Ripley's Aquarium of Canada ~ #Review

School is out and I had my daughter's summer all lined up.  The whole family are taking turns watching my oldest daughter and some of the weeks she will be attending camp.  I had the first shift and I had no clue what to do with her.  Then I was over the moon when I was given the opportunity to visit Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.  A co-worker took her daughter a few months ago and told me how great it was and that I should visit it with my daughters.  I was so excited that I was counting the days when I could go and visit with my girls.

If you are planning to visit Toronto and/or planning things to do with the kids, you have to visit the Ripley's Aquarium of Canada.  I could see myself attending often because one visit was not enough.  There was so much to see and learn.  I was there more than two hours and I didn't think I saw everything I wanted to see.  I could easily spend another two hours and start at the beginning again.

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is Toronto's newest attracted which open its doors to the public back in October 16th, 2013.  It contains over 5.7 million litres of water, the 12,500 square meter (135,000 square foot) interactive attraction immerses guest in a thrilling underwater adventure that showcases more than 16,000 marine animals.  This is like a zoo but all underwater.  Sure I have seen plenty of National Geographic videos but standing there upfront was an amazing experience.  If I had seen this when I was little I might be interested in marine biology, only if I didn't suck at biology classes.

It was great to bring the kids to give them an educational experience.  I am hoping the next time I would love to attend myself or with few friends so I could sit back and relax without the kids trying to get into trouble.  This summer Ripley's Aquarium of Canada will be hosting yoga lessons which I would love to attend.  The atmosphere is relaxing and peaceful which is the perfect setting for yoga lessons.  They even have day camps which I know my daughter would love if I signed her up this summer.

There is an amazing amount of information to be learned at the Aquarium that I wish I had a tour guide.  There were so many things I have never seen or knew before.  It was amazing to see 65+ year old giant lobster, blue lobster, sharks, school of fishes and kids looking for "Dory" in the tank.  One of my favourites is watching the jelly fishes.  It is very hypnotic and I could watch it all day.  I asked my daughter which part she liked and she said the play area where she could run wild and going down the slide.

I love how there were some interactive activities the kids can learn and enjoy.  There were so many videos throughout the galleries that were funny and easy to read and understand.  We had the chance to touch horseshoe crabs and for an additional fee you could have an in-water experience with Stingrays.  My daughter said she liked the Jellyfish game that she had the chance to play.  I think there were only 3 tablets so only a few could use it at a time.

The whole experience was so enjoyable that I can't wait to go again.  I think the team who designed the place did a wonderful job.  The Dangerous Lagoon gallery was the most incredible underwater experience that I would understand why people dive into the ocean.  It was beautiful and magical.  Watching all the fish, plants, and sharks in their environment was really amazing.  I thought it was brilliant they included moving sidewalk so you can just stand there and look everywhere so you don't accident bump into someone or get in someone's way because you are so busy looking at elsewhere.

When I got back to work, my co-workers always asked me what I do during my time off.  Of course I mentioned that I visited the Ripley's Aquarium and gave it two thumbs up.  I told a few co-worker that they should bring the kids/family to visit and I even told another co-worker that the Aquarium is a photographer dream.  It was a great place to bring my camera to take tons of pictures and videos.

Extra Info:

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada is wholly owned and operated by Ripley Entertainment Inc, a subsidiary of Vancouver-based, The Jim Pattison Group.

Very Important Info:

The Aquarium will sell a limited number of tickets per arrival time slot.  Once guests arrives at the Aquarium during the selected arrival time, they will be quickly check-in by Guest Service staff.  And, guests are not limited to a specific length of stay for their visit.

"Time Ticket" prices start from $29.98 for Adults, $19.98 for Youths, and Seniors, and $9.98 for Children (Ages 3-5).  Children ages 2 and under receive complimentary admission when accompanied by an adult.

For more information, visit www.ripleysaquariumofcanada.com

About Ripley Entertainment
For over 90 years Ripley Entertainment has been a world leader in family fun.  Built on a foundation of a tiny daily newspaper cartoon which debuted in 1918, the company now appeals to families and people of all ages with entertainment attractions around the world.  The company also has a long successful history in book publishing, product licensing, radio and television.  Part of the Jim Pattison Group, Canada's third largest privately owned company, Ripley's is proud to be the largest and fastest growing chain of amusement attraction companies in the world.