At the Vancouver Aquarium, we strive to provide an inclusive experience for all Guests and Team Members, regardless of their abilities. The following includes downloadable accessibility guides and information on our physical, visual, cognitive, and dietary accessibility offerings, services, and supports to help make planning your visit quick and easy.
The Vancouver Aquarium was honoured to earn the British Columbia (BC) Tourism Industry 2024 award for an Inclusive and Accessible Tourism Experience. This award recognizes the organization that has made the biggest contribution to creating an inclusive and accessible tourism experience.
If you have additional accessibility questions after reviewing the information provided here, we welcome you to connect with our team for assistance.
Accessible Parking
Accessible parking is available in the City of Vancouver owned-and-operated parking lot on the north side of the building, near AquaQuest Reception and General Admissions. These marked stalls are designated for your convenience. Please display your Accessible Parking Permit. Parking fees apply, which can be paid by entering your license plate number at the City of Vancouver pay stations.
Wheelchairs
Guests can rent wheelchairs free of charge from the Guest Services desk. Accessible washrooms for guests with motorized or oversized wheelchairs are in the Frogs Forever and Tech Engagement galleries. In addition to wheelchairs, we offer noise-canceling headphones, walking canes, and walker rentals for guests.
Please see the Guest Services Desk for more information or call 778-655-9554.
Accessibility Information | Vancouver Aquarium
Vancouver Aquarium has created a walkthrough guide for the arrival experience to ensure the best entry experience for younger guests and guests with special needs.
Planning Ahead Resources:
Park Map | Entertainment Schedule | Parking & Public Transportation | Plan Your Visit
On Property Accessibility Resources
We encourage those with special needs to visit the Guest Services Desk at the start of your visit. This area is conveniently located inside the Aquarium in the Teck Connections gallery.
At the Guest Services desk, an associate can help you and your family make well-informed decisions about having a safe, comfortable, and convenient experience.
Sensory Comfort Kits
The Vancouver Aquarium offers Comfort Kits with a range of resources to support sensory sensitivities. Guests can obtain these at our Guest Services Desk in Upper Teck, near the Globe.
The Comfort Kits are available for free on a first-come basis at the Guest Services Desk in the Teck Connections gallery. They include noise-reducing headphones, fidget toys, weighted blankets, and verbal cue cards. Noise-reducing headphones can also be rented separately.
Autism Training
Vancouver Aquarium Team Members and Volunteers receiving training from the Pacific Autism Family Network (PAFN) and Aide Canada annually including one of our recent trainings, "Supporting Neurodivergent Guests,” with AIDE Canada & Pacific Autism Family Network’s Chief Science Officer, Dr. Shafai. These trainings are a valuable part of making the Aquarium welcoming to all guests.
Sensory Friendly Hours
The Vancouver Aquarium offers sensory-friendly hours monthly. Find out more here.
The Vancouver Aquarium offers wheelchairs, noise-canceling headphones, walking canes, and walker rentals. Please see the Guest Services Desk for more information. If you have any questions about accessibility at the Aquarium, please contact us at Accessibility@vanaqua.org.
Accredited Service Dogs
Accredited service dogs are permitted inside the Aquarium with proof of certification, which must be presented to Team Members at the Admissions entrance. Service dogs are not permitted to enter our free flight Amazon gallery and Behind-The-Scenes Tours. Service dogs must always display a calm, controlled temperament while inside the Aquarium. To protect our animal collection, no other personal animals, including emotional support animals, are permitted entry into the Aquarium.
Accessibility Discounts
Guests with disabilities who purchase a full-price regular ticket can invite an attendant to join them for free to help facilitate their visit. We also accept the Access2 card.
Leisure Access Pass
The Vancouver Aquarium is proud to participate in the Leisure Access Pass, a City of Vancouver initiative for Vancouver residents. For information about the pass and other program perks and benefits, visit https://vancouver.ca/parks-recreation-culture/leisure-access-card.aspx.
If you have additional accessibility questions after reviewing the information provided here, we welcome you to connect with our team for assistance.
