Right next to the CN Tower in downtown Toronto, Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is a massive, world-class indoor aquarium. It holds over 5.7 million liters (1.5 million gallons) of water and is home to more than 20,000 marine animals representing 450 unique species. It’s completely immersive, designed to make you feel like you are walking across the ocean floor, beginning with the freshwater ecosystems of Canada's own backyard and moving into the depths of the world's oceans. What You Can Do ThereThe aquarium is highly interactive and packed with distinct zones that take you from shallow reefs to the dark abyss:1. Ride the Moving Sidewalk Through a Shark TankThe crown jewel of the aquarium is the Dangerous Lagoon. You step onto North America's longest underwater viewing moving sidewalk, gliding through a continuous glass tunnel. Massive sand tiger sharks, green sea turtles, sawfish, and giant moray eels swim right over your head and alongside you. 2. Stand Beneath Hypnotic JellyfishIn Planet Jellies, you walk into a surreal, backlit gallery featuring one of the largest kreisel tanks (special circular tanks with gentle currents) in the world. Five different species of jellyfish drift through the water, beautifully illuminated by color-changing LED displays that cycle through a rainbow of neon hues. 3. Hand-Touch Marine LifeThe aquarium features multiple hands-on areas where you can safely interact with the animals under the supervision of staff: Ray Bay & Shoreline: Reach your hand into shallow pools to feel the smooth, velvety backs of southern stingrays and cownose rays as they glide past. Discovery Centre: Touch living fossils like horseshoe crabs, or duck inside underwater viewing bubbles that pop up right in the middle of a fish tank. 4. Catch Live Dive Shows and Expert Talks. Throughout the day, marine educators and divers host live events across different galleries. You can watch divers swim right into the tanks to hand-feed the stingrays in Ray Bay, or watch the colorful tropical fish get fed at the Rainbow Reef.
Tip
Shop
St. Lawrence Market
Toronto, Canada
Caleigh
Shop jewelry, try local foods, and grab some gifts or pastries!
QuickTip
Art & Culture
Art Gallery of Ontario
Toronto, Canada
Caleigh
1. Explore World-Class Art Collections
The museum boasts an incredible variety of permanent galleries: Canadian and Indigenous Art: The AGO holds an unmatched collection of Canadian art, including an extensive collection of works by the Group of Seven, alongside powerful historic and contemporary Inuit, First Nations, and Métis art. European Masterpieces: Walk through galleries filled with Western art from the Renaissance to the mid-20th century, featuring works by Rembrandt, Picasso, Monet, and Degas.Contemporary Art: Discover thought-provoking modern and contemporary installations from global and local artists across large, airy exhibit spaces.The Thomson Collection: A massive personal donation that includes everything from stunning European decorative arts and medieval ivories to an exquisite gallery of historic ship models.
2. Take in the Architecture & Views Walk the Galleria Italia: This long, sun-drenched hallway made of curved Douglas fir and glass looks out over the city. It is the perfect spot to sit, reflect, and people-watch.
Climb the Spiral Stairs: Don't just take the elevator. Walking up Gehry’s dramatic wooden vortex stairs offers unique angles of the museum's interior architecture.
3. Eat, Drink, and Shop AGO Bistro: Enjoy a meal at the gallery's stylish restaurant, which serves a seasonally inspired menu often themed around current major exhibitions.
The Shop AGO: This isn't just a basic gift shop; it is a highly curated design store featuring beautiful art books, prints, jewelry, and unique home decor made by local Canadian artisans.
4. Attend Events and Special Programming AGO Friday Nights: The museum stays open late on Fridays, often hosting live music, pop-up bars, maker stations, and artist talks.
Major Touring Exhibits: The AGO regularly hosts high-profile, ticketed international exhibitions—bringing works from iconic artists like Yayoi Kusama, Andy Warhol, or Guillermo del Toro to Toronto.
Tip
Eat & Drink
Dukes Refresher
Toronto, Canada
Caleigh
Grab a drink and some food and walk around to play ping pong, basketball, retro arcade games and pool!
Art & Culture