Though only a small site, the Aquarium of Niagara is a great place to visit if you’re passing through as there’s something here to appeal to all ages. Feed a Humboldt penguin from Peru, watch the sea lions from California as they play around balancing balls on their noses and applauding one another, and much more besides.
Established back in 1965 for education purposes as well as to make a great day out, the aquarium was a pioneer in its early days. This was the first spot to use innovative technology to prepare and manage synthetic seawater, which was later adapted at other inland aquariums.
There’s something going on here every day, including plenty to keep younger visitors happy. Learn how trainers work with the rescued harbour seals as they introduce each one kept here. Sea lion shows are held regularly in the large pool deep at the heart of the aquarium. Penguins meanwhile are fed here twice a day, as are the harbour seals. You may also get to see either the tidal pool feeding or the shark feeding, depending on the time of your visit.
Special events are held at the aquarium from time to time. There are Penguin Days held in the spring, for example, which give visitors the chance to get close to these delightful creatures. In summer, you can even get hands on and feed some of the animals you’ll find here.
As well as the big animals, you can see the aquarium's fascinating tidal pool creatures like its anemones, clams and baby sole, which you can watch being fed by hand. You can also explore the aquarium at leisure, visiting its themed zones. Explore the Great Lakes and get close to sturgeon and trout, or admire the piranhas and seahorses from the Amazon.
Located on the US side of Niagara Falls, the aquarium is just three blocks to the north of Rainbow Bridge. It is open every day except during Thanksgiving and Christmas. If you’re driving, free parking spaces are widely available, and the building is wheelchair accessible.
