As you read this post, please be mindful and respectful. I understand that not everyone feels comfortable going out to public places during a pandemic. In some areas around the world, this is not even an option currently. I’m sharing our recent experience living in BC where we are in Stage 3 and we have the opportunity to do something like this during the summer. Thank you to the Vancouver Aquarium for having us.
WHAT IS DIFFERENT ABOUT GOING TO THE AQUARIUM
The Vancouver Aquarium is running at 20-30% capacity of what they usually would. Which means there are some changes. If you want to visit the aquarium you need to make sure you get your tickets ahead of time. This is the same for anyone with a membership. This way, you book your tickets for a specific time slot that you can enter the aquarium.
All guests are asked to wear a mask. This excludes children under the age of 3. Forgot to bring a mask. Don’t worry they have masks for sale just outside of the aquarium. I saw a lot of the staff members wearing the different fun styles they had. Including animal faces.
The aquarium has been divided into 6 different zones with the lower levels being closed at this time. You’ll follow fish arrows that are on the ground letting you know which way to go. Do pay attention because you might go on a day where you are swimming against the flow which is what we experienced today. We started with the zones that are outside and finished at the Amazon zone.
KEEPING EVERYONE SAFE
You’ll notice blue circles on the ground that are spaced 6 feet apart. These are to help all guests follow physically distancing. At exhibits, they help ensure everyone has a good view to see the different creatures.
There were multiple hand sanitizer stations throughout the aquarium. Giving plenty of opportunities to use it. It felt like every other staff member we saw had what they needed to clean high contact surfaces. Carrying a spray bottle and wipe. The staff was doing a great job of cleaning handles, viewing areas, and so much more! If your kiddos like the interactive exhibits, you may want to make note that these are not available at this time. This also includes the 4D theatre and Clownfish Cove.
Oh, if you do not want to open a door with your hands look down! There may be a sign at the bottom of the door directing you to push with your foot to open it for going out.
OUR VISIT FELT DIFFERENT
While our visit to the aquarium felt different, it was nice to be back. We have missed visiting the aquarium. Our girls really enjoy going and seeing all of the different animals and learning about them. In a way, this visit felt improved because people were more spaced out they were able to see all the animals more easily. Though, sometimes this was with a boost from Dad because Mommy is not picking up any kiddos in her 3rd trimester.
With the number of visitors going through limited, staff felt more available to interact with guests. Our kids were able to ask questions at different zones about the different animals. At times we had staff members come up to us (with space of course) and offer some great knowledge about the animals we were looking at.
We learned a lot on our visit today! A highlight being how the sea otters like to play with their food and use the shells like toys, but that their fur also traps bubbles in it so that it acts like a divers wet suit. At one point, I may have been standing in the splash zone near the sea lions and had a trainer direct the sea lion to come up right in front of me. It’s incredible to see them move so easily through the water.
GO FOR A VISIT THIS SUMMER
If you are looking for something to do as a family this summer consider going to the Vancouver Aquarium. They need our help to keep the wonder alive there. Covid-19 has impacted so many local businesses from small ones to large ones. This includes the aquarium that needs guests to visit. Make a day of it and go for the first time slot in the morning and then visit the rest of Stanley Park. You can even order a Picnic In The Park.
