Overview     Virtual Tour

Magnificent killer whales, curious belugas and colorful rainbows of tropical fish are just some of the nearly 40,000 animals you’ll encounter at this extraordinary nature center. More than an aquarium, you’ll find a variety of pavilions, each temperature controlled and specific to an area of exploration from the Tropical Pacific to the icy Arctic. In the steamy Amazon Gallery, track through the jungle with its exotic birds and plants - and be warned - tropical thunderstorms seem to break out frequently.

The whale pool is a must, especially as viewed from the floor to ceiling underwater windows where you’ll enjoy a rare close-up view of these enormous but gentle creatures. Tune in to OCRA-FM, the world’s first all-whale radio station that broadcasts live sounds of BC’s wild killer whales.  Then there’s the new Pacific Canada Pavilion brings you marshlands and a moss-filled, mist filled rainforest. It’s almost as real as the real thing. 

As a science center, research and education are key components to the work here. Many of the otters and seals you’ll see are being rehabilitated back to the wild and many of the activities are very kid-friendly - touchy-feeling tide pools, scary insects, watching sharks feed and feeding the fish themselves. And how about trying your hand at gyotaku (Japanese fish painting)? Kids species of al ages love it.