Aquariums are one of my favourite attractions. To me, they are magical places filled with pieces of our world that I would not be able to see or experience otherwise. To my boys, their are places of awe, or wonder and excitement. A place where the oceans, rivers and lakes come alive and where you can interact with sting rays, see sharks, jellyfish and King Crabs. After visiting the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago and The Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta we had high expectations for our the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto, Ontario.
The aquarium is well laid out so that visitors follow a predetermined path filled with all the wonders of the waterways. With over 16 000 animals every corner of the Aquarium is filled with interesting creatures. We loved the set up and the variety of hands on activities for kids (and adults) to engage in.
5 Things to Love at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada
- The moving escalator through the main tank allows for lots of viewing time without having to struggle to see
- The tiny tank with the fish from Finding Nemo near the Snack Bar is a perfect microcosm plus kids can pop up in the middle to see the tank from the inside
- The great BIG sharks
- The variety of hands on activities keep your kids interested, engaged and curious
- The open area that demonstrates how the tanks are maintained and pressurized – would love a behind the scenes tour of how these ecosystems are maintained.
3 Key Tips to Make Your Visit More Enjoyable
- Avoid the lines by purchasing your tickets online for a timed entrance
- Do NOT bring a stroller unless you absolutely have to. There is really no room to manoeuvre a stroller and nowhere to park a stroller inside the Aquarium.
- Bring snacks/drinks/lunch there is only one tiny snack bar halfway through the Aquarium so you will need something for your little ones to snack on.
I am most excited that Toronto now has an aquarium and that visitors to Toronto can experience the wonder of aquatic life in this special and unique environment. With so much to offer, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in Toronto is truly a must-see attraction.
What is your favourite thing about visiting an Aquarium?
My family and I love aquariums. Our favorite part of going to aquariums is seeing creatures up close that we would ordinarily never have the chance to see otherwise.
So true! My boys were mesmerized by the sharks!
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – Toronto, ON
This looks amazing! I can’t wait for my girls to be old enough to take on a trip to see the Aquarium. .
Elizabeth L recently posted..Welcoming Baby Ava to our Family
They would love it at any age – so many amazing things to see.
Kerrie @ Family Food and Travel recently posted..Visiting Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada – Toronto, ON
We LOVED this aquarium…it was so awesome. There was so much to see, and it was so well organized and clean. We definitely want to go back again :)
looks like you aren’t allowed bringing snacks or drinks in though, at least not according to their twitter feed
My kids would love this place!
Lisa recently posted..Mariano’s Healthy Living: Gluten Free Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies
aquariums are one of my favorite things to visit when we go anyplace!
brett recently posted..5 Tips for Extending Your Dog’s Life (Petcurean Pet Food Giveaway)
I LOVED reading this post and looking at your GORGEOUS pictures. Aquariums are my FAV place to visit. I would love to go here , it looks so fun and educational.
jenny at dapperhouse recently posted..Easy Natural Make-Up Tutorial for Your New Year’s Eve Party
We love aquariums and have been to several. If we ever get to Toronto I’ll make sure this one is on my list.
Looks like a great place!
Debbie Denny recently posted..GlobeIn 3-month Subscription Box Giveaway! ENDS 1/13
Aquariums are so much fun. We have never visited this one. I love that they have an escalator by the tanks – that sounds awesome.
Tracie recently posted..Thoughts On A Year Of Act(ion)
I always enjoy a trip to the aquarium. You got some great pics!
Angela recently posted..Give the Gift of Security with Fellowes Powershred 73Ci Shredder #IDSafetySeason
I really love aquariums! Every time I visit a new place I visit it’s aquarium too (if they have one). Great pictures!
Ave recently posted..New Year’s Eve Traditions Around the World
I love the penguins at an aquarium!
trisha recently posted..Protect yourself online, how to arm yourself with knowledge.
We love aquariums and this one looks awesome! I would love to visit!
Jennifer B recently posted..GlobeIn 3-month Subscription Box Giveaway
This sounds like a great family outing! Actually seeing and learning about the creatures in the sea would be fun! It’s incredible that they have over 16,000 animals!
Jessica Harlow recently posted..$1.01 Money Maker Deal on Pedia Care at CVS!
I wish we had an aquarium in Tucson. Sadly, we don’t. Waikiki has a terrific aquarium. I’ve visited it both times I’ve been to Hawaii. You’re right about it being a place to see things you would not otherwise be able to see.
These pictures are so pretty! I love aquariums and brightly colored sea life !
Amy Desrosiers recently posted..DIY: Easy Decorated Snowman Cookie
great pictures, looks like a wonderful place to spend the day with the family!
Sounds like you had a rippin’ good time (sorry, I just couldn’t resist!!!). I love aquariums, too.
Wow, this looks amazing. I love going to the aquarium!
This has my little boy written all over it! He would freak over all the fishies. :)
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas recently posted..Go Gluten-free with Russo’s Pizza – Now Available Frozen!
We’ve been talking about taking our little one to an aquarium and this entry reminded me to do that! The tips are good too. Agree about the stroller. They always seem like a good idea, but they’re a hassle in crowded areas.
Shanna recently posted..Move over leftovers! Get Spicy on New Year’s Eve with #KraftEssentials: Bacon Ranch Jalapeño Poppers Recipe
OMGosh what a fun place!! I wonder if we have one close to us!
Danielle @ We Have It All recently posted..#CartonSmart Whole Wheat Pumpkin Pancakes Recipe
Honestly what I love the most is that it’s so relaxing for some reason. I just feel so calm in peaceful in there.
Liz @ A Nut in a Nutshell recently posted..It’s All About Positivity #FightFatTalk
I had not heard of this one of Ripley’s museums. It seems like a place my family would like to visit.
Janeane Davis recently posted..Walmart Family Mobile – Best Wireless Plan – A Reward for Teenie Bopper
Looks like a great trip! I can tell your boys had a good time. I love aquariums and try to visit those that are close to me!
Cynthia L recently posted..Top 12 Reader Favorites of 2013
This looks like such a neat place. I bet everyone had a great time.
Shannah @ Just Us Four recently posted..Top Ten of 2013
This looks fun! I was in Toronto this Summer and saw the building under construction. Now that it’s open we cant wait to visit:)
I am always amazed by pretty fish. I wish I lived closer so I could take my family here.
Stefani recently posted..New York Cheese Cake Recipe With Monk Fruit In The Raw #MC
Your photos are so beautiful! Looks like a really great time and thanks for sharing. :)
Rhonda and Tara Yvsg recently posted..Work at Home Job Listings, Communities, and Forums
that looks amazing. i can’t wait to go and visit
We loved visiting Ripley’s Aquarium in Toronto as well – especially the tunnel! If it hadn’t been so crowded the day of our visit then I think we would have circled back and repeated it a couple of times! Good advice about leaving strollers behind unless absolutely necessary – I watched parents trying to maneuver them in the crowds when we were there and it looked like a struggle.
Lisa Goodmurphy recently posted..The Sandals Foundation: Making a Difference
We love aquariums too and this one looks amazing! Not a bad trip either since we’re in Michigan. :)
Susie B. Homemaker recently posted..Doll Clothes and Matching Outfits for Girls and Dolls
I haven’t been to Ripley’s yet, the boyfriend hates going downtown, but my daughter was there a few weeks ago and she was fascinated by it.
Are there penguins at the Toronto Ripley’s Aquarium?
Sadly no, but lots of other fantastic aquatic animals.