"Aquarium du Québec" Parc Aquarium du Quebec Tip by tayloretc

The aquarium makes for a nice afternoon, especially with kids. It packs a lot of exhibits into a fairly small space, with a lot of creatures native to the cold water and weather of Canada, including local fish, walruses, a pair of polar bears, and local and arctic seals. The walruses, bears, and seals are in outside enclosures, with glass walls to allow underwater watching in places; and for a while in winter, at night the outside spaces are decorated with lights, outside games, and an ice bar for the grownups.

Inside, the highlight is a 5-story, 350,000 litre tank with a tunnel at the bottom; the rest is full of tanks from all kinds of water environments, and an extensive touch pool. Renovations in 2006 increased exhibit space, and a new building, slated to open in fall, 2011, will house tropical fish, jellyfish, seahorses, and a ray petting pool, so it's still getting bigger.

The snack bar is about what you'd expect, as is the gift shop. I didn't try the restaurant, but it looked like there was a nice view of the river and the bridge. If you have the time, the aquarium also offers activities like “Animal Keeper for a Day,” and sleepovers.

Address: 1675 avenue des Hôtels
Phone: 418-659-5264
Website: http://www.sepaq.com/paq/en/