Colleen Sutherland
Google
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Magical Underwater Experience in the Heart of Toronto
We visited Ripley’s Aquarium during a weekend stay in downtown Toronto with our 8-year-old, and it was truly a highlight of our trip. We purchased tickets online in advance, which I highly recommend — the aquarium is very busy, especially on weekends, and having a timed ticket made our entry seamless.
The exhibits are spectacular — from stingrays, sea turtles, and jellyfish to sharks and even axolotls, it’s a beautifully curated journey through aquatic life. There’s even a small section with reptiles and amphibians, adding extra variety. Our son was completely captivated.
We went on a Saturday afternoon, which was understandably crowded, so if you're looking for a quieter visit, I’d suggest going first thing in the morning or later in the day. Despite the crowds, everything was well organized, and the flow of the experience kept us moving comfortably.
Plan to spend about 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on how much time you like to spend at each exhibit. We loved the tunnel where sharks swim overhead — it was breathtaking — and the glowing jellyfish displays were unforgettable.
There’s a small café halfway through, which is handy for a snack or quick break. One note: if you're prone to motion sensitivity or sensory overwhelm, some areas may feel a bit stimulating, especially when it's packed with people. But overall, it’s a must-visit for families or anyone who loves marine life.
Highly recommend it — we really enjoyed our visit.