top quality hotels. Here are the closest attraction and two hotels which are close to the aquarium:

1. CN Tower

With the Aquarium by its side, the CN Tower looks impressive and majestic. Try out the lift and witness the famous and incredible views of Toronto from the tower. If you are brave enough, you can try the Edgewalk on the glass floor.

It is a remarkable way to see the city from a new perspective which creates long-lasting memories.

2. Delta Hotels By Marriot

Only a short distance away, the Delta Hotels by Marriott can be your temporary home of comfort. This hotel is one of the popular ones among tourists, both because of its location and the quality they offer.

After a day of exploring Toronto, you can look forward to your cozy bed waiting for your return at Delta Hotels Toronto.

3. Le Germain Hotel

Considered as one of the Toronto luxury hotels, the Le Germain Hotel is where you can enjoy the luxury life, but with added coziness. Its sleek rooms and superb service make it a peaceful place in downtown downtownToronto and just steps away from the aquarium.

Note: For those who want to get the comfort of staying in a top hotel, but are looking to pay much less, we highly recommend our Toronto studio apartments.

Conclusion

Don’t think of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada as just another aquarium or attraction; because this place can truly be your gateway into the enigmatic world of oceans.

With an extremely rich history, multiple different exhibits, and suitable location, this attraction is among the most popular for Toronto visitors. If you are interested in marine life or just want to have a fun day out with your family, the Toronto aquarium is very promising in terms of being able to deliver exactly the kind of entertainment you expect.

Get your expectations high from Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto, and be rest assured as this place will not disappoint you.

FAQs

1. What Is Special About Ripley’s Aquarium?

Ripley’s Aquarium features unique interactive displays and more than 20,000 marine animals. It provides unmatched experiences with walkways under the Dangerous Lagoon shark tunnel, as well as pools that let you touch stingrays and have other close marine encounters.

2. How Long Does It Take To See Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto?

The visit to Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto usually goes for about 2-3 hours, give or take depending on the time spent at each exhibit.

3. Is Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto Worth It?

Yes! Ripley’s Aquarium Toronto offers a good opportunity to lovers of marine life. This place offers an interesting visit along with much learning potential at the same time, and it surely will be a fun family activity.

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