• Home
  • About
    • About Helen
    • Features & Published Work
    • Work With Me
    • Contact
  • Destinations
  • Reflections
  • Food
  • Travel Essentials
  • Photo Gear
  • Copyright

Not Without My Passport

A Travel and Photography Blog

Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada: Tips for Your Visit

February 3, 2014 by Helen

1K Shares
Share
Tweet
Pin1K
Reddit
Email
Flip

ripley's aquarium toronto

If you’re a Toronto resident, you’ve heard about it. You’ve seen photos of it. And, chances are, you’ve seen the line-up of people snake around the building on a Saturday afternoon.

And now? You’re wondering how to visit Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, one of Toronto’s hottest tourist attractions, without being crushed between the masses–and without losing your mind.

With an impressive 35,000 square feet of space, a 315-foot viewing tunnel, a moving walkway through Dangerous Lagoon, and over 450 species of sea and freshwater creatures, this Toronto aquarium is utterly captivating.

starfish at ripleys aquarium toronto

dangerous lagoon at ripley's aquarium of canada in toronto

Here are some tips to make the most of your city-meets-sea experience.

When to Go

Plan your visit strategically. In other words, avoid the weekends and groups of school children if you can.

I wanted to know more, so I asked Maggie Doucette, Public Relations Associate of Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the best times to meet their marine life. Monday to Friday is typically quieter, she says, particularly 9:00-10:00am and after 3pm.

And she was right. I arrived there last Monday at 6:45pm with fellow travel blogger, Sharon. There was no wait. No children. No crowds. With the continuous, soothing music that played through the speakers, it was a tranquil–albeit brief–escape, seemingly worlds away from the January polar vortex that waited for us outside. (Mojitos and a sandy beach would have made our evening vacation complete.)

ripley's aquarium toronto photography tips

tropical fish at ripley's aquarium toronto

toronto aquarium

But what if the only time you can visit is during the weekend or a holiday? Doucette suggests arriving before 11am or after 4pm.

Last Saturday, a group of friends took on the aquarium’s weekend crowds at 6:00pm. They waited in line to enter but, by 8:00pm, visitors had started to stream out of the building. With just a few people left inside, my friends shut the place down as they repeated the circuit and freely romped about under the sharks, stingrays and in the Planet Jellies gallery.

How Much Time Do I Need?

Give the aquarium at least 2½ hours of your time but, if you’re as shutter-happy as I am, make it 3½. Don’t be surprised if you feel the urge to shoot one photo per square foot (that’s a lot of pictures!) or, as you compose your shot, patiently wait until a shark swims into the frame before clicking the shutter.

shark swims over visitors at ripley's aquarium of canada

In two hours, I passed through all the exhibits once and captured everything in sight with my camera but, if time allowed, I would’ve walked through a second time just to engage all my senses, plant myself on a seat in front of the illuminated wall of jellyfish and fall under the spell of the Pacific sea nettle in their rhythmic dance.

pink jellyfish at ripley's aquarium of canada

jellyfish at ripleys aquarium of toronto

Photography Tips

Inside, the aquarium is generally quite dark and most of the sea creatures are not stationary so let’s just say photography can be, well, challenging.

To shoot with a DSLR camera, I suggest a wide angle lens for those tighter spaces and either a prime or standard zoom lens for close-ups of the marine life. Increase your ISO to reduce or eliminate blur and freeze the motion of your subject (do you really want to show off your snapshots of jellyfish when they’re globs of red?). How high you can go without adding noise to your image depends on your camera’s capabilities, as well as the speed of your lens (of course, the faster and brighter the lens, the better). My DSLR photos were captured with a 17-35mm f/2.8 and 50mm f/1.8 lens. Make use of the burst mode to increase your chances of catching a sawfish or gliding stingray just at the right angle.

stingrays and fish at toronto aquarium

seahorse at toronto aquarium

lionfish at ripleys aquarium toronto

white jellyfish at ripleys aquarium canada

stingray at aquarium toronto

ripley's aquarium of canada shark

Now, smartphones — these will require more effort. It won’t be easy but it is possible to produce decent images with them. I shot a lot of smartphone photos–and you should too. And, yes, I ended up with some blobby jellyfish but, because I snapped so many pictures, a handful of them turned out okay. You’ll need a steady hand. If you’re as shaky as I am, try leaning against a wall to stabilize yourself.

Here’s a sample of my iPhone captures:

Some general photography tips: Take test shots. Also, disable your on-camera flash — it’s rarely flattering and will likely kill the ambience, hit a surface and, depending on which exhibit you’re in, create a reflection in your photo.

Instead, get creative. Use the dim setting to your advantage by, for example, playing with silhouettes. Explore different angles. If space allows, lie on the floor (I didn’t but it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t). Compose your shot with people beside or under large sea creatures to give a sense of scale. There are so many possibilities.

dangerous lagoon at ripley's aquarium toronto

man walking through tunnel at ripleys aquarium canada

silhouettes at toronto ripley's aquarium

Follow the tips above when planning your visit, and you’ll maximize your underwater-world experience.

If you have advice of your own to offer, feel free to leave them in the comments below.

(See this post for a full list of my photographer gear.)

Pin this post to Pinterest

ripleys aquarium canada photography tips

What You Should Know

The aquarium is open 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

It opens at 9:00am and usually closes at 9:00pm (but may sometimes close earlier for private functions). Visit the aquarium’s website to check the closing time for the specific day you wish to go. You can also check their Facebook page or Twitter feed for periodic line updates throughout the day.

Their FAQ page offers valuable information (e.g., types of tickets, stroller rentals) for planning your visit.

Special thanks to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada for the complimentary access to their exhibits.

You Might Also Like:

  • To Toronto, With LoveTo Toronto, With Love
  • The Toronto Ice Storm in PhotosThe Toronto Ice Storm in Photos
  • 12 Things to Do in Ottawa Over a Weekend12 Things to Do in Ottawa Over a Weekend
  • Snowshoeing Ontario: A Riverside Trail in HaliburtonSnowshoeing Ontario: A Riverside Trail in Haliburton
  • Canada Day at Toronto’s Harbourfront: BeaverTails and FireworksCanada Day at Toronto’s Harbourfront: BeaverTails and Fireworks
1K Shares
Share
Tweet
Pin1K
Reddit
Email
Flip

Enjoyed this post? Don't miss the next one!

Sign up to have new posts delivered straight to your inbox plus my FREE, 45-page ebook, Tips to Take Your Mobile Photography From Ordinary to Extraordinary.

Comments

  1. Sharon (@DreamTravelMag) says

    February 3, 2014 at 9:53 am

    Had a blast watching you work your photography magic! Can’t wait for our next adventure!

    • Helen Suk says

      February 3, 2014 at 10:06 am

      It was a perfect evening. Thanks for coming with me!

      • aur5a says

        December 1, 2015 at 2:09 pm

        Great tips and beautiful pics Helen. Thank you. If I can get my manfriend up early enough…a Friday at 10 a.m. sounds like a plan. Your pictures are so inspiring I am having second thoughts on lugging my large clunky but gorgeous-picture-taking Nikon camera!
        Any other places you can suggest to visit in Toronto for a weekend get-away??!!
        Thanks again Helen,
        Aura

      • Helen Suk says

        December 2, 2015 at 4:26 am

        Hi Aura! Thanks for your feedback. Hmmm… have you been to Osgoode Hall Library? It’s arguably the city’s most beautiful library. (Note: it’s only open during business hours.) Of course, at this time of year, there’s always the Christmas market at the Distillery District.

  2. Cynthia says

    February 3, 2014 at 5:30 pm

    Amazing photos, Helen!

    • Helen Suk says

      February 4, 2014 at 11:50 am

      Thanks, Cynthia 🙂

  3. Jean says

    February 12, 2014 at 12:12 am

    Amazing pics Helen. Thanks for your tips on the dslr.

    • Helen Suk says

      February 12, 2014 at 9:42 pm

      Thank you, Jean!

  4. Goretti says

    February 18, 2014 at 2:07 pm

    WOW! It’s like scuba diving without all the work – LOL 🙂

    Since this is only steps from our door I may get a 1 year pass for between my diving trips 😀

    Beautiful pictures Helen, as usual!

    • Helen Suk says

      February 18, 2014 at 4:28 pm

      Haha. Thanks, Goretti. You of all people will appreciate it, I’m sure 🙂

  5. World Adventure Divers says

    March 19, 2014 at 11:59 am

    Beautiful pictures, Beautiful place… What a shame, I’ve been twice to Toronto when I was living in Ottawa but never heard about it!

    • Helen Suk says

      March 20, 2014 at 1:34 pm

      That’s probably because it opened just last year. Hopefully you can make it there next time!

  6. Marie-France (a.k.a. BigTravelNut) says

    July 24, 2014 at 11:30 pm

    This is the second positive article I read from a Toronto blogger about the new aquarium. Beautiful pics too! I’ll have to check it out now. Too bad it’s so pricey. I wonder if they still offer sponsored visits to bloggers…

    • Helen Suk says

      August 6, 2014 at 10:44 am

      It’s definitely worth finding out!

  7. Ron Denning says

    April 4, 2017 at 4:11 am

    Very informative, thank you so much.

    We will be visiting towards end of April 2017.

    As a pair of seniors who, of necessity, need to avoid crowds yet still want capture up close some of the excitement of David Attenborough’s series, we thank you!

    Will give feedback.

    • Helen says

      April 7, 2017 at 2:23 am

      You’re welcome, Ron. I took my parents there (both are in their 70s) and they enjoyed it. 🙂

About Helen

Helen Suk

Travel writer. Photographer. Always curious. I search the world for beauty and inspiration while sharing valuable tips to help you plan your next trip.

Read more »

Let’s Get Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

As Seen On

Reader Favourites

  • japanese cherry blossoms at ryoanji temple in kyoto The Meaning of Cherry Blossoms in Japan: Life, Death and Renewal
  • golden sand on outlet beach at sandbanks provincial park Things to Do in Prince Edward County
  • kennedy lake, nanaimo to tofino, road trip canada Great Canadian Road Trip: Nanaimo to Tofino
  • best bali beaches, padang padang Where are the Dream Beaches in Bali?
  • victoria harbour, victoria bc parliament building, victoria bc 48 Hours in Victoria, BC

Mobile Photography on Instagram

Helen Suk

notwithoutmypassport

During a family visit to North Carolina, we spent During a family visit to North Carolina, we spent an afternoon digging the vibes and art murals in Winston-Salem. The artists here have some serious street cred. 💯

#streetart #winstonsalem #graffitiart #northcarolinaart
It was a perfect day for wine tasting in Niagara-o It was a perfect day for wine tasting in Niagara-on-the-Lake.🍷

#visitniagara #niagaraonthelake #niagaraonthelakewinery #ontariowineries #discoveron
Have you experienced @littlecanada? This exhibit s Have you experienced @littlecanada? This exhibit surpassed all my expectations.

.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#miniatureworld #miniatures #explorecanada #discoveron #enjoycanada #tourcanada #thankyoucanada #canadaday
🌸 It’s one of my favourite times of the year. 🌸 It’s one of my favourite times of the year. Cherry blossoms are in full bloom, and they’re here in Hamilton. These delicate flowers are rich in symbolism in Asian countries like Japan. Don’t wait to take in their beauty - it won’t last long.
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#cherryblossoms #sakura #hanami #bayfrontpark #HamOnt #MyHamilton #HamiltonOntario #TheHammer #SteelTown #HamiltonProud #CityofHamilton#TourismHamilton #ExploreHamilton #WhatUpHamilton #HamiltonPhotography #HamiltonPhotographer #discoveron
An artist’s haven. .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ #doorsope An artist’s haven.
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#doorsopenhamilton #millworks #millworkscreative #dundasont #dundasontario #dundason #HamOnt #MyHamilton #HamiltonOntario #TheHammer #SteelTown #HamiltonProud #CityofHamilton#TourismHamilton #ExploreHamilton #WhatUpHamilton #HamiltonPhotography #HamiltonPhotographer #discoveron #explorecanada #enjoycanada
Checked out this cool studio for #DoorsOpenHamilto Checked out this cool studio for #DoorsOpenHamilton. 
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#millworks #millworkscreative #dundasont #dundasontario #dundason #HamOnt #MyHamilton #HamiltonOntario #TheHammer #SteelTown #HamiltonProud #CityofHamilton #TourismHamilton #ExploreHamilton #WhatUpHamilton #HamiltonPhotography #HamiltonPhotographer #DiscoverON #ontarioforyou
#explorecanada #enjoycanada  #oh_canada_
That time I learned Lake Huron is THIS blue. That time I learned Lake Huron is THIS blue.
Hello, Hess Village. You’re cute. .⁠ .⁠ .⁠ Hello, Hess Village. You’re cute.
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
.⁠
#electricdinerhamont #HessVillage #HamOnt #MyHamilton #HamiltonOntario #TheHammer #SteelTown #HamiltonProud #CityofHamilton #ExploreHamilton #discoverON #explorecanada
SO ELATED that @trueshotcoffeeco has re-opened. Fo SO ELATED that @trueshotcoffeeco has re-opened. Folks: this is where you go for the best coffee in Hamilton! 🙌🏼
Follow Me on Instagram
Booking.com

Search This Site

Copyright © 2025 · Not Without My Passport