Welcoming You Back

We're so excited to welcome you back and have been hard at work during our closure to re-invent the Aquarium you know and love into a safe and exciting new experience for all.

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Please note: The Vancouver Aquarium has paused all on-site public programming and temporarily closed to the public while we focus on transformation. Read more. 

Notice

Special Advisory

Visiting The Aquarium 

Know before you go

  • Non-medical masks are mandatory for all visitors (excluding children under the age of 3). If you don’t already have a mask, you can purchase one when you arrive at the Aquarium.  

  • Visitors and Members must reserve tickets online, in advance. Tickets are date and time specific to control the number of people in the Aquarium at one time.   

  • Guests will be given approximately 1.5 hours to follow a one-way flow through six-zones and 86 indoor and outdoor exhibits on the Vancouver Aquarium’s main level (the lower level of the Vancouver Aquarium will be closed during the initial opening phase.)   

  • No cash will be accepted onsite. Credit and debit only. 

  • Visitors who are unwell, or who are displaying signs of COVID-19, will not be permitted entry. 

  • Consuming food is permitted in two designated eating areas while inside the aquarium. One located at the main cafe and one located outside near Steller's Bay. Food purchased at the cafe outlets must be consumed before continuing your visit.

 

Enhanced safety measures

  • In the initial weeks of opening, visitors to the Vancouver Aquarium will be reduced to approximately 20-to-30% of normal capacity to allow for safe physical distancing.  

  • Hand sanitizing stations and physical distancing measures and signage are in place throughout the Aquarium.   

  • The Vancouver Aquarium has increased cleaning and sanitization procedures. High traffic areas will receive increased spot cleaning. 

  • Interactive exhibits have been removed.  

  • Plexiglass barriers have been installed at service areas. 

  • Visitor maps will be available online only. 

  • Storage lockers will not be accessible at this time. 

  • All Vancouver Aquarium staff members have received training to reduce the risk of transmission of COVID-19.

  • All Vancouver Aquarium staff members will wear non-medical masks when interacting with visitors.

Do you have questions about the Vancouver Aquarium response to COVID-19? Please contact [email protected].

Visitor FAQ

HOW CAN I PURCHASE TICKETS AND WHAT ARE YOUR HOURS OF OPERATION?

You will not be able to purchase a ticket at the main entrance of the Vancouver Aquarium. All visitors and members must purchase/reserve a timed ticket in advance of their visit, and select a specific date and time for their visit. Guests have 60-to-90 minutes allocated for their visit. Please check our tickets page for available dates and times. Groups of 10 people or more must contact us ahead to purchase tickets, please email [email protected] or call 604-757-8422.


HOW CAN MEMBERS BOOK A VISIT?

If you are a current Vancouver Aquarium Member, you can reserve your free, timed tickets online by logging into your membership account and then selecting from the available dates and times. Members will not be admitted without a ticket. Contact [email protected] with any questions.


CAN I USE MY TOURISM PASS, INSPIRATION PASS, DISCOUNTED TICKETS OR 3RD PARTY TICKETS?

As we implement our new ticketing system in our initial weeks of reopening, we are limited on which complimentary passes or discount coupons we are able to accommodate.



Please fill out the third party request form a minimum of 72 hours before you plan your visit to see if your pass is currently valid.



Note: We are currently unable to accept the Vancouver Tourism Pass and the VPL Inspiration pass We hope to be able to accommodate these tickets again soon.


WHAT WILL THE ONE-WAY PATH THROUGH THE AQUARIUM BE LIKE?

During your journey through the aquarium, you will experience our exhibits and animals in their different environments. The path through the aquarium will take 1 – 1.5 hours to experience. Washrooms are available throughout the building and are sanitized and maintained on a frequent schedule. Please be considerate of other visitors as you move through the building.


ARE ANY EXHIBITS CLOSED?

The 4D theatre, Clownfish Cove play area and all lower floors are currently closed.


CAN I BOOK AN ANIMAL ENCOUNTER OR BEHIND THE SCENES TOUR?

Animal encounters and all behind the scenes tours are suspended at this time. 


ARE THERE FOOD AND BEVERAGE OPTIONS AVAILABLE?

There are food and beverage available for purchase onsite, subject to enhanced sanitation and distancing protocols. Offerings may be different/limited in the initial weeks of opening. Only payment by credit and debit will be accepted. 



The Vancouver Aquarium’s Ocean Wise Cafe (accessible from outside the building) and the Upstream Cafe (inside the Aquarium) are open. The Courtyard Cafe will remain closed for the time being. Physical distancing measures and enhanced cleaning are in effect.



NEW! Enjoy a Picnic in the Park! Pre-order the perfect picnic basket and pick it up on-site at the Aquarium to enjoy before or after your visit. Learn more.


IS THE GIFT SHOP OPEN?

The Vancouver Aquarium Gift Shop is open and subject to enhanced cleaning and distancing protocols. Only payment by credit and debit will be accepted. We encourage you to shop online at vanaquashop.org prior to your visit and pick up your items on-site after your visit.


CAN I BRING MY STROLLER OR WAGON?

Wagons are not permitted inside the galleries at this time. Strollers are permitted and we also have stroller parking available once you are inside the building. Take your valuables with you as the parking area is not supervised.