Wendy, of "Hey Wendy Watch This", asked me if I wanted to go to the new Ripley's Aquarium in Toronto. I said no, but I would drop her there and head over to the AGO, as I am not really interested in Aquarium-like places. I was even more sceptical about the Ripley's adventure once I found out the adult ticket price was $30, after all, this is "Ripley's" of the "Believe it or Not." At the last minute I threw caution to the wind and said "Sure", so I tossed my little camera into my carry-bag and we headed for the big smoke!
Located at the base of the CN Tower, the entrance is quite unnoticeable as one is busy dodging hot dog stands and scalpers, while staring towards the top of the tower picturing Rick Mercer and Jan Arden in fluorescent orange outfits swinging and screaming. (Well, at least that's what I was doing!)
Our underwater adventure began and once I stepped into "Canadian Waters", I was completely submerged! I was standing in a world filled with fascinating life that is completely unknown to me. Now don't get me wrong, I know about fish; I always order fish when I dine out, but I didn't know about THIS!
As I wandered further into the depths of the displays, it just kept getting better and better! It was so cool! The tanks are unbelievably filled with the most outrages creatures of all sizes and colours, and the backdrops upon which these creatures live and swim within this setting are beautifully done. Ripley's has outdone itself! It is evident that the care of these creatures is of most importance to them. Ripley's has considered exact required water temperature and ambiance for each display and the lighting which allows the audience to view, is perfect.
I was most fascinated with the jelly fish and most appreciative of the seahorse display. Don't miss the seahorse display, it is low (at hip level) and to the right; if you get to the jelly fish display, you have gone too far.
To move the hundreds of people through at a decent pace, Ripley's has built a stand-on conveyor belt. It's fun to step on to it for a minute, but step off. Let the belt move everyone else through while you instead, stand to the side and take it all in.
It took us about two hours to go through and I was disappointed when I was at the end; first because it was over and second because it ends at the souvenir shop! I wanted to go through again but I wasn't paying another $30. Take your time when you go through. Take a camera for sure. I used my iPhone for video (below) and killed the battery as there was too much to shoot. It was too much fun!
Believe it or not, it was worth the $30 entrance fee and I didn't even miss going to the AGO!
Located at the base of the CN Tower, the entrance is quite unnoticeable as one is busy dodging hot dog stands and scalpers, while staring towards the top of the tower picturing Rick Mercer and Jan Arden in fluorescent orange outfits swinging and screaming. (Well, at least that's what I was doing!)
Our underwater adventure began and once I stepped into "Canadian Waters", I was completely submerged! I was standing in a world filled with fascinating life that is completely unknown to me. Now don't get me wrong, I know about fish; I always order fish when I dine out, but I didn't know about THIS!
As I wandered further into the depths of the displays, it just kept getting better and better! It was so cool! The tanks are unbelievably filled with the most outrages creatures of all sizes and colours, and the backdrops upon which these creatures live and swim within this setting are beautifully done. Ripley's has outdone itself! It is evident that the care of these creatures is of most importance to them. Ripley's has considered exact required water temperature and ambiance for each display and the lighting which allows the audience to view, is perfect.
I was most fascinated with the jelly fish and most appreciative of the seahorse display. Don't miss the seahorse display, it is low (at hip level) and to the right; if you get to the jelly fish display, you have gone too far.
To move the hundreds of people through at a decent pace, Ripley's has built a stand-on conveyor belt. It's fun to step on to it for a minute, but step off. Let the belt move everyone else through while you instead, stand to the side and take it all in.
It took us about two hours to go through and I was disappointed when I was at the end; first because it was over and second because it ends at the souvenir shop! I wanted to go through again but I wasn't paying another $30. Take your time when you go through. Take a camera for sure. I used my iPhone for video (below) and killed the battery as there was too much to shoot. It was too much fun!
Believe it or not, it was worth the $30 entrance fee and I didn't even miss going to the AGO!