Visitor Frequently Asked Questions
Canada’s largest aquarium, the Vancouver Aquarium connects hundreds of thousands of Aquarium visitors with the natural world.
We've tried to answer the most commonly asked visitor questions below; however, if you're still unable to find the information you're looking for, please contact our Guest Experience Department. Phone: 778-655-9554 or email guestexperience@vanaqua.org.
Please see the Calendar for the most up to date information.
The number of visitors allowed inside the aquarium is limited at this time. All visitors will need to purchase a timed ticket from our website and select a specific date and time to visit. The last time available to enter is 3:30 pm as the aquarium closes at 5:00 pm.*
If you have additional questions about our ticketing process, visit our tickets page for more information or email tickets@vanaqua.org
*Please note hours may change on holidays.
At the Vancouver Aquarium, we are committed to creating an enjoyable experience for every guest. Our galleries feature narrower pathways designed to bring you closer to marine life and create immersive viewing opportunities. Wagons and oversized strollers restrict traffic flow and make it difficult for all guests — including those with mobility needs — to move freely. To help keep these spaces comfortable and accessible for everyone, wagons, jogging strollers, push-cars and ride on scooters are not permitted inside the Vancouver Aquarium.
Complimentary lockers are available in our Lower Teck Connections gallery on a first-come, first-served basis. They can accommodate most carry-on luggage, backpacks, and personal items; however, availability may be limited during busy periods. Please note that Vancouver Aquarium is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
The 4-D movie is included with your admission, at no extra cost.
Please note that the 4-D Theatre is available on a first come, first serve basis and we are limiting capacity in the theatre. There are regular showings throughout the day.
The Vancouver Aquarium Gift Shop is open from 10:30 am to 6 pm.
We encourage you to shop online at vanaquashop.org prior to your visit and pick up your items on-site after your visit.
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.
Coffee Bar: Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm
Courtyard Café: Open daily from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Upstream Bar + Grill (Weekends only): 11 am to 4:30 pm
Upstream Ice Cream Window: Open 7 days 11 am to 3 pm
Bicycle Bistro: Closed for the season
Members are free to swim by anytime during operating hours, no booking needed! Simply present proof of membership at Admissions to dive into your next adventure. Sea you soon!
We no longer offer discounted tickets or coupons. The Inspiration Pass is not available any longer. We sell our tickets with several third party sellers, including Tiqets. Please visit Guest Services during your next visit or call 778-655-9554. A member from our team would be happy to kelp!
The Vancouver Aquarium is thrilled to offer not only sea otter encounters but also, three other unique behind the scenes experiences. Swim over here to find out more about all of the behind the scenes and encounters available.
Parking in Stanley Park is wholly administered by EasyPark. It is not included with your admission to the Aquarium.
For more information including rates and payment information please check the EasyPark website.
Please note that at this time only credit cards and mobile parking apps are accepted for parking. No coins or debit cards accepted.
If you pay for parking in at any meter in Stanley Park, it is good for the entire park. if you purchase a day parking pass, you can start your morning at the Aquarium and then move on to Prospect Point in the afternoon.
We are currently remaking our multilingual guest information pamphlets.
While you are visiting the Aquarium, you may notice our associates have flags on their nametags indicating which languages they speak. If you require assistance in another language, please ask our associates and we will try to find someone that speaks your language.
- On-site at the Guest Services desk, or
- By contacting our Call Centre at 778-655-9554
General admission tickets in the same order can only be upgraded to memberships of the same type. Note that upgrades are not applicable to special event tickets.
The Vancouver Aquarium’s only tunnel is in Clownfish Cove and is intended for children. Any other tunnel photos found online when searching for the Vancouver Aquarium are from other aquariums, a result of being incorrectly tagged by users. While we may not (currently) have an underwater tunnel, we offer expansive outdoor galleries that our rescued sea otters, seals, and sea lions call home, which sets us apart from these other aquariums.
Undersea Explorer is our newest immersive experience. Step into a state-of-the-art motion-platform where 360º live-action films transport you into the heart of the ocean. You can find out more about this here.
Tickets are available on-site during your visit.
We encourage guests to plan ahead and find out about all the programs that we will be offering on the day you visit. Find out more about the exciting and interactive programming here.
Guests can also stop by the Guest Services desk and we will be happy to fill you in.