Quebec: Aquarium du Quebec Entry Ticket offers a fantastic chance to see over 10,000 marine animals in a well-designed, engaging setting. For $19, you’ll spend a day wandering through both indoor and outdoor habitats just outside the historic Quebec City. Whether you’re traveling with kids or just want to marvel at the diverse marine life, this Aquarium delivers plenty of interesting sights with a good dose of educational value.
We particularly enjoyed the outdoor viewing areas where seals and polar bears are visible from land and underwater glass tunnels — a rare treat that adds a layer of authenticity to the experience. The “Awesome Ocean” exhibit, where you walk through an underwater tunnel in a massive seawater tank, is a highlight that truly immerses you in the marine environment. That said, a potential consideration is that ongoing construction might limit access or cause some noise, but from reviews, it sounds like the staff do their best to keep things enjoyable. This experience is ideal for families, marine life enthusiasts, or anyone curious about Canada’s northern wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.
Key Points
- Affordable & Accessible: For only $19, you gain access to both indoor and outdoor exhibits, with plenty of daily talks and animal encounters.
- Diverse Marine Life: Home to over 10,000 marine animals, including fish, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and marine mammals.
- Unique Outdoor Habitats: See seals, polar bears, and arctic foxes up close in naturalistic outdoor settings.
- Engaging Exhibits: The underwater tunnel and invertebrate displays bring marine environments to life.
- Family-Friendly: The site and schedule are well-suited for children and adults alike, with interactive talks and animal feeds.
- Convenient Location & Facilities: Free onsite parking, WiFi, and a shuttle service on weekends and holidays make access easier.
If you’re in Quebec City and looking for a fun, educational, and visually stunning outing, Aquarium du Quebec is where you want to go. This attraction combines outdoor marine habitats with indoor displays, offering a well-rounded view of marine life that appeals to all ages. The ticket at $19 per person is quite reasonable considering what you get — a full day of exploration, animal encounters, and spectacular views.
You can check availability for your dates here:What Makes the Aquarium Special?
What sets this aquarium apart is its integration of outdoor and indoor experiences. You can walk through a massive seawater tank in the “Awesome Ocean” exhibit, where a diver is visible from both above and below, giving you a sense of being right in the middle of the marine action. The outdoor habitats, with seals and polar bears, provide a rare chance to see northern marine mammals in a setting that feels natural and accessible. From the reviews, many visitors mention the seal feeding shows and animal talks, which add an educational element that makes the visit memorable.
On top of that, the exhibit of Canada’s marine invertebrates like jellyfish and seahorses offers a delicate, almost magical glimpse into the tiny creatures that make up our oceans. The outdoor trail with views of the St. Lawrence River is a bonus for those who want a scenic stroll along with their marine adventure.
One consideration is that there is some ongoing construction, especially around the entry, which might impact your arrival or parking. However, the new shuttle service on weekends and holidays helps mitigate this, making access easier for visitors without a car.
Who Should Visit?
This aquarium is particularly suited for families with kids, given the interactive exhibits and animal talks. It’s also perfect for marine life lovers who want to see polar bears and arctic foxes up close, offering a glimpse into Canada’s northern wildlife. If you’re short on time, many visitors find that 2 to 3 hours is enough to see most of the highlights, making it a great morning or afternoon outing.
A Closer Look at the Visit
Outdoor Habitats and Animal Encounters
As you step outside, your eyes will be drawn to the polar bears and seals. Reviews highlight how special it is to watch seals being fed or trained, providing insight into their behaviors and rehabilitation. The outdoor enclosures are designed to mimic their natural environment, and visitors appreciate the opportunity to view these animals from both land and underwater glass viewing areas.
Many reviewers, like Hilary, mention that “stingrays, seals, and polar bears” are their favorites, with some noting that they visited early in the day to avoid crowds. The outdoor trails also offer magnificent views of the St. Lawrence River, perfect for a quick photo or a peaceful moment.
More Great Tours NearbyIndoor Marine Life and Exhibits
Inside, the “Awesome Ocean” exhibit is a highlight. Walking through the tunnel, you’ll see colorful fish, sharks, and rays swimming all around you. Many visitors, including Aleksandra, remark on the jellyfish and seahorses as particularly mesmerizing, with some calling the touch tanks a “must-do” activity.
The Canadian invertebrates exhibit offers close-up views of fascinating creatures like jellyfish and seahorses, often described as beautiful and delicate. The aquarium staff conduct daily animal talks, which many reviews praise as a way to deepen understanding and appreciation of marine life.
Practical Details
Your ticket grants full access to both indoor and outdoor areas, including the scheduled talks and animal meetings. WiFi is available onsite, making it easy to share pictures or look up additional information during your visit. Parking is free, although limited during busy times, but the free shuttle on weekends and holidays makes your arrival smooth.
Note the timing recommendations: arriving before 2:30 PM ensures you can enter before the 4 PM closure, and arriving by 3:30 PM allows for a full experience before the 5 PM closing.
Why the Price is a Good Deal
At just $19, this ticket offers great value — especially considering the variety of experiences included, from outdoor animal encounters to immersive indoor exhibits. Visitors consistently mention that they feel they’ve received a lot of entertainment and education for the price. The option to donate to the Conservation Fund at checkout is also a nice touch, supporting marine preservation efforts.
This attraction shines for families seeking a fun, interactive day with marine mammals and aquatic exhibits. It’s also a solid choice for wildlife enthusiasts eager to see polar bears and arctic foxes without leaving Quebec. If you enjoy scenic views and don’t mind a bit of ongoing construction, you’ll find this a worthwhile stop.
The affordability, combined with accessible facilities and varied exhibits, makes it a great value for a half-day or full-day outing. Whether you’re traveling with children or are simply curious about the marine world, this Aquarium offers a balanced, engaging experience that blends education with entertainment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the ticket valid for just one day?
Yes, your ticket is valid for one day, so you can visit at your leisure within that timeframe.
Does the Aquarium offer guided tours?
While guided tours aren’t explicitly mentioned, daily animal talks are included, which can provide a guided-like educational experience.
Is parking free?
Yes, onsite parking is free, but during busy times, parking may be limited. The shuttle service on weekends and public holidays helps alleviate parking concerns.
Can I see polar bears outside?
Yes, polar bears are housed in outdoor habitats where you can view them from land and underwater glass areas.
Are there options for dining or snacks?
Food and drinks are not included in the ticket price, and details about onsite dining are not provided. You might want to bring your own snacks or plan to visit nearby restaurants.
How long does a typical visit last?
Most visitors spend 2-3 hours exploring, which is enough to see the major exhibits and attend animal talks.
Is the site accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the Aquarium is wheelchair accessible, making it suitable for visitors with mobility concerns.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and a camera are recommended. Remember your ID or passport for entry.
To sum it up, Quebec’s Aquarium du Quebec offers a delightful and affordable way to discover marine life and northern wildlife in a setting that balances education and fun. Its outdoor habitats and indoor exhibits are thoughtfully designed, providing great photo opportunities and engaging encounters. While some construction might be ongoing, the overall experience remains a fantastic choice for families, wildlife lovers, and curious travelers alike. If you’re in Quebec City and want a day filled with marine wonders and scenic views, this aquarium is definitely worth the visit.
You can check availability for your dates here: