Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

The moving sidewalk transports visitors through a transparent underwater tunnel as stingrays, tiger sharks, a green turtle and other majestic sea creatures glide around them. Such is the trip through the Dangerous Lagoon, the marquee experience at Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada in downtown Toronto.

The aquarium houses more than 20,000 freshwater and exotic sea animals representing more than 450 species from habitats around the world. Ten themed galleries and dozens of live exhibits deliver a mesmerizing and educational experience for all ages.

Start with the Canadian Waters gallery in which thousands of schooling alewives follow one other in tight formation in a cylindrical tank. Rainbow Reef, a fan favorite, re-creates the warm coral seas of the Indo-Pacific Ocean for a kaleidoscope of more than 100 vibrantly hued species. 

Planet Jellies provides a serene space where slow-moving jellyfish expand and contract as they drift through the water. The newest exhibit, Graffiti Reef, is an eye-popping gallery that blends the prismatic world of coral reefs with bold wall murals painted by street artists.

Make time to see one of four daily dive shows at Rainbow Reef or Ray Bay, the stingray habitat. Scuba divers enter the water to feed the aquatic residents while staff educators stand by to share cool facts about the various species and answer questions. Hands-on activities, especially for kids, are abundant. Visitors are welcome to lean into shallow pools to touch the velvety skin of stingrays and the rough texture of sea stars, or crawl into a pint-sized underwater viewing bubble. 

The aquarium enjoys a prime downtown location in Toronto’s family-friendly Entertainment District, clustered with CN Tower, Rogers Centre ballpark and the Roundhouse Railway Museum. 288 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, Ontario M5V 3L9, 647/351-3474, ripleys.com/attractions