Located beside the iconic CN Tower in the heart of downtown Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is one of the city’s most popular attractions and one of the best aquariums in North America. Home to more than 20,000 aquatic animals representing over 450 species, the aquarium offers an unforgettable journey through underwater ecosystems from Canada and around the world.

Whether you’re fascinated by sharks, colourful tropical fish, jellyfish, stingrays, or sea turtles, Ripley’s Aquarium combines education, conservation, and entertainment through immersive exhibits, interactive experiences, and North America’s longest moving sidewalk beneath a shark-filled tunnel.

It is consistently ranked among the best things to do in Toronto and is a must-visit attraction for families, couples, school groups, photographers, and anyone interested in marine life.

Why Visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada?

Ripley’s Aquarium offers much more than fish tanks. Visitors can explore massive underwater habitats, touch marine animals, watch daily feeding demonstrations, learn about ocean conservation, and walk through one of Canada’s most impressive underwater tunnels.

Top reasons to visit include:

• Walk beneath sharks and stingrays in Dangerous Lagoon.
• Discover more than 20,000 marine animals.
• Experience hands-on touch exhibits.
• Learn about freshwater and saltwater ecosystems.
• Watch live dive shows and animal feedings.
• Explore colourful coral reefs.
• Visit one of Toronto’s top indoor attractions.
• Enjoy year-round family-friendly entertainment.

Whether you’re visiting on a rainy day or planning a full Toronto sightseeing itinerary, Ripley’s Aquarium is an excellent choice.

Top Exhibits at Ripley’s Aquarium

Dangerous Lagoon

Dangerous Lagoon is the aquarium’s signature exhibit and one of the biggest highlights for visitors.

A moving walkway carries guests through a spectacular underwater tunnel surrounded by:

• Sand tiger sharks
• Nurse sharks
• Green sea turtles
• Sawfish
• Stingrays
• Giant fish

This immersive experience creates the feeling of walking along the ocean floor while marine animals swim overhead.

Photography Tip:

Stand toward the middle of the tunnel and use wide-angle mode to capture sharks swimming directly above you.

Rainbow Reef

Rainbow Reef showcases vibrant tropical fish from coral reef ecosystems around the world.

Visitors can see:

• Angelfish
• Butterflyfish
• Clownfish
• Surgeonfish
• Bright coral habitats
• Colourful reef ecosystems

This exhibit is especially popular with children because of its bright colours and lively marine life.

Discovery Centre

The Discovery Centre provides hands-on learning experiences for visitors of all ages.

Highlights include:

• Interactive educational displays
• Crawl-through viewing tunnels
• Touch tanks
• Children’s activity areas
• Marine science exhibits

It is one of the best areas for younger visitors who enjoy interactive learning.

Planet Jellies

Planet Jellies features graceful jellyfish displayed in illuminated tanks with changing colours.

Visitors can observe:

• Moon jellyfish
• Pacific sea nettles
• Different jellyfish species
• Educational displays about jellyfish biology

The unique lighting creates one of the aquarium’s most photogenic exhibits.

Canadian Waters

Learn about freshwater ecosystems found across Canada.

Species include:

• Sturgeon
• Bass
• Trout
• Freshwater fish
• Native aquatic habitats

This gallery highlights the importance of protecting Canada’s rivers and lakes.

Ray Bay

Ray Bay allows visitors to observe graceful stingrays swimming through shallow habitats.

During scheduled sessions, visitors may have opportunities to interact with rays under staff supervision.

Watching these animals glide effortlessly through the water is a favourite experience for many guests.

Animal Feedings and Daily Programs

Throughout the day, Ripley’s Aquarium offers educational presentations and feeding demonstrations.

Depending on the schedule, visitors may watch:

• Shark feedings
• Ray presentations
• Dive demonstrations
• Animal care talks
• Conservation programs

Program times vary daily, so checking the schedule upon arrival helps visitors plan their visit.

Conservation and Education

Ripley’s Aquarium actively supports marine conservation and public education.

Visitors learn about:

• Ocean pollution
• Plastic waste reduction
• Marine biodiversity
• Species conservation
• Sustainable fishing
• Habitat protection

Educational signage throughout the aquarium encourages responsible environmental practices and highlights the importance of protecting aquatic ecosystems.

Tickets

Admission tickets are available online and at the aquarium.

Ticket options may include:

• General Admission
• Timed Entry Tickets
• Family Packages
• Group Rates
• School Programs
• Annual Passes

Booking online in advance is highly recommended, especially during weekends, holidays, and school breaks.

Timed entry helps reduce wait times and improve the visitor experience.

Opening Hours

Ripley’s Aquarium is generally open every day of the year.

Operating hours may vary during:

• Holidays
• Special events
• Maintenance periods
• Seasonal schedules

Visitors should confirm current opening hours on the official website before travelling.

Parking

Several paid parking garages are located near the aquarium.

Popular parking areas are within walking distance of:

• CN Tower
• Rogers Centre
• Metro Toronto Convention Centre
• Harbourfront

Public transportation is often the easiest way to reach the attraction.

Getting There

Ripley’s Aquarium is conveniently located in downtown Toronto.

Visitors can arrive by:

• TTC subway
• Streetcars
• GO Transit
• UP Express
• Walking from Union Station
• Cycling
• Taxi or rideshare

The aquarium is approximately a 10-minute walk from Union Station.

Accessibility

Ripley’s Aquarium is designed to be accessible for visitors of all abilities.

Features include:

• Wheelchair accessibility
• Elevators
• Accessible washrooms
• Family washrooms
• Wide pathways
• Stroller-friendly exhibits

Visitors requiring additional accessibility services should review current accessibility information before arriving.

Best Time to Visit

Weekday Mornings

The quietest time to visit is usually shortly after opening on weekdays.

Late Afternoon

Crowds often become lighter later in the afternoon outside school holidays.

Rainy Days

The aquarium is extremely popular during rainy weather, so expect larger crowds.

Winter

Winter weekdays generally offer a more relaxed experience than peak summer weekends.

Family-Friendly Experience

Ripley’s Aquarium is one of Toronto’s best attractions for families.

Children especially enjoy:

• Sharks
• Stingrays
• Jellyfish
• Interactive exhibits
• Touch tanks
• Colourful reef fish
• Underwater tunnel

The attraction is stroller-friendly and suitable for visitors of nearly every age.

Nearby Attractions

Its downtown location makes it easy to combine with other major attractions.

Nearby places include:

• CN Tower
• Rogers Centre
• Steam Whistle Brewing
• Roundhouse Park
• Toronto Railway Museum
• Harbourfront Centre
• Scotiabank Arena
• Union Station

Many visitors combine the aquarium with the CN Tower in a single day.

Photography Tips

Photography is permitted throughout most areas of the aquarium.

Tips for better photos:

• Turn off flash.
• Increase camera ISO in darker exhibits.
• Be patient when photographing sharks.
• Capture reflections creatively.
• Use burst mode for fast-moving fish.
• Visit Planet Jellies for colourful artistic images.

Visitor Tips

• Purchase tickets online before arriving.
• Choose an early morning time slot.
• Allow 2–3 hours for your visit.
• Wear comfortable shoes.
• Check feeding schedules.
• Visit the underwater tunnel more than once.
• Combine your visit with the CN Tower.
• Bring a fully charged camera or phone.