Vancouver History: The Vancouver Aquarium

Whether it was a class field trip or a date to remember, the Vancouver Aquarium is a staple in many core memories for Lower Mainland residents and tourists alike. 

The aquarium has been a central attraction to most travel sites for years, and for good reason. Not only does the Vancouver Aquarium have various creatures to ogle, ooh, and ahh over, but it is also home to the Marine Mammal Rescue Society. This organization rescues distressed marine animals and rehabilitates and releases them into their ocean home. 

Here is a history lesson on one of the most iconic attractions in West Coast Canada. 

City of Vancouver Archives, CVA

Humble Beginnings

The Vancouver Aquarium, originally known as the Vancouver Public Aquarium Association, was established in 1951. It was the first public aquarium in Canada. 

Since its beginning, the Vancouver aquarium has prided itself on its “highest standard of animal care” and a “guest experience.” The aquarium has received accolades, including being the first of its kind by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums. 

Whale of a Tale

Through the years, the Vancouver Aquarium has been home to various creatures. For years it was known for their Orca whale exhibit, a whale nicknamed ‘Moby Doll’ who was captured in 1964 to study how orcas could survive under human care - it was the first one in the world for this to occur. However, with considerable debates and arguments for why killer whales should not be held in captivity, in 1996, the Vancouver Aquarium was the first to pledge they would never capture wild dolphins or whales, instead they could be rehabilitated and released later. 

From Sea to Sea

The Vancouver Aquarium also hosts the Ocean Wise initiative, which has dedicated its research to cetaceans, including species like porpoises, dolphins, and whales. Ocean Wise's mission is to address issues concerning our seas, such as climate change, pollution, and overfishing. 

A New Beginning

In 2020, there were concerns that the beloved attraction would close its doors for good due to a lack of visitors, due to the pandemic. Luckily, in 2021, Herschend Enterprises, an American privately owned tourism company, bought the aquarium and kept it open to continue research at the facility.  Who's your favourite critter to visit at the Vancouver Aquarium?