So its certainly been a while since I was last at the Vancouver Aquarium (possibly 6+ years). My girlfriend, also has never been so I decided that it was time to go. I read up on a few other posts on the board, and I also agree the $16 is nothing for the experience of going to the aquarium. I find I would probably go back a few more times, and if I do decide to, I would rather just buy the yearly pass for $40.
The place has changed quite a bit since I last remember. Its a bummer not to see the Orca's there anymore, however, I do believe that mammals that size should be in the ocean, or a tank, MUCH larger than the one they have (I remember at a time they had 3 inside the large tank).
The cold water tanks were a nice touch, as it lets you know whats right around the corner from where we live. I spent more time in the tropical area, specially with the salt water tanks. In the past it would of been something I would of just walked by, but now knowing whats actually in there, makes it more rewarding.
I was disappointed not to see too much SPS, for some reason I thought they would of had a huge setup, but the mountains of mushrooms was interesting to see. The only think that I found odd was I couldn't find a single clownfish in all their setups, except for the 2 in the small tank, in the kids area. I would of thought with all the "finding nemo" hype they would of had a few more in the bigger fish only tank.
In all, I had a blast, saw some of my old friends (whitefin, and the 2 sloth's). The belugas tried to splash me, but I ran
I took a bunch of pictures, so here they are:
(click on pics to see bigger version)
Cold Water Tank - Full of Anemones
Jellyfish - (Hard to capture)
Frog - Very cool frog exhibit. No matter how many scary faces I made, he didn't flinch.
Big Fish Only Tank (with fake corals. Some looked real, some didn't.)
Reef Tank with Corals
Big Clam
And a few others:
Sea Otter
More pictures here