Ripley's Aquarium of Canada

Ripley's Aquarium of Canada sits at the base of the CN Tower in downtown Toronto and houses over 20,000 aquatic animals across more than 100 interactive exhibits. It is one of Toronto's most popular family attractions for good reason — the combination of spectacular underwater viewing, hands-on touch experiences, and thoughtful design makes it engaging for every age.

The undisputed highlight is the Dangerous Lagoon, a 97-metre-long underwater viewing tunnel with a moving walkway that carries you through a massive tank housing sharks, green sea turtles, sawfish, and stingrays. You can step off the walkway to linger and watch the marine life cruise overhead and around you — it is genuinely breathtaking and kids of all ages are awestruck.

The aquarium is organized into themed galleries that take you on a journey through different aquatic environments. Canadian Waters showcases native species including sturgeon, trout, and Pacific salmon in exhibits that mirror actual Canadian waterways. Rainbow Reef is a vibrant Indo-Pacific coral reef exhibit filled with thousands of colorful tropical fish.

The Ray Bay touch pool lets visitors gently touch stingrays as they glide past, and the Discovery Centre has additional touch tanks with horseshoe crabs and sea stars.

The Planet Jellies gallery is a standout for families. Dozens of species of jellyfish float in specially lit tanks that cycle through colors, creating an almost hypnotic experience that captivates kids and adults alike. It is one of the most photographed spots in the aquarium.

For the youngest visitors, the aquarium works surprisingly well. Babies are mesmerized by the movement and colors of fish through the glass panels. Toddlers can see into most tanks from stroller height or with a small lift. The overall dimmed lighting and flowing water sounds create a calming atmosphere that works well for sensory-sensitive children.

The aquarium is accessible via the SkyWalk from Union Station, making it easy to reach by TTC subway, GO Transit, or VIA Rail without needing a car. Small umbrella strollers are allowed inside but wagons and oversized strollers are not permitted, so plan accordingly. Baby changing facilities are available in washrooms throughout. A small cafe offers snacks and light meals.

Plan for two to three hours to see everything at a comfortable pace. If your kids are shark-obsessed or love the touch tanks, you could easily spend longer. The aquarium's evening atmosphere, with dimmer lighting and smaller crowds, makes after-4PM visits particularly pleasant for families who prefer a calmer experience.