Tips for Visiting Ripley's Aquarium

This past Canada Day long weekend, my foodie partner-in-crime and I ventured to the big city of Toronto for a night to explore the sights and its many festivities. As we are both kids at heart, Ripley's Aquarium next to our hotel was at the top of the list. We wanted to be as strategic as possible for our visit and to be honest, avoid tourists and groups of children - so as always I did some research for the following tips for the best underwater experience.

Buy your tickets online ahead of time. Trust me on this one - you'll thank me later because who seriously likes to wait in line. At Ripley's, you have the option of picking you date and entry time, so it is quite flexible and allows for a smooth entrance without dealing with the stress of busy periods.

Seriously - this is probably the best tip you'll get. An evening tour at Ripley's = no wait, no children (for the most part) and almost no crowds (unless a holiday). During our visit, the aquarium closed at 11pm but with a last admissions around 9pm. This is the perfect chance to enjoy the sights of the different species in an almost serene ambiance. Take your time and enjoy the tranquil surroundings of sharks, jelly fish, sting rays and special hidden gems.

This is a no brainer. Though remember that the aquarium tends to be a tad dark and flash photography is not permitted, so test shots are key. This is your chance to get creative and play with different angles, lighting and silhouettes! The options are endless and come with a fully charged camera and lots of space on a memory card.

I would recommend at least 2 ½ hours to fully explore Ripley's. Don't be shy - let your inner childhood shine through. This is youe opportunity to interact with displays and snap photos every few seconds but also anxiously wait for your favourite sea creature to swim by.