Beluga Visit | Photo: BC Ferries Vacations
A visit to Vancouver isn’t complete without a trip to the world-famous Vancouver Aquarium, and while the destination has undergone many changes since its opening in 1956, the most popular photo spots seem to have remained the same.
The first public aquarium to open in Canada, and the largest aquarium in the country, Vancouver’s marine park has been expanded and enhanced over its 60 years in business. In 2014, Vancouver’s favourite tourist destination received a significant facelift, with an epic expansion that transformed the space into a next-level marine experience. With the latest updates, and the celebratory 60th anniversary memories sprinkled throughout the property, there are more reasons than ever to snap and share your favourite photos. Here are 7 photo spots that every Vancouver Aquarium visitor seems to love sharing on Instagram.
Orca Fountain | Photo: Vancouver Aquarium
1) The Orca Fountain
Designed and erected by renowned Haida artist Bill Reid in 1984, the bronze “Chief of the Undersea World” sculpture has become a recognizable symbol of Vancouver’s aquarium. Be sure to snap a selfie or a group shot in front of the famous structure before you head through the entrance.
Sea Otter | Photo: Mark Filteau Flickr
2) The Sea Otters
Wave hello and prepare to swoon over the aquarium’s resident sea otters, Elfin and Tanu. These rescued sea mammals are not only cute and fluffy, they’re mesmerizing as they float on their backs, play with water toys, and fluff their fur for all to see.
Penguins | Photo: Bianca Bujan
3) The Perky Penguins
A newer addition to the Vancouver Aquarium, the African penguins at Penguin Point are worth the waddle to the back of the centre. Since 2012, these black and white frisky friends have entertained guests as they swim and sway. With their pool encased in a glass wall, you can snap photos of them on land or under water.
Dolphins | Photo: Bianca Bujan
4) The Underwater Dolphin
Stroll through the underwater viewing area and watch as the dolphins dive, spin and grin through the large viewing windows before your eyes. Have your cameras ready and you may just catch them mid-smile, before swooshing off to their next destination.
Dolphins | Photo: Bianca Bujan
5) The Dolphin Dive
After you capture your underwater shot, you’ll want to head upstairs for an above-water Dolphin Trainer Talk. Not only will you learn more about the marine mammals, you’ll get to watch as they spin, splash, and leap playfully into the air, showing off for viewers. Everyone tries for that perfect in-air shot, and you can too.
Jellyfish | Photo: Bianca Bujan
6) The Picture-Perfect Jellyfish
Possibly the most popular aquarium shot on Instagram, these colourful jellies seem to dazzle against the bright blue water in which they swim. Snap a shot of your shadow as you gaze at the hypnotic creatures, or catch a still shot as they float past your eyes.
Beluga | Photo: Stephen Solomons Flickr
7) The Belugas
Visitors who are familiar with the song Baby Beluga can’t help but hum the tune as they watch the belugas blubber past the glass viewing windows. Since the 90’s, the resident Belugas – mother-daughter duo Aurora and Qila – have educated and entertained onlookers, and have become the most popular exhibit for visitors who have likely never seen a beluga in the wild.
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