Explore the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Claim to Fame

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is home to North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel and over 20,000 marine animals — a world-class aquatic experience at the foot of the CN Tower.

📌 Navigating Ripley's Aquarium of Canada : Answers to Frequently Asked Questions

Washrooms: Accessible washroom facilities are available within the aquarium.
Hours of Operation: The aquarium's hours are typically 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, but it's recommended to check the official website for current hours and any special events.
Important Information: Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a premier Toronto attraction, featuring extensive marine exhibits, educational programs, and conservation initiatives, ideal for a family visit or marine enthusiasts.
Admission Fee: Admission fees are required, with various ticket options available, including family packs and annual passes.
How Long to Visit: Visitors often spend 2-3 hours exploring the various exhibits, but the duration can vary based on interest and engagement with the interactive features.
Parking: Parking is available at nearby lots, though it can be pricey. Public transportation is a convenient alternative, with Union Station close by.
Family Friendly: Family-friendly, the aquarium provides an engaging and educational experience for children and adults alike, with interactive exhibits and activities.
Photography: Photography is allowed for personal use, but flash photography and tripods are prohibited to protect the marine life.
WIFI: Free WIFI is available for visitors throughout the aquarium.
Picnic Area: There are no picnic areas in the aquarium, but the surrounding area offers several dining options.
Handicap Accessible: The aquarium is fully accessible, offering ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms for visitors with disabilities.
Pets: Service animals are allowed inside the aquarium, but pets are not permitted.
Guided Tours: Guided tours are available, offering educational insights into marine biology and conservation.
Restaurant or Cafe: The aquarium has a cafe that offers a variety of food and beverage options for visitors.
Gift Shop: A gift shop is available on-site, selling a range of aquarium-themed merchandise, educational materials, and souvenirs.

📌Heads up: All times, prices and visitor policies are subject to change without notice. Please check the official website for the most recent information.

Photos of Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of the city’s top attractions for visitors of all ages. This massive, state-of-the-art facility showcases marine life from across the globe, immersing guests in a vibrant underwater world of sharks, stingrays, jellyfish, and tropical fish — all just steps from Union Station.

What to Expect

The highlight of the aquarium is the Dangerous Lagoon, a moving sidewalk that glides through an enormous glass tunnel surrounded by sand tiger sharks, sea turtles, and sawfish. Other standout exhibits include Planet Jellies, which glows with backlit tanks of mesmerizing jellyfish, and Ray Bay, where graceful stingrays glide just inches from the glass.

Interactive zones like Touch Tanks allow kids and adults alike to safely interact with horseshoe crabs and small sharks. The Rainbow Reef display bursts with color, while Canadian Waters offers a look at native species from the Great Lakes to the Atlantic coast.

Background and Cultural Context

Opened in 2013, Ripley’s Aquarium is part of a trio of aquatic attractions owned by Ripley Entertainment, with others in the U.S. and Mexico. It quickly became one of Toronto’s most visited destinations, combining entertainment with education through engaging exhibits, conservation messaging, and immersive design.

Beyond tourism, the aquarium contributes to marine education through school programs, workshops, and behind-the-scenes tours, fostering a greater appreciation of aquatic biodiversity.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday mornings and early evenings (after 6 PM) tend to be the least crowded. Holidays and weekends can be extremely busy, especially during school breaks. Buying tickets online in advance is highly recommended to skip the main entrance queue.

How to Get There

Located at the base of the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium is accessible via Union Station (subway, train, GO Transit). From there, it’s a 5-minute walk through the SkyWalk. Paid parking is available nearby, but public transit is often the easiest option downtown.

Photo Opportunities

Underwater tunnel with sharks above your head
Colorful jellyfish tanks in low light
Neon-lit coral reef displays
Interactive zones and kids enjoying the touch tanks

Travel Tips

Plan for about 90 minutes to 2 hours for a full visit.
Bring a camera with low-light settings — flash photography is not allowed.
Food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibit areas, but there’s a café and gift shop onsite.
Combo tickets with the CN Tower or Toronto CityPASS offer good value.

FAQs

Is the aquarium stroller-friendly?
Yes — the entire facility is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs.

Are there live shows?
Yes — the daily dive shows at Ray Bay are popular and educational.

Can I buy tickets in advance?
Yes — and it’s strongly encouraged, especially on weekends or holidays.

Final Thoughts

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a captivating journey beneath the surface of the seas, offering immersive education, stunning visuals, and family-friendly fun. Whether you’re escaping a rainy day or looking to inspire wonder in young explorers, it’s a must-see stop in downtown Toronto.

Things To Do near Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

CN Tower

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to CN Tower is 0.2 Kilometer(s) / 0.1 Mile(s)

Entertainment District

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to Entertainment District is 1 Kilometer(s) / 0.6 Mile(s)

Art Gallery of Ontario

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to Art Gallery of Ontario is 2.3 Kilometer(s) / 1.4 Mile(s)

St. Lawrence Market

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to St. Lawrence Market is 2.3 Kilometer(s) / 1.4 Mile(s)

Toronto Islands

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to Toronto Islands is 2.6 Kilometer(s) / 1.6 Mile(s)

Distillery Historic District

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to Distillery Historic District is 3.7 Kilometer(s) / 2.3 Mile(s)

Royal Ontario Museum

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to Royal Ontario Museum is 4.7 Kilometer(s) / 2.9 Mile(s)

Casa Loma

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to Casa Loma is 7.1 Kilometer(s) / 4.4 Mile(s)

Ontario Science Centre

The Distance from Ripley's Aquarium of Canada to Ontario Science Centre is 14.5 Kilometer(s) / 9 Mile(s)

📘 Toronto Visitors Travel Information

Time Zone: Toronto operates on Eastern Standard Time (EST), which is UTC -5. During Daylight Saving Time, it shifts to Eastern Daylight Time (EDT), UTC -4.

Weather: Toronto has a humid continental climate, with cold winters and warm, humid summers. Winter temperatures often fall below -5°C (23°F), with snowfall common from December to March. Summers can reach 25°C to 30°C (77°F to 86°F), with occasional heatwaves.

Population: Toronto has a population of approximately 3 million people, making it the largest city in Canada. The Greater Toronto Area (GTA) is home to over 6 million residents. It is one of the most multicultural cities in the world.

Size: Toronto covers about 630 square kilometers (243 square miles) and lies along the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. It is part of the Golden Horseshoe, a densely populated region in southern Ontario.

Language: English is the primary language spoken in Toronto. However, over 160 languages are spoken due to the city’s diversity, with significant communities speaking Cantonese, Mandarin, Punjabi, Italian, and Tagalog.

Currency: The official currency is the Canadian Dollar (CAD). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and contactless payments are commonly used in shops, restaurants, and public transit.

Safety: Toronto is considered one of the safest large cities in North America. Violent crime rates are low, though petty theft and occasional transit-related incidents may occur. Normal safety precautions are advised.

Tipping: Tipping is customary in Toronto. A 15–20% tip is expected in restaurants. It is also standard to tip taxi drivers, hotel staff, and service workers.

Electricity and Plugs: Canada uses 120V electricity at 60Hz. Plug types A and B are standard. Travelers from countries with different voltage standards should check compatibility and bring appropriate adapters.

Water: Tap water in Toronto is safe to drink and meets high-quality standards. The city’s water is sourced from Lake Ontario and undergoes strict treatment and testing.

Annual Visitors: Toronto receives over 27 million visitors annually. Popular attractions include the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum, Distillery District, Toronto Islands, and major sports and cultural events.

Visa Requirements: Visitors from the U.S., EU, UK, and many other countries can enter Canada visa-free for short stays, though most require an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) when flying in. A valid passport is required.

Health & Vaccinations: No vaccinations are required for entry into Canada. It’s recommended to be up to date on standard vaccines such as measles, flu, and tetanus. Toronto has excellent healthcare facilities.

Transportation: Toronto has an extensive public transit system, including subways, buses, and streetcars operated by the TTC. Taxis, rideshares, and bike-share services are widely available. Traffic can be congested during rush hours.

Food: Toronto’s food scene is diverse and vibrant, offering everything from global street food to high-end dining. Local favorites include peameal bacon sandwiches, butter tarts, and an array of ethnic cuisines from across the world.

Etiquette & Cultural Norms: Toronto is known for its politeness, multiculturalism, and inclusiveness. Queueing is expected, and casual greetings are common. Visitors should be respectful of cultural diversity and personal space.

Telecommunications & Connectivity: Wi-Fi is widely available in hotels, cafes, public libraries, and transit stations. Mobile coverage is strong, and local SIM cards or eSIM plans are available from Canadian carriers.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is recommended for visitors to Canada. While emergency healthcare is available, costs can be high for non-residents. Insurance can also cover delays, cancellations, and lost baggage.

Did You Know? - Facts About Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada in downtown Toronto is an immersive journey into the aquatic world, captivating visitors with its vast array of marine life and interactive exhibits. Here are five captivating aspects of Ripley's Aquarium:

The aquarium also offers an array of special events and programs designed to deepen guests' connection with the aquatic world. From sleepovers and yoga sessions under the sea to photography classes, these unique experiences cater to visitors of all ages, making Ripley's Aquarium a dynamic and engaging destination.

The aquarium boasts an impressive collection of over 20,000 aquatic animals, representing more than 450 species from around the globe. The diverse range of marine and freshwater species, including sharks, rays, jellyfish, and colorful fish, offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the richness of the world's waters.

Dedicated to conservation, Ripley's Aquarium engages in various initiatives aimed at preserving marine biodiversity. Through breeding programs, rescue missions, and educational outreach, the aquarium actively contributes to the conservation of aquatic species and habitats.

Interactive experiences are at the heart of Ripley's Aquarium, with touch pools allowing visitors to gently interact with stingrays, horseshoe crabs, and shark pups. These encounters are guided by the aquarium's knowledgeable staff, enhancing the educational experience.

A standout feature, the Dangerous Lagoon, immerses visitors in an underwater adventure through a transparent tunnel. Surrounded by the tranquil beauty of the ocean, guests come face-to-face with sharks and an array of marine life, providing a unique perspective on the underwater ecosystem.