When you think of things to see in Toronto, ocean life is unlikely to be one of the first things that come to mind; however, since opening its doors back in 2013 at the base of the CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada has become one of Toronto’s most beloved and recognizable attractions.
While it’s easy to dismiss as a “tourist spot,” the expansive aquarium is so much more than just some fish-filled tanks. Whether you’re a first-time visitor exploring the city or a local, the aquarium’s immersive and educational experiences have proven to be worth the visit, perfect for an outing with the family, rainy day activity, or even a date night – just ask Selena Gomez and The Weeknd.
You may have seen Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada’s iconic Dangerous Lagoon on social media before, but did you know it’s actually North America’s longest underwater viewing tunnel? The moving walkway lets visitors glide through a tunnel as sharks, sea turtles, sawfish, and rays swim overhead, feeling as if you’re part of the underwater world.
Other must-see exhibits include Planet Jellies, with its glowing walls of drifting jellyfish, or Rainbow Reef, home to a kaleidoscope of colourful fish and coral. While Toronto may not sit on an ocean, there are plenty of Canadian species to learn about at the Canadian Waters exhibit, such as sturgeon and the giant Pacific octopus.
Visitors can even get a hands-on interaction at Ray Bay, where they can see and touch stingrays or watch as they are hand-fed by divers. Not close enough? Book the Stingray Experience for the ultimate encounter, where you’ll actually be able to get in the water with the rays.
For families with little ones, the Discovery Centre is must-see. Here, kids can crawl through submarine-themed tunnels, slide through a shark’s mouth, and learn about marine life in a memorable way via interactive displays.
For those eager to learn, Ripley’s strong educational and conservation focus is evident throughout the aquarium. Daily aquarist talks, live dive shows, and feeding demonstrations let guests connect with the people who care for the animals, while offering fascinating insights into species’ behavior, diet, and habitats.
To keep guests coming back, Ripley’s also hosts a spread of special events throughout the year, right in the one-of-a-kind venue. One of the most popular is Jazz Night, a monthly adults-only event held the second Friday of every month featuring live music, cocktails, and it includes admission to wander through the aquarium during your visit.
Seasonal events like Dark Waters, their Halloween-themed party, transform the space into an eerie, immersive setting complete with costumes and entertainment, or stop by during Pride Month for their inclusive “Night at the Aqueerium” celebration.
Adventurous guests are also invited to spend a night under the sea during one of their Sleepovers inside the shark tunnel. As you can see, there’s no shortage of fun occasions to keep returning, no matter how old you are. Between seasonal programming, special events, and rotating exhibits, no two visits feel exactly the same.
Whether you’re gliding beneath sharks, listening to live jazz with a cocktail in hand, or watching your child squeal with delight at a touch tank, Ripley’s goes above and beyond to create moments that feel truly special. In a city full of attractions, Ripley’s earns its place as one of the few that lives up to the hype.