Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is Toronto’s large indoor aquarium at 288 Bremner Boulevard, right at the foot of the CN Tower and a short walk from Union Station. It is best known for Dangerous Lagoon, a long underwater tunnel with a moving walkway where sharks, rays and sea turtles glide overhead. Plan on two to three hours, buy timed tickets online and go early on weekdays or later in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds.
Opened in 2013, the aquarium quickly became one of Toronto’s most visited attractions. It holds thousands of marine and freshwater animals in galleries that take you from Canadian waters to tropical reefs. Because it is entirely indoors, it is a reliable rainy-day and winter activity, and its downtown location makes it easy to combine with the CN Tower, the Rogers Centre or a show in the Entertainment District.
| Gallery | What you will see | Why it is worth it |
|---|---|---|
| Canadian Waters | Fish and invertebrates from Canada’s lakes and coasts, including a giant Pacific octopus | A look at the wildlife closest to home |
| Rainbow Reef | A colourful tropical reef with hundreds of reef fish | One of the brightest, most photogenic tanks |
| Dangerous Lagoon | Underwater tunnel with sharks, sawfish, rays and green sea turtles | The signature experience, with a moving walkway |
| Ray Bay | Stingrays and other species in a large open habitat | Close-up viewing and family favourite |
| Planet Jellies | Jellyfish displays with changing coloured lighting | Calm, hypnotic and great for photos |
| Discovery Centre and touch pools | Interactive displays and supervised touch areas | Hands-on learning for kids |
Exhibits and animal displays can change over time. Check the aquarium’s official website for current galleries, dive shows and talks.
The aquarium is generally open daily, including most holidays, but opening hours vary by season and special events. General admission tickets are sold for timed entry, with lower prices for children and seniors and free entry for very young children. As of 2026, adult general admission is indicatively in the range of $45 to $55 before tax, with prices that can vary by date and time. Annual memberships are available and can pay off for families who plan more than two visits a year.
Coming from outside the city? Our GO Transit guide and UP Express guide explain how to reach Union Station by train.
The quietest times are usually weekday mornings outside school holidays and later evenings. Weekends, the Christmas holidays, PA days and March Break are the busiest periods. On rainy and very cold days, the aquarium is a magnet for families, so book ahead. Adults-only evenings and special events, such as music nights with live performances, are held on selected dates and offer a different atmosphere; check the event calendar for current listings.
Photography is a big part of the experience. Flash photography can disturb animals and reflect off the glass, so turn it off and use the tank lighting instead. In the tunnel, stand on the fixed sections at either end of the moving walkway to take steady photos of the large sharks passing overhead. The jellyfish gallery is often the best spot for striking pictures thanks to its slowly changing coloured lighting.
The aquarium sits in one of Toronto’s densest tourist zones. You can easily pair your visit with the CN Tower next door, a stroll along the waterfront, a Blue Jays game at the Rogers Centre in season, or a meal in the Entertainment District. Some visitors buy combination passes that bundle several attractions; compare prices before you buy to make sure you will use them all. Our CN Tower visitor guide covers tickets, EdgeWalk and the best times to visit the tower, and our list of best entertainment spots in Toronto offers more ideas for a full day downtown.
In winter, the aquarium is a perfect anchor for a warm indoor day. Start with the aquarium in the morning, walk through the PATH or the SkyWalk to Union Station, and finish with skating at a nearby outdoor rink or holiday shopping. See our guide to things to do in Toronto in winter for more ideas.
Beyond entertainment, the aquarium promotes ocean conservation and education through school programs, talks and partnerships. Signage throughout the galleries explains threats facing marine life, from plastic pollution to overfishing, and how visitors can help. Educational programs, sleepovers and camps are offered at certain times of the year; check the official site for availability and age requirements. Visiting with a curious child is a good opportunity to talk about the Great Lakes, Canada’s coasts and the importance of protecting water and wildlife close to home.
Most visitors spend two to three hours. Families with young children or those who attend shows and talks may stay longer.
It is at 288 Bremner Boulevard, at the base of the CN Tower, a short walk from Union Station.
It is strongly recommended. Timed tickets help you avoid long lines, and popular times can sell out on weekends and holidays.
Yes. Many adults enjoy the jellyfish galleries, the shark tunnel and special evening events, which offer a calmer, more grown-up experience.
Rules on outside food can change, so check the aquarium’s visitor policies before your trip. There are many dining options in the surrounding area.
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