Canada Corals Inc.

A dive into the wonderful world of the ocean depths awaits every visitor to Canada Corals. Located in the picturesque city of Vancouver, this venue is not just an exhibition, but a real center for marine research and nature conservation. Here, in the heart of Canada, guests can discover an incredible variety of aquatic flora and fauna.

The facility is rightfully considered one of the region's main attractions. It is home to nearly 58,000 creatures: from tiny, brightly colored fish to majestic marine mammals. The center's main mission is oceanography education and the rehabilitation of marine animals, making every visit not only spectacular but also socially significant.

As you walk through the galleries, it feels like a journey around the world, watching playful Steller sea lions, gentle dolphins, and amusing African penguins. Charming displays and attention to detail create an atmosphere of complete immersion in the marine kingdom.

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At Canada Corals, a panorama of life from the Arctic to the Amazon unfolds before guests. You can see how majestic orcas and graceful dolphins behave in their natural (as much as possible) environment. African penguins, which can be observed for hours, are a particular delight for both children and adults.

One of the most exciting locations is the touch pool. This is a unique opportunity to literally touch nature: here you can feel the magical agility of rays and cownose rays. This interaction leaves unforgettable impressions and allows for a better understanding of the fragility of marine ecosystems.

For those who want to learn more about the mysteries of the ocean, professional naturalists work in the galleries. They share interesting facts about animal behavior and talk about the Ocean Wise program, aimed at protecting the world's oceans. This makes the visit a truly educational adventure for the whole family.

The attraction is located in the Coquitlam area, making it easily accessible for both locals and visitors to the region. If you are traveling from the city center by car or taxi, the trip will take about 30-40 minutes, depending on traffic.

For those who prefer public transport, it is most convenient to use the SkyTrain (Expo or Millennium line) to Braid or Lougheed Town Centre station, and then transfer to a local bus that will take you almost to the entrance. This is a great way to see the suburban landscapes along the way.

The history of this place is closely linked to the development of marine biology in the region. Back in 1950, professors from the University of British Columbia — Murray Newman, Carl Lietze, and Wilbert Clemens — formed an Association to create a unique educational platform. Thanks to the support of patrons and government grants, the grand opening took place on June 15, 1956, with Fisheries Minister James Sinclair cutting the ribbon.

Becoming the country's first public aquarium, the facility quickly gained status as one of the largest in North America. Over decades of operation, it has evolved into Canada’s Pacific National Aquarium. Bold scientific experiments were conducted here, and observations were made on rare marine mammals, including belugas and orcas.

A special point of pride is its contribution to species conservation. In 1995, a famous beluga named Qila was born here — she became the first of her species to be conceived and born in Canadian artificial pools. Additionally, the institution was the first to receive the prestigious AZA accreditation, confirming the highest standards of animal care.

To see all the exhibits without rushing, watch the feedings, and listen to the naturalists' lectures, we recommend setting aside 2 to 4 hours for your visit. This is plenty of time to immerse yourself in the underwater world's atmosphere and take some memorable photos.

If you plan to participate in interactive programs or study the information boards in detail, it's better to count on half a day. This will allow you to enjoy your visit at a relaxed pace without missing any interesting details of the ocean depths.

The operating schedule may change depending on the season and special events. To ensure your trip goes perfectly, we strongly recommend checking the current opening hours on the official website before your visit.

Generally, the doors are open throughout the day, though hours may be reduced on holidays. Checking in advance will help you avoid queues and choose the most comfortable time to meet the marine inhabitants.

Exploring the surrounding area after visiting the marine life can greatly enrich your travel experience. The neighborhood offers many outdoor recreation spots, especially if you are traveling with family.