DIVE INTO ANOTHER WORLD

If you’re visiting Toronto this year, a trip to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a definite must. Located in the heart of the city’s south end and only steps from Toronto’s iconic CN Tower, Ripley’s Aquarium is an awe-inspiring experience for any age.

At 135,000 square feet, Ripley’s is Canada’s largest indoor aquarium, and features more than 16,000 animals and over 400 species.  In addition to nine galleries showcasing marine life from around the world, the definite show stopper is the Dangerous Lagoon – the longest shark tunnel in North America.  At an astounding 315 feet, this heart pounding experience glides guests along a motorized sidewalk where you’ll get up close and personal with 17 different shark species, sea turtles, sawfish and moray eels.

A walk through the Canadian Waters Gallery provides a look into the life of aquatic animals from Canada’s own backyard.  In this 17 exhibit display, you’ll find 100+ year old American and extremely rare electric blue lobsters, giant Pacific octopuses, an anemone wall and sea star shelf, and a 180-degree Pacific kelp panel with wave-makers to simulate the British Columbia coast.

For the little ones, the Aquarium has created the ever-popular Discovery Centre featuring a Great Lakes lochs exhibit, a play area, and pop-up exhibits that provide a unique view of pufferfish, clownfish, and the Dangerous Lagoon. When you’re ready to get your hands wet, kids of all ages will enjoy the horseshoe crab touch pool where you’ll learn about, and be able to touch these amazing living fossils. Join in on live interactive dive shows that run every two hours in either the Ray Bay or the Rainbow Reef. Dive shows feature animal feedings and a diver who communicates with educators as well as the audience. This is a fin-tastic opportunity to learn more about the animals in their habitat and ways we can help to conserve the environment.

The Aquarium is also home to one of the world’s largest kreisel exhibits located in the Planet Jellies gallery.  At this hypnotic exhibit, watch as Pacific sea nettles dance and illuminate an array of breathtaking colours.  And at Ray Bay, hundreds of stingrays playfully swim across the large viewing area to the surface of the interactive Shoreline Gallery, where you can actually touch these fascinating creatures.  For the adventurous type, the Aquarium offers a one of a kind Stingray Experience.  During this 90-minute adventure, participants receive a behind the scenes look at the Aquarium’s revolutionary life support system, as well as an in-water experience alongside the animals.

Throughout the year, the Aquarium also features a variety of programming including the Overnight Reef Adventure, where guests sleep among the sharks in Dangerous Lagoon.  And if you’re looking for a unique way to spend the evening with friends or that special someone, try Friday Night Jazz at the Aquarium.  Occurring the second Friday of each month, you’ll listen to the soothing sounds of local jazz musicians as you tour the Aquarium while enjoying a beverage from the bar.

For more information on this unique Toronto attraction, visit www.ripleysaquariumofcanada.com or call 647-351-3474