Vancouver Aquarium

As Canada's largest aquarium and Stanley Park's biggest draw, the Vancouver Aquarium (vanaqua.org; entry $39) is an obvious choice for connecting with coastal aquatic life. More than 65,000 animals can be found here, and while it's a great place to get up-close with ocean life, the site is also a center for marine research, ocean literacy and climate activism. The fluffy sea otters have unofficial celebrity status in the city, and the sea lions (one weighing in at 1900lb) are a show-stopping sight. Other highlights include the 4D Experience, a multi-sensory film that allows you to see, smell and feel the special effects; the Wet Lab, an educational space where kids learn about live invertebrates; and Clownfish Cove, an interactive play space.