Vancouver Aquarium

Lonely Planet review

Stanley Park's biggest draw, the aquarium is home to 9000 water-loving creatures - including sharks, dolphins, Amazonian caimans and a somewhat shy octopus. There's also a small, walk-through rainforest area full of birds, butterflies and turtles. Check out the iridescent jellyfish tank and the two sea otters that eat the way everyone should: lying on their backs using their chests as plates.

If you feel like treating your offspring, consider a behind-the-scenes tour (from around C$25 ), where you'll learn how to be a trainer. The aquarium has repositioned itself as a conservation center in recent years (see the boxed text, ) and plans are afoot to expand its facilities before 2010.