Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Name	Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Date opened	October 16, 2013
Location	Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Num animals	20,000+
Num species	450+
Volume largest tank	2.9 million US gallons
Total tank vol	5.7 million US gallons
Owner	Ripley Entertainment

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is a large public aquarium situated in the downtown core of Toronto, adjacent to the iconic CN Tower and the Rogers Centre. Owned and operated by Ripley Entertainment, the attraction opened in October 2013 and has since become one of the city's most visited cultural destinations. The facility is renowned for its extensive collection of marine life, immersive exhibits, and its focus on aquatic education and conservation.

History and development

The concept for the aquarium was developed by Ripley Entertainment, a global attractions company founded by Robert Ripley, as part of a strategic expansion into major urban markets. Construction began in 2011 on a former parking lot within the Railway Lands redevelopment area, a significant project managed by the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation. The aquarium's opening on October 16, 2013, was a high-profile event attended by local dignitaries including then-Mayor Rob Ford. Its development was seen as a key component in transforming the South Core neighborhood into a major tourist and entertainment district, complementing nearby landmarks like the Metro Toronto Convention Centre.

Exhibits and galleries

The aquarium is organized into several distinct thematic galleries, each designed to replicate specific aquatic environments. The centerpiece is the Dangerous Lagoon, a moving sidewalk tunnel through a North American shark habitat that holds nearly three million gallons of water. Other major exhibits include the Ray Bay, featuring species like cownose rays and spotted eagle rays, and the Canadian Waters gallery, which showcases species from the Great Lakes and all three of Canada's coastal oceans. The Planet Jellies exhibit displays various jellyfish species, while the Discovery Centre offers interactive touch pools with horseshoe crabs and Atlantic stingrays.

Marine life and conservation

The facility houses over 20,000 aquatic animals representing more than 450 species, with a significant focus on sharks and rays. Key species include sand tiger sharks, green sawfish, and green moray eels. The aquarium's husbandry and veterinary teams participate in cooperative breeding and research programs, such as those for the endangered lake sturgeon. Educational initiatives are conducted in partnership with organizations like the Ocean Conservancy and the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, emphasizing threats like overfishing, plastic pollution, and coral bleaching.

Visitor experience and amenities

A visit typically involves a self-guided journey through nine galleries, with opportunities for interactive experiences like the Discovery Centre touch pools and daily dive shows. The venue hosts special events, including overnight "Sleep with the Sharks" programs and private functions in spaces overlooking the main tanks. On-site amenities include a large gift shop, the Gallery Café, and the Shark Shack food court. The aquarium is designed to be accessible, with features accommodating visitors under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act.

Location and architecture

The aquarium is located at 288 Bremner Boulevard in the South Core financial and entertainment district. Its modernist design, by the architectural firm B+H Architects, features a distinctive blue-glass and aluminum façade intended to evoke flowing water. The structure is strategically placed between the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre, forming part of a major pedestrian corridor. Its proximity to Union Station and the Gardiner Expressway ensures high visibility and accessibility for both local and international tourists.

Operations and management

The aquarium is a for-profit venture owned by Ripley Entertainment, a subsidiary of the Jim Pattison Group, one of Canada's largest privately held companies. Day-to-day operations are managed by a team of aquarists, veterinarians, and educators, with oversight from the corporate offices of Ripley's Aquariums. The attraction is a major employer in the Toronto tourism sector and operates year-round, with extended hours during peak seasons and holidays like Canada Day. It has received certifications from the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums for its animal care standards.

Category:Aquaria in Canada Category:Tourist attractions in Toronto Category:Ripley's Aquariums Category:Buildings and structures completed in 2013