Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Dive into an underwater wonderland at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, featuring a mesmerizing shark tunnel and diverse marine life.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical ambiance
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Best Time
Fewer crowds, magical ambiance
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into an underwater wonderland at Ripley's Aquarium of Canada, featuring a mesmerizing shark tunnel and diverse marine life.
"Walk beneath sharks and sea turtles in this breathtaking underwater tunnel!"
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your entry time online to skip ticket lines and guarantee admission, especially on weekends.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Shark Tunnel
Dangerous Lagoon
Walk beneath sharks, sea turtles, and other marine life in this immersive underwater tunnel. A true highlight!
Ray Tank
Dangerous Lagoon
Observe graceful rays gliding through the water; some visitors note baby sharks are also present here.
Rainbow Reef
Gallery
A vibrant display of colorful fish and coral, offering a visually stunning experience for all ages.
Jellyfish Gallery
Gallery
Mesmerizing displays of various jellyfish species, creating an ethereal and captivating atmosphere.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds: Timing is Key
Ticket Savvy: Save on Admission
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your entry time online to skip ticket lines and guarantee admission, especially on weekends. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
📱 Use the Toronto Public Library
Check if your library card offers free admission perks; it's a great way to save!
🚗 Smart Parking Options
Consider parking at a GO station or using apps like SpotHero for more affordable options.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your entry time online to skip ticket lines and guarantee admission, especially on weekends. +1
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and standing, so comfortable footwear is a must for exploring.
📱 Use the Toronto Public Library
Check if your library card offers free admission perks; it's a great way to save!
🚗 Smart Parking Options
Consider parking at a GO station or using apps like SpotHero for more affordable options.
💧 Snacks are Okay
While outside food is discouraged, discreetly bringing snacks and water for kids is generally accepted.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Ripley's Aquarium of Canada for its stunning exhibits, particularly the immersive shark tunnel and vibrant displays. The aquarium is considered a top attraction in Toronto, offering a captivating experience for all ages. Some find the ticket prices a bit high, and it can get very crowded during peak times, which can detract from the experience.
"Very cool! My son loved it today. Loved the moving sidewalk and all the different sea life. We went on a Tuesday in the summer around 12pm...clearly there is no limit on head count as it was packed! We were able to get around but the climbing area for kids was totally understand safe. They need to monitor this more honestly. We will be back but there is a lot of safety issues."
sean Gallagher
"Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is such a cool experience. Walking through the tunnel with the sharks and stingrays swimming overhead is unforgettable and probably my favorite part. The tanks are huge and so well designed that you can get up close to so many different kinds of sea life. It feels both relaxing and exciting at the same time. The jellyfish displays are stunning, and the interactive areas make it fun for kids and adults. It can get busy, but everything is well organized, and there is plenty of space to enjoy. Definitely one of the must-visit attractions in Toronto, and a spot I would happily go back to."
Dalton Farel
"Amazing day out with the kids at the aquarium. My son is obsessed with sharks and so for him to be able to see them up close was so exciting! There was so much to see and do we spent a good two hours walking around and then my son played in the indoor play space that they had too. Although the expectations were to see under water wild life which delivered there was also a section on dragons and snakes which was really cool to experience as well! It was super accessible as I had a pram and it was easy to get around and the levels did not require stairs to access. There was truly something for everyone to enjoy and I would recommend taking the kids!"
Roisin Donnelly
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is conveniently located in downtown Toronto, near the CN Tower. It's easily accessible by public transit, including the TTC subway and streetcars. Many visitors also find it walkable from nearby hotels and attractions.
Parking can be challenging and expensive downtown. Consider parking at a GO station and taking the train, or use parking apps like SpotHero to find more affordable underground lots near the aquarium, such as the Delta Hotel or Rogers Centre lots.
Yes, absolutely! The aquarium is well-served by Toronto's public transit system. Union Station, a major transit hub, is a short walk away, offering access to subway lines and GO Transit.
Yes, the Toronto CityPASS often includes admission to Ripley's Aquarium of Canada along with other major attractions, offering significant savings. It's a popular option for tourists. +1
The closest subway station is Union Station, which is a short walk from the aquarium. From Union Station, you can easily access various TTC lines to reach other parts of the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but general admission typically ranges from $40-$60 CAD for adults. It's always best to check their official website for the most current pricing and any potential discounts.
It is highly recommended to buy your Ripley's Aquarium of Canada tickets online in advance. This not only helps you secure your preferred entry time but also often saves you from long queues at the ticket counter. +1
Look for combo tickets with the CN Tower, CityPASS options, or check if your Toronto Public Library card offers any free admission perks. Sometimes, special events or off-peak hours might have reduced pricing. +1
Hours can vary seasonally and on holidays. Generally, the aquarium is open daily, with extended hours on some evenings. It's crucial to check the official website for the most up-to-date operating hours for your planned visit date.
While outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, discreetly bringing snacks and water for young children is usually tolerated. However, there are dining options available inside the aquarium.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Most visitors find that 1.5 to 2 hours is sufficient to explore the aquarium at a comfortable pace. However, if you're particularly interested in marine life or have young children, you might want to allocate a bit more time. +1
Don't miss the immersive Shark Tunnel in the Dangerous Lagoon, the vibrant Rainbow Reef, the mesmerizing Jellyfish Gallery, and the interactive touch tanks. +3
Yes, it's a fantastic family-friendly attraction with engaging exhibits, interactive areas, and plenty of marine life to captivate children. The moving walkway in the Dangerous Lagoon is a particular hit.
Ripley's Aquarium sometimes hosts special events, such as 'Jazz Night' on the second Friday of the month, which offers a unique, adult-oriented experience with drinks and music.
Weekends, holidays, and long weekends can be extremely crowded. To avoid the worst crowds, try visiting on a weekday evening or during the first hour of opening. +1
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Ripley's Aquarium of Canada. However, flash photography is usually prohibited to avoid disturbing the marine life.
The Shark Tunnel offers incredible photo opportunities with marine life swimming all around you. The colorful displays in the Rainbow Reef and the ethereal Jellyfish Gallery are also highly photogenic. +1
While tripods and professional lighting equipment might be restricted during peak hours or special events, standard cameras and smartphones are fine for personal use. Always check for any posted signage.
Utilize your phone's night mode or a camera with good low-light performance. Getting close to the glass and minimizing reflections can also help capture clearer shots of the aquatic creatures.
Selfies are popular, especially in the Shark Tunnel. Just be mindful of other visitors and avoid blocking pathways while you're taking your photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the day smoother, consider bringing discreet snacks and water for little ones, as this is usually permitted. Planning your visit for weekdays or early mornings can help avoid overwhelming crowds and meltdowns. The aquarium's layout is generally stroller-friendly, making it easier to navigate with toddlers.
💑 Couples & Date Nights
Walking through the Shark Tunnel hand-in-hand or enjoying the mesmerizing Jellyfish Gallery provides a memorable backdrop for a date. It's a less conventional but highly engaging option for a night out in downtown Toronto.
💰 Budget Travelers
Consider parking at a GO Transit station outside the downtown core and taking the train in, or utilize parking apps like SpotHero to find more affordable parking rates. While inside, discreetly bringing your own snacks and water can also help cut down on food expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Exhibits: A Journey Through Aquatic Worlds
The Tropical Waters gallery immerses you in vibrant coral reefs teeming with colorful fish, while the Dangerous Lagoon is the undeniable showstopper. Here, a moving walkway transports you through an underwater tunnel, offering panoramic views of sharks, sea turtles, stingrays, and other large marine predators swimming overhead. It's an awe-inspiring perspective that many visitors rave about.
Beyond these main attractions, the aquarium features specialized galleries like the Jellyfish Gallery, with its mesmerizing, bioluminescent displays, and the Ray Bay, where you can observe these graceful creatures up close. Interactive touch pools also provide hands-on opportunities for younger visitors to connect with marine life. The layout is generally intuitive, guiding you through each zone seamlessly.
Planning Your Visit: Tickets, Timing, and Tips
When it comes to timing, weeknights and evenings are often cited as the least crowded times to visit. Many visitors suggest that after 5 PM offers a more relaxed experience, allowing you to enjoy the exhibits without the daytime rush.
Practical tips from fellow travelers include wearing comfortable shoes as you'll be on your feet for a while, and discreetly bringing snacks and water for children, as this is generally tolerated. Parking can be a challenge downtown, so exploring options like parking at a GO station or using parking apps like SpotHero can save you money and hassle.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit