Marine Life West Edmonton Mall
Discover an underwater world at West Edmonton Mall's Marine Life, featuring over 100 species of aquatic and terrestrial animals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Marine Life West Edmonton Mall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover an underwater world at West Edmonton Mall's Marine Life, featuring over 100 species of aquatic and terrestrial animals.
"It’s very small though; even with taking our time it takes 30 minutes max."
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
🐧 Penguin Viewing
The penguin exhibit is a highlight; try to catch them during feeding times for extra fun!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Penguin Exhibit
Marine Life
Watch the playful antics of penguins in their dedicated habitat. A definite crowd-pleaser for all ages!
Touch Pools
Marine Life
Get hands-on with fascinating marine creatures like sea stars and anemones under staff supervision.
Reptile Displays
Marine Life
Discover a variety of snakes, lizards, and iguanas in well-maintained, educational enclosures.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Underestimate the Size
Timing is Key for Shows
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
🐧 Penguin Viewing
The penguin exhibit is a highlight; try to catch them during feeding times for extra fun!
✋ Touch Pool Fun
Engage with sea stars and anemones in the touch pools. Staff are usually present to guide you.
🐍 Reptile Encounters
Don't miss the diverse collection of snakes and lizards, including impressive iguanas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Save time and potentially money by purchasing your admission tickets in advance online.
🐧 Penguin Viewing
The penguin exhibit is a highlight; try to catch them during feeding times for extra fun!
✋ Touch Pool Fun
Engage with sea stars and anemones in the touch pools. Staff are usually present to guide you.
🐍 Reptile Encounters
Don't miss the diverse collection of snakes and lizards, including impressive iguanas.
⏱️ Quick Visit
The aquarium is relatively small; expect to spend about 30-45 minutes exploring.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Marine Life at West Edmonton Mall is a compact but engaging indoor aquarium, praised for its affordability and interactive touch pools. While some visitors find it small and suggest it's a quick visit, others highlight the charm of the penguin exhibit and the educational value for families. It's a solid addition to a day at the mall, offering a glimpse into aquatic wonders.
"Marine Life in West Edmonton Mall is a remarkable indoor aquatic experience that brings the wonders of the ocean right to the heart of Alberta. This unique destination offers visitors an unforgettable journey through diverse marine environments filled with vibrant life, making it an essential stop for families, animal lovers, and anyone keen on exploring the beauty of the underwater world.
Natural Features:
Marine Life is home to thousands of aquatic creatures, featuring a stunning array of species, from colorful coral reef fish to magnificent sharks and playful stingrays. The meticulously crafted exhibits mimic natural habitats, showcasing the rich biodiversity found in oceans around the globe. Each tank provides a glimpse into the intricate ecosystems that exist beneath the waves, creating an educational and visually captivating experience for visitors of all ages.
Historical Features:
While Marine Life focuses on contemporary marine conservation education, it also emphasizes the importance of ocean ecosystems throughout history. By highlighting the threats faced by our oceans and the significance of preserving marine life, this attraction serves as a vital resource for raising awareness about environmental issues and fostering a sense of responsibility toward protecting our planet.
Activities:
Marine Life offers a variety of engaging activities that ensure an interactive experience. Guests can enjoy touch pools where they can gently interact with sea stars and other fascinating creatures under the guidance of knowledgeable staff. Daily feeding demonstrations allow visitors to witness firsthand the awe-inspiring feeding habits of sharks and rays. Special events, educational programs, and themed exhibits further enhance the experience, making every visit unique and exciting.
Embark on an underwater adventure at Marine Life in West Edmonton Mall! Dive into a world teeming with life and discover one of North America's largest indoor aquatic ecosystems. Marvel at the breathtaking array of marine species, from the playful antics of sea turtles to the elegance of majestic sharks. Engage with interactive exhibits, get hands-on at touch pools, and watch thrilling feeding presentations that bring the magic of the ocean to life. With a commitment to education and conservation, Marine Life is not just an attraction—it's a journey into the heart of our oceans. Perfect for families, explorers, and ocean enthusiasts alike, your aquatic adventure awaits right here in Edmonton! Dive in today and make a splash in the wonders of marine life!
Whether you’re seeking a fun day out or an educational experience, Marine Life in West Edmonton Mall is the ultimate destination for anyone fascinated by the mysteries of the ocean!"
shamsan alammari
"Considering it’s only $13, it’s worth it. It’s very small though; even with taking our time it takes 30 minutes max. They have two small touching pools, a medium size fish tanks not very filled, a medium tank for the penguins (best part), 6 reptile cages that include snakes and lizards, and two kid tables for coloring."
Ariel Bloomer
"They must implement engaging and fun ideas to draw in more visitors. The limited space for wandering around makes the experience dull, and it's essential to enhance the attraction to keep people interested."
Alice Poong
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Marine Life is located within the West Edmonton Mall. You can reach the mall by car, public transit (Edmonton Transit Service buses), or taxi/rideshare. Once inside, follow the signs for Marine Life, often found near the themed areas like Fantasyland.
Yes, West Edmonton Mall offers extensive free parking. There are numerous parking lots surrounding the mall, with entrances conveniently located near various attractions, including Marine Life.
Absolutely! Edmonton Transit Service (ETS) operates numerous bus routes that stop directly at West Edmonton Mall, making it easily accessible via public transport. Check the ETS website for specific routes and schedules.
Marine Life is well-signposted within West Edmonton Mall. Look for directional signs as you navigate through the mall's various sections. It's often located near other major attractions.
West Edmonton Mall generally operates from 10 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and Saturdays, and 11 AM to 6 PM on Sundays and holidays. However, it's always best to check the official WEM website for the most current hours, as they can vary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to Marine Life is generally affordable, often around $13 per person. It's a good value for the experience, especially considering it's part of the larger West Edmonton Mall.
Yes, you can purchase tickets for Marine Life at the entrance. However, buying tickets online in advance is recommended to potentially save time and ensure entry, especially during peak times.
While specific combo tickets for Marine Life might not always be advertised, West Edmonton Mall offers various passes for its attractions. It's worth checking the WEM website or guest services for any current package deals that might include Marine Life.
The most convenient way to book Marine Life tickets is through the official West Edmonton Mall website. This allows you to secure your spot and often provides detailed information about your visit.
No, Marine Life is a separate ticketed attraction within West Edmonton Mall and is not included with general mall admission. You will need to purchase a specific ticket for entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Marine Life houses over 100 species, including colorful fish, sharks, sea turtles, penguins, reptiles like snakes and iguanas, amphibians, and invertebrates.
Yes, Marine Life offers touch pools where you can gently interact with sea stars and anemones. They also sometimes offer paid 'Meet and Greet' experiences with penguins or sea lions. 
Feeding demonstrations are a popular activity. While schedules can vary, check the Marine Life information boards or the WEM website for daily feeding times, especially for sharks and rays.
Absolutely! Marine Life is very family-friendly. The touch pools, penguin exhibit, and colorful fish tanks are particularly engaging for children.
Most visitors find that exploring Marine Life thoroughly takes about 30 to 45 minutes, as it's a relatively compact attraction.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Marine Life itself does not have dedicated dining facilities. However, West Edmonton Mall has a vast array of food courts and restaurants offering diverse cuisines, so you'll have plenty of options before or after your visit.
Generally, outside food and beverages are not permitted inside the attraction itself. You can consume your own food in designated areas within the mall.
West Edmonton Mall boasts a huge selection of dining options, from fast-food courts with international flavors to sit-down restaurants offering everything from casual dining to fine cuisine.
Yes, the mall's food courts and many restaurants are very kid-friendly, offering popular choices like pizza, burgers, and pasta.
Dining prices at West Edmonton Mall vary widely. You can find budget-friendly options in the food courts, as well as more upscale dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography and videography are generally allowed at Marine Life for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals.
The penguin exhibit, the larger shark and sea turtle tanks, and the colorful reef fish displays offer great photo opportunities. The touch pools can also make for fun, interactive shots.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography, especially in darker exhibits or when animals might be sensitive to it. Always be mindful of other visitors.
For low-light conditions, a camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be helpful. Increasing your ISO or using a wider aperture can also improve image quality.
Selfies are fine, but ensure you maintain a safe distance from the tanks and do not tap on the glass. Respect the animals' space and well-being.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The colorful fish tanks and the presence of animals like sea turtles and sharks will keep them mesmerized. Remember that the aquarium is relatively small, making it ideal for shorter attention spans and a perfect addition to a larger mall day. Consider attending a feeding demonstration for an extra dose of excitement. The mall itself offers numerous kid-friendly dining options and entertainment, so you can easily combine a visit to Marine Life with other activities for a full day of family fun.
+1💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider visiting during off-peak hours to enjoy a more relaxed experience without feeling rushed. You can also pack your own snacks and drinks to consume in the mall's public areas, saving on food expenses.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
+1 The touch pools can also lead to unique, interactive shots. Remember to disable your flash to avoid disturbing the animals and to improve your photo quality in the often dimly lit environment. Experiment with different camera settings to capture the best shots. A camera with good low-light performance or a tripod can be beneficial. Focus on capturing the movement and personality of the animals. While selfies are allowed, be mindful of your surroundings and the animals' well-being.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Aquatic Wonders
Beyond the main tanks, Marine Life features interactive elements that enhance the visitor experience. The touch pools allow guests to get up close with creatures like sea stars and anemones, offering a tactile connection to marine life under the guidance of knowledgeable staff. Daily feeding demonstrations, particularly for sharks and rays, are a highlight, providing a dynamic glimpse into animal behavior. These activities are designed to be both entertaining and educational, fostering a greater appreciation for marine ecosystems.
While the aquarium is a significant draw, it's important to note its size. As one Reddit user mentioned, 'It’s very small though; even with taking our time it takes 30 minutes max.'
Conservation and Education Focus
The historical context provided by the attraction emphasizes the ongoing challenges faced by marine environments. Highlighting threats to oceans and the significance of preserving marine life serves as a subtle educational component. This approach encourages visitors to think about their impact and the importance of conservation efforts. The attraction aims to be more than just a collection of tanks; it's a platform for raising awareness about the delicate balance of aquatic life and the need for its protection.
Educational programs and themed exhibits are also part of the Marine Life experience, particularly for younger visitors. These initiatives, like the 'Play and Learn' sessions mentioned on Instagram, often involve crafts, stories, and hands-on activities focused on a featured animal each month.
This approach makes learning about marine life engaging and memorable for families, reinforcing the conservation message in a fun and accessible way.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit