Ucluelet Aquarium
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Why go
- Recreated habitats from Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds.
Opening hours
Today10:00 – 16:30Show all
With kids
- Children can explore touch tanks and learn about local species and habitats through storytelling and hands-on participation with staff and volunteers.
Tips for your visit
- Allow time to explore the publicly accessible beach and nearby tidepools; the aquarium’s seawater outflow enriches this intertidal habitat.
- Exhibits vary. Occasional displays include spotted ratfish, Humboldt squid, basket stars, spot prawns and red octopuses.
Know before you go
- Open daily, 10:00–16:30.
- Buy tickets online through the aquarium’s website.
History
Philip Bruecker conceived the aquarium as an alternative to large modern public aquaria. The pilot’s popularity led to the formation of the nonprofit Ucluelet Aquarium Society. Volunteers, local businesses and governments supported the permanent building’s construction near the temporary facility, overlooking Ucluelet Harbor. The aquarium stands on the traditional territory of YUUŁUʔIŁʔATḤ – UCLUELET FIRST NATION.
- 2004–2011A smaller temporary aquarium operated seasonally on the waterfront, beginning as a pilot project focused on local species and hands-on displays.
- 29 June 2011Groundbreaking took place for the permanent aquarium.
- 2012The permanent aquarium opened, designed by Blue Sky Architecture and built by local tradespeople.
Don't miss
- Giant Pacific OctopusThe aquarium’s feature display animal.In the aquarium
- Main marine displaysLook for rockfish, crabs, bivalves, feather duster worms, bay pipefish, anemones and sea pens.Aquarium exhibits
- Small discoveriesOpalescent nudibranchs and sand-dwelling shellfish larvae are especially abundant in the exhibits.Aquarium exhibits
Sources: Ucluelet Aquarium - Wikipedia · Ucluelet - Wikivoyage (see) · Ucluelet Aquarium • Explore Vancouver Island's … · Ucluelet Aquarium • Explore Vancouver Island's … · Our Team • Ucluelet Aquarium · Ucluelet Aquarium: tickets (its own site) · checked 2 Oct 2026
- Website
- uclueletaquarium.org/
- Phone
- 2507262782
Questions and answers
How long do animals stay at Ucluelet Aquarium?
Many stay about nine months; giant Pacific octopuses typically stay three to four months.
Is there a gift shop at Ucluelet Aquarium?
Yes, visitors can visit the aquarium’s gift shop.
How can I contact Ucluelet Aquarium?
Call 250-726-2782.
What feeds the filter-feeding animals at Ucluelet Aquarium?
Incoming seawater carries plankton that feeds animals such as barnacles, scallops and plumose anemones.
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