Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Tickets & Visitor Guide to Toronto's Aquarium
⏱ 2-2.5 hours👤 All ages$$
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Opened in 2013 at the base of the CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada quickly became one of Toronto's most visited attractions — a large, modern aquarium home to thousands of aquatic animals from around the world, presented across themed galleries that are immersive and family-friendly.
The signature experience is Dangerous Lagoon, one of the longest underwater viewing tunnels of its kind: a slow-moving walkway carries you through a glass tunnel as sand tiger sharks, a sawfish, sea turtles, and rays glide overhead and all around — a genuinely mesmerizing highlight. Elsewhere, the Planet Jellies gallery displays colorful, illuminated jellyfish in hypnotic tanks; the Canadian Waters gallery showcases local marine life; the Pacific kelp forest features a wave surge; and interactive touch tanks let visitors gently feel rays and small sharks. Daily dive shows and feedings add to the experience.
Because it's indoors and right downtown next to the CN Tower, it's a perfect all-weather attraction (great on a rainy or cold day) and an easy pairing with a tower visit. It's especially popular with families and gets busy, so booking timed tickets ahead and going early or late helps avoid the crowds. Plan around 2 to 2.5 hours. It's steps from the waterfront, Rogers Centre, and the Entertainment District.
What to Expect
Format
Self-paced. Themed galleries including the Dangerous Lagoon shark tunnel, the jellyfish gallery, touch tanks, and Canadian waters, plus daily dive shows and feedings. Indoor, at the base of the CN Tower.
Best Time
Go early or later in the day to avoid the busiest midday crowds. A great rainy-day or cold-day option. Book timed tickets ahead in peak season.
Duration
2-2.5 hours.
Tips
Book timed tickets ahead and go early or late to beat the crowds. Don't miss the Dangerous Lagoon shark tunnel and the jellyfish gallery. Check the daily dive-show and feeding schedule. It's right at the base of the CN Tower — pair the two for an easy downtown day, and it's a perfect all-weather choice.
⚡ Quick Picks
Best For
Families and anyone who loves aquariums — the shark tunnel is a genuine highlight.
Families
A top family pick: the shark tunnel, jellyfish, and touch tanks delight kids, and it's indoor and all-weather.
Couples
Surprisingly atmospheric (the jellyfish gallery especially); quieter early or late, and easy to pair with the CN Tower.
Pair With
The CN Tower (right above it), the waterfront, and the Entertainment District.
Time Needed
2-2.5 hours.
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Get Tickets →Frequently Asked Questions
What's the highlight of Ripley's Aquarium?
Dangerous Lagoon — a long glass tunnel with a moving walkway that carries you through a habitat of sharks, a sawfish, sea turtles, and rays gliding overhead and around you. The illuminated jellyfish gallery is another favorite.
Where is it located?
Right at the base of the CN Tower in downtown Toronto, making it easy to combine the two, near the waterfront, Rogers Centre, and the Entertainment District.
Is it good for kids?
Very — it's one of Toronto's top family attractions, with the shark tunnel, jellyfish, touch tanks, and dive shows. Being indoors, it's also a great all-weather/rainy-day choice.
Do I need to book ahead?
In peak season, yes — booking timed tickets ahead and going early or late helps you avoid the busiest crowds.
How long should I plan?
About 2 to 2.5 hours. It pairs naturally with a CN Tower visit for a downtown day.
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