I’m going to be totally honest: this time of year, I just don’t feel like going outside. A couple of months ago, a snowy hike or outdoor lights trail felt charming and magical. But now we’re in that weird in-between phase: everyone’s mentally done with winter, but there’s still at least a month to go before spring rears its head. Nevertheless, I still want to go out and do fun things – I just don’t want to bundle up for them.
The good news? There are tons of fun indoor activities to explore throughout Toronto and the GTA – no parka required. And one of my favourites is Ripley’s Aquarium! Since opening in 2013, Ripley’s has become one of Toronto’s most popular attractions for locals and tourists alike, and it’s easy to see why. With 5.7 million litres of aquariums and over 20,000 sea creatures from more than 450 different species, this immersive underwater experience has something for everyone.
Ripley’s has two levels and spans 135,000 square feet, so there’s a lot to see: you’ll want to leave yourself at least two hours to explore. One of my favourite exhibits is the Rainbow Reef, which features stunning corals and vibrant tropical fish from the Pacific Ocean.
There are so many beautiful sea creatures, from jellyfish to seahorses to clownfish.
I found Nemo – and all his friends!
These “pop-up habitats” give visitors a truly immersive underwater experience.
There are so many adorable fish… here are some of my favourites. I love the ones that look like they’re smiling!
Less smile-y, but very relatable… these guys both have a case of the Mondays.
The highlight of Ripley’s is definitely the Dangerous Lagoon: a 315-foot-long underwater tunnel where you can stroll alongside fish, stingrays, sharks and more. (Fun fact: it’s the longest underwater viewing tunnel in North America!)
Every week is Shark Week at Ripley’s! Being so close to these magnificent creatures was truly incredible.
Ripley’s isn’t all under the sea: the Dragons exhibit features various reptiles from lizards to iguanas, snakes to alligators.
The aquarium has tons of interactive, educational exhibits for kids (adults will learn a lot too!)
In the Shoreline Gallery, you can watch the stingrays being fed.
This one was very friendly – he even waved as he swam by.
Admission to Ripley’s Aquarium costs $46 for adults, $30 for youth (ages 6-13), $13.50 for children (3-5), and $30 for seniors (over 65.) If you visit after 5pm, buy their “Sharks After Dark” ticket to save $5 on admission. Tickets can be booked online and the aquarium is open daily from 9am to 9pm – but be sure to check before you go, as they sometimes close early for private events. Ripley’s also hosts various public events throughout the year, from their monthly Friday jazz nights to their “dive-in” movie nights. Keep an eye on their website or sign up for their newsletter to stay up-to-date on future events.
For a closer look at the Ripley’s experience, check out my Instagram reel here. They tend to get busy on weekends and during the summer when kids are out of school, but I find that as long as you go early, you’ll be okay. We went on a Sunday as soon as they opened and it wasn’t too crowded.
What are your favourite indoor activities getting you through this winter?
Leave a Reply