A Morning at the Vancouver Aquarium

Comments 11 by Rebecca Bollwitt

I spent a fun-filled morning with my family as guests of the Vancouver Aquarium where the kids enjoyed interactive displays and learning about marine life around the world.

Vancouver Aquarium

When I was little we spent school field trips perched on the edges of our bleacher seats watching the majestic orcas perform stunts for handycam-toting crowds. Nowadays the orcas are gone, their large pool has been transformed into more of a learning and research zone and the home of four Pacific White-Sided Dolphins.

Dolphin Presentation

Dolphin Presentation

Next to them you’ll find the otters (who are totally internet-famous), sea lions, and the beluga habitat.

Baby Baluga

Since there was a baby beluga born June 10th they are limiting the amount of foot-traffic passing through the underwater viewing area so the line ups are long. They begin at 10:15 so it’s best to show up early if you’d like to catch a glimpse of the little one, however you can still view the tank from above water (and there’s also the beluga cam online).

Inside the aquarium there are several exhibits that showcase everything from exotic frogs to creatures and plant life of the Pacific Coast.

Frogger

Fishies

Known to my niece and nephews as, “the stinky area,” the rainforest portion is almost just as I remembered it from childhood, complete with things flying at your head that you hope are simply butterflies.

Flutterby

The gift shop seems to have branched downstairs as well as outside alongside the snack bar leaving stroller navigation to be a somewhat difficult task when the throngs of families, AquaCampers and school groups appear. But whatever the Aquarium lacks in space it makes up for in education.

The kids like the interactive stuff

There is a kids zone with interactive displays and live shows daily, computer screens to touch, puzzles to solve, wheels to crank, and portholes to look through. Each display is accompanied by a photo and a write up featuring information about the animal and its natural habitat.

The dolphin shows are also rather brief, which is nice to see, and they do not simply make them do tricks to entertain (although they do love to show off). In about 10 minutes we learned all about dolphin markings, habits, traits, and the Ocean Wise program for sustainable seafood choices.

A day at the Aquarium for the family may not be on my “cheap things to do” list however if you live in Metro Vancouver the annual family pass is definitely a cost-saver (two adults and three kids for $125/year).

Stingy-sting-sting

Nothing will compare to the experience John and I had on Salt Spring Island when we spotted a Pacific Dolphin circling the water around us while we were perched on a rock at the opening of a bay. However, when it comes to education and ‘reaching the masses’ the Vancouver Aquarium is doing the best it can to heighten awareness and conservation with regards to our fragile oceans and ecosystems.

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11 Comments  —  Comments Are Closed

  1. RaulWednesday, July 9th, 2008 — 4:25pm PDT

    *sigh* gorgeous photos – and what a better way to spend a morning? Family time is SO valuable. Good times 😀

  2. DanWednesday, July 9th, 2008 — 4:50pm PDT

    I am so glad we went to this place while out there the first time. There are so many amazing things in there! 🙂

  3. JennyWednesday, July 9th, 2008 — 7:32pm PDT

    What a great time. The kids loved it. Thanks!

  4. LucWednesday, July 9th, 2008 — 9:45pm PDT

    An unique experience is visiting the aquarium at night. Sometimes they have parties and it’s not only for schoold kids 🙂

  5. NolwennWednesday, July 9th, 2008 — 11:43pm PDT

    When we were in Vancouver in june 2006, the aquarium was our first “visit” !! It was really amazing, and we were sad our daughter was not with us (but she was too young actually!).

    We’ll visit it again when we’ll move in Van 😉

  6. Tyler IngramThursday, July 10th, 2008 — 6:13am PDT

    Did the butterfly exhibit start yet? I know they have some freeflying butterflies in the tropical exhibit but they were supposed to bring in a bunch of them that will flutter around in ‘open space’. various types too!

    Btw Rebecca while you were in the Tropical exhibit did you spot the Sloth?

  7. KentThursday, July 10th, 2008 — 11:58am PDT

    Glad you all had fun, Rebecca! Your photos are superb. Too bad we didn’t get the chance to meet, but maybe next time…

    @ Tyler – the butterflies are being added periodically thru the summer until Labour Day.

    enjoy the sun everyone 🙂

  8. Name the Baby Beluga at the Vancouver Aquarium » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittMonday, September 29th, 2008 — 10:08am PDT

    […] summer I had the chance to visit the Vancouver Aquarium for the first time in about a decade. What I discovered was that it was far from a tourist […]

  9. 2008 in Review: July to December » Vancouver Blog Miss 604 by Rebecca BollwittThursday, January 1st, 2009 — 9:22pm PST

    […] July I also established a great relationship with the Vancouver Aquarium and had a few visits to explore the facilities and learn more about the great work they do. I spoke […]

  10. ParkerposeyWednesday, May 19th, 2010 — 9:00pm PDT

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  11. MarthaSunday, December 19th, 2010 — 11:18pm PST

    Great article.
    I loved all the pictures, good quality as well.
    I wouldn’t by the year pass though.
    Because how many times will you be going there?
    It will become boring for you. And probably for the kids as well.

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