Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada opened in October 2013 near the base of the CN Tower. Spanning approximately 12500 m² with 5.7 million litres of habitat water, it is one of the country’s largest aquariums featuring both marine and freshwater ecosystems. It houses over 20,000 animals across more than 450 species.

The layout includes ten themed galleries such as Canadian Waters, Rainbow Reef, Planet Jellies, Ray Bay and Dangerous Lagoon—the latter contains a 96‑metre acrylic-glass underwater tunnel set above a 2.84-million-litre shark tank. The discovery center and touch pools allow visitors to safely interact with species like stingrays and cleaner shrimp.

Daily programming includes aquarist talks, interactive dive shows, and snorkel experiences in Ray Bay guided by Ripley’s divers. Behind‑the‑scenes tours and occasional sleep‑with‑sharks overnight packages add unique educational and entertainment value.

Located at 288 Bremner Boulevard, the aquarium is accessible via Union Station and connected by the PATH system. No dedicated parking onsite—nearby garages or street parking available. Operating hours typically span 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with timed‑entry tickets encouraged to avoid peak‑hour lines.

Owned and operated by Ripley Entertainment Inc., a subsidiary of Canada-based Jim Pattison Group, the aquarium combines entertainment, education and conservation messaging. Partnerships with government agencies supported its development, including Canada Lands Company and City of Toronto providing tax incentives and infrastructure contributions.

For families, wildlife enthusiasts or urban visitors seeking immersive underwater experiences without leaving downtown Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium delivers vivid visual displays, hands-on learning opportunities and memorable animal encounters. Advance ticket purchase and weekday visits are recommended to avoid crowds.