Marine Life

Imagine a breathtaking underwater world hidden right beneath the vaults of one of the world's largest shopping centers. Sea Life Caverns in the city of Edmonton is a unique underground aquarium that invites guests on a journey through the depths of the ocean. Located in the heart of Canada, this place has become home to many incredible creatures.

The Marine Life complex consists of two main zones: the mysterious Sea Life Caverns and the outdoor Sea Lions’ Rock. It is home to more than 100 species of animals, including graceful sharks, sea turtles, playful penguins, and exotic reptiles. The high quality of care provided to the inhabitants is confirmed by accreditation from leading national zoo and aquarium associations.

This is an ideal location for a family vacation, where you can not only admire the beauty of coral reefs but also learn a lot about marine ecosystems. Interactive exhibits and close encounters with animals make Sea Life Caverns one of the most memorable spots on the city's tourist map.

For your convenience, we have gathered up-to-date contact information to help you better prepare for your visit. If you have questions about current exhibitions, tickets, or special programs, you can contact the administration directly or visit their official website.

At Sea Life Caverns, everyone will find something to enjoy. One of the main highlights is the touch pools, where, under the supervision of experienced guides, you can gently touch starfish, rays, and anemones. For those who enjoy watching feedings, live presentations are held: divers plunge in with sharks and sea turtles, creating a thrilling spectacle.

For those who want to learn more about polar inhabitants, the Penguin Meet & Greet program is available. Here you can take a look behind the scenes of African penguins' lives, learn about their habits, and even take home a unique souvenir painting created by the birds' footprints. At Sea Lions’ Rock, California sea lion shows take place daily, where the animals demonstrate their intelligence and perform impressive tricks.

Educational programs like "Trainer for a Day" and behind-the-scenes tours of the aquarium are also available. This is not only an entertaining but also a deeply educational adventure that leaves lasting impressions on both children and adults.

Sea Life Caverns is located at 8882 170 St NW, inside the famous West Edmonton Mall (Level 1, Phase IV). Getting here by car is easy — the complex features vast parking lots surrounding the building. If you prefer public transport, use the ETS (Edmonton Transit Service) buses, which run regularly from the city center to the mall terminal.

For those traveling from Edmonton International Airport (YEG), the best options are a taxi, Uber, or a special shuttle — the trip will take 30 to 40 minutes. Once inside the mall, simply follow the signs toward Phase IV. Please note that some areas of the caverns have stairs and may be difficult to access for visitors with strollers.

The history of this amazing place began in 1981, when the West Edmonton Mall first opened its doors. Since its inception, the Sea Life Caverns has been one of the complex's key attractions, drawing the attention of both locals and tourists from around the world with its unique underground location.

Over the years, the exhibition has constantly expanded and improved. From a small demonstration hall, the project has evolved into a full-fledged accredited aquarium that now houses rare and exotic animal species. Special attention has always been paid here not only to entertainment but also to guest education.

Currently, the Sea Life Caverns is considered one of the most recognizable aquariums in the country. It continues to develop marine conservation programs and regularly updates its shows, maintaining its status as a must-visit destination in Edmonton.

Visitors typically spend 1 to 2 hours exploring all the exhibits at the Sea Life Caverns. This is usually enough time to leisurely observe the aquarium's inhabitants and the underwater world. If you plan to attend a sea lion show or participate in interactive programs, you should budget about 3 hours for your visit.

Since the attraction is compact and conveniently located inside the shopping mall, a visit can easily be combined with shopping or dining. We recommend arriving by the start of the show programs to get the most out of your visit.

The operating hours of Sea Life Caverns depend directly on the West Edmonton Mall's schedule, so they may change on holidays. Sea lion shows and interactive presentations take place regularly throughout the day; however, their times are fixed and may vary from day to day.

Since the exact schedule may be updated, we strongly recommend checking the official website before planning your visit. This will help you find out the start times of performances in advance and book a spot for special programs, such as penguin encounters.

Exploring the surroundings of the Sea Life Caverns can significantly enrich your trip, as they are located in the heart of North America's largest entertainment hub. After observing the marine life, you can instantly change the scenery and head out in search of adrenaline or a peaceful family retreat.

Below are some interesting sites located near the Sea Life Caverns: