Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is an unforgettable learning destination for children, youth, and adults. Our mission is to provide a top-quality, world-class aquatic life facility that will foster environmental education, conservation, and research, while simultaneously providing entertainment for visitors of all ages.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada is the first and only aquatic facility of its kind in Ontario. As such, we intend to provide students and guests of all ages with a wide selection of quality environmental education programs that will enhance their visit experience.
Our suite of school programs offers a range of interactive and exciting options that are designed to meet Ontario Ministry of Education curriculum standards and provide participants with a deeper understanding of the aquatic world and the importance of environmental protection and conservation. Thank you for choosing Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada as a destination for your students.
Are you a low-income school?
Apply for our Ripley’s Sea Scholars class sponsorship program!
Are you a family homeschool group?
Join us for Family Homeschool Days!
Plan
REQUEST YOUR DATE
The Aquarium has limited capacity, particularly for our school workshops. Please have second and third date choices selected as schools are scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis.
CHOOSE YOUR FIELD TRIP OPTION
A self-guided visit gives you access to the Aquarium for the day, including dive shows, touch tanks, and the Discovery Centre.
In addition to a self-guided visit, the Aquarium also offers curriculum-connected programs taught in classrooms as well as throughout the Aquarium. See our classroom workshop descriptions below.
Classroom Workshops are linked to Ontario’s Ministry of Education curriculum and include one or more hands-on activities or experiments and a component of conservation and environmental awareness. Please see the Field Trip Planner for more information on each workshop.
Pacific Kelp Talk Programs take place on the floor of the Aquarium at a specified tank. An Educator will facilitate a discussion about the tank and the animals that inhabit it, coach students in a guided observation, and lead a short educational game or activity. Tank Talk Programs are 25–30 minutes in duration.
Behind-the-Scenes Tours teach students about the complex systems that keep Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada running smoothly day to day. Join an educator for a personalized Behind-the-Scenes Tour of our husbandry areas and get a closer look at the intricate systems that filter over 132 million litres of water a day. You’ll learn about what goes into animal care and gallery maintenance in a world class Aquarium facility.
Due to space constraints, students may only participate in one program per visit (i.e., one Classroom Workshop OR one Gallery Program per student).
Plan your arrival and departure
Your program times will be scheduled based on the arrival and departure times you indicate.
Pricing
| Option | Self-Guided | Add Classroom Workshop | Add Pacific Kelp Talk Program | Add Behind-the-Scenes Tour |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Whole Aquarium | Aquarium Classroom | Pacific Kelp Exhibit | Life Support, Husbandry Areas |
| Length | Suggested time: Two hours | 45–50 minutes | 25–30 minutes | 25–30 minutes |
| Maximum Students per Session | 250 | 30 | 35 | 15 |
| Style | Self-Exploration | Presentation, Hands-on Activities | Presentation, Artifacts | Guided Tour |
| Price per student | $10 +HST | Add $125 +HST per Workshop | Add $75 +HST per Talk | Add $9.00 +HST |
Organizing Adult Supervisors
The Aquarium requires the following ratio of adult supervisors to students:
- JK to Grade 3 (Primary) 1:4
- Grade 4–6 (Junior) 1:6
- Grade 7–9 (Intermediate) 1:8
- Grade 10–12 (Senior) 1:15
Supervisors are required to actively engage with their students at all times and are solely responsible for managing student behavior. Adults within the above noted ratios are free of charge, additional adults are $30 plus tax (discounted admission only when added to your school reservation).
Admission fees are waived for a support person accompanying a student with a disability.
*Prices are subject to 13% HST. Programs, prices and policies are subject to change without notice. School Group rates are already discounted, no additional coupons, passes or membership discounts apply. Adults within the above noted ratios are free of charge, additional adults $30.00 + HST (discounted admission only when added to your school reservation). Due to space constraints, students may only participate in one program per visit (i.e. one Classroom Workshop OR Tank Talk OR Behind the Scenes Tour per student). Minimum group size to qualify to School Group rates: 10 students (exceptions for special needs students).
Online Booking
Requesting Your Visit
Complete the online request form below.
Have questions? Email education@ripleysaquariumofcanada.com or call (647) 351-3474 Ext 2648.
Confirming Your Visit
Please note that reservations are based on a first-come, first-served basis. Submitting the form does not guarantee a reservation. We will follow up soon to confirm dates based in availability.
If you haven’t heard from the Aquarium within one (1) week of sending in your request, please contact our Education Department at (647) 351-3474 Ext 2648 or email education@ripleysaquariumofcanada.com. Please check your email junk folders for correspondence from the Aquarium.
Payment
Full payment of the amount shown on your confirmation is due upon arrival on the day of your visit. Price adjustments will be made up to two business days in advance of your trip. We accept Visa, Mastercard, and school cheques payable to Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. From TDSB Schools only we can accept Purchase Orders (PO number must be received in advance of your visit). We cannot invoice schools.
No refunds for over payment will be made. No additional coupons, passes, or Annual Pass discounts apply. Date modifications are subject to availability.
Cancellation Policy
If your trip must be cancelled due to bad weather, we will try to reschedule your trip, subject to available dates.
