Location: 1675 Avenue des Hôtels
Contact: (418) 659-5264 or 1-866-659-5264
Website: The Aquarium du Québec
In need of some indoor entertainment? The Aquarium du Québec is a fun-filled attraction for travelers of all ages. Overlooking the Boulevard Champlain, the aquarium provides an entertaining and informative perspective of sea-life. Covering the aquatic world from the Boreal Zone to the Arctic, the aquarium is stocked with reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates, and a wide variety of fish. The aquarium also features a unique permanent exhibit on the marine mammals prominent in the Saint Lawrence River (le fleuve Saint-Laurent) and other Canadian bodies of water.
Highlights, such as a 16-hectare outdoor park featuring polar bears, walruses, and seals, are some of the unique experiences you will encounter. The Aquarium du Québec's newest residents are two young walruses, Samka and Boris, from the Pacific Ocean. Come along and check them out! Growing in size each year since its opening in 1971, the aquarium houses more than 10,000 animals, encompassing 300 different species of fish, amphibians, invertebrates, reptiles, and mammals. Their mission is simple: devotion to environmental protection and community education in aquatic ecology. They have uniquely accomplished this throughout the years and have become an extraordinary centerpiece to the city.
Some of the attractions to take in while here:
- Have breakfast with the three house walruses and learn about these adorable creatures and their habitats.
- Watch the polar bears have their snack time.
- See the Walrus Show. It'll be hard to remain in your seats with all the surprises!
- Make sure to stop by the Coastal Zone Discovery, where you can touch a plethora of invertebrates and learn about these special creatures from a naturalist.
Stop by the Water Games! Here kids of all ages can have fun in their own aquatic realm with characters such as Gladys, Hypocampe, Coda the Whale, and Grandchio the Crab. Cool off in the multiple water jets scattered throughout this park!
- For the adventurous youngsters, drop by the Arbre-en-Arbre Adventure Circuit. Here kids 6-12 years of age can participate in their own adventure a safe 70cm off the ground. A montage of foot bridges, nets, monkey bridges, tunnels, and vines of every shape and size are in the theme of a seafaring pirate adventure, providing hours of fun-filled excitement!
Hungry after all the gawking and adventure-taking? Stop by one of the eateries located at the Aquarium!
- La Grande Ourse is the main restaurant at the Aquarium and is located on the east side of the main building. With spectacular views of the Saint Lawrence River (le fleuve Saint-Laurent) and Québec's bridges, it's not surprising the restaurant's terrace is heavily requested during the summer months. In a cafeteria-like setting, the restaurant offers home-style cooking, pastas, desserts, salads, and daily specials. Stop by for a bite from June-September, Monday-Saturday; or on Sundays drop in for their "Aquarium Breakfasts".
- While strolling through the Wetlands exhibit, drop by Le Croque-Nature for some traditional kids' fare. Their menu offers hotdogs, hamburgers, and desserts. Open June-September.
- In the Atrium of the main building you will find L'Aqua-Bistro. This small year-round stop offers sandwiches, salads, and desserts, along with traditional convenience store items.
- Simply in need of some cooling off? Just outside of La Grande Ourse restaurant is La Voie Lactée Dairy Bar. Try a scrumptious ice cream or other frozen treat in the summer!
Wanting to escape the formal restaurant-style to soak up some sun and fresh air? Pick a spot on one of the Aquarium's green spaces or gardens for a picnic! With a fabulous view of the Saint Lawrence River (le fleuve Saint-Laurent), the park makes the perfect setting for a relaxing, fun-filled day with friends and family.
Upon arrival at the Aquarium, stop by the reception pavilion located near the entrance to the park. Here advisers can suggest a personalized tour for you based upon your specific interests and time constraints. The pavilion also offers information on the current activities and services the Aquarium has to offer, along with housing a souvenir store, stroller and wheelchair rentals, and restrooms.
Traveling with twenty people or more? Make a reservation by contacting:
Shauna Lyn Plourde (Sales Coordinator)
Phone: (418) 659-5264 or 1-866-659-5264
For further information or a list of current events, check out their Website!
