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ACCESSIBILITY

At the Aquatarium, we are committed to providing every guest with an inclusive experience. We proudly comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and all applicable Ontario accessibility standards.

ACCESS 2 CARDS

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Guests with disabilities or special needs who purchase full-price admission are welcome to bring one attendant at no additional cost. We accept Access 2 Entertainment cards as verification upon arrival. Access 2 Entertainment tickets can only currently be purchased in person at our front desk.​

ASSISTIVE DEVICES

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All mobility aids - including wheelchairs, scooter, canes, crutches, and walkers - are welcome throughout the entire Aquatarium. Electronic devices for the pupose of communication are also permitted. Our facility is designed to support a wide range of mobility needs, and a limited number of wheelchairs are available at our front desk upon request.

Strollers are welcome into the Aquatarium during regular operating days. However, during high-traffic events such as Mermaids, please note that strollers are not permitted inside for safety reasons. A complimentary stroller check will be available during these events for your convenience. 

Service animals are permitted in the Aquatarium with proper documentation.

NAVIGATING THE AQ

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All public floors of the Aquatarium - our 1st, 3rd, and 4th floors - are accessible via our main elevator. Our main elevator is spacious and fully accessible for guests using mobility aids or assistive devices.

 

In the event of a temporary issue with our main elevator, a backup elevator is available to provide access to the 1st and 3rd floor. Please note that in this scenario, access to the 4th floor is only available via stairs.

All entrance and exit doors are equipped with push-button openers for easy access.

The Ropes Course (open during the summer months) is only accessible via stairs. Please note that this activity is not wheelchair or mobility accessible.

For our Otter Experience, some behind-the-scenes areas may not be accessible to our guests with mobility challenges. If you have any concerns, please contact our team in advance and we'll be happy to discuss available options.

PLANNING YOUR VISIT

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Our main entrance on Broad Street is wheelchair accessible, as is the entrance from our indoor parking lot. We offer two parking options:

  • Indoor Parking Lot (Recommended): Located directly at the Aquatarium via the ramp off Flint Street. This lot includes 50 spaces, designated accessible parking spots, and electric vehicle charging stations ($3/hour). Parking is available daily from 7:00am - 11:00pm. Please prepay at the machine using cash, Visa, or Mastercard. Standard rates are $2/hour.

  • Outdoor Parking Lot: Located on Flint Street. There are also more accessible parking spaces available on Broad Street across from our front doors.

Bus Access: Drop off and pick up is located at the corner of Flint and Broad Street. Bus parking is available at the South end of Kincaid Street. Please note that bus parking is not permitted on Broad Street, Flint Street or St. Andrew Street.

Please click here to view our parking map.

PRESENTATIONS

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To support clear communication during your visit, our team uses microphones for voice amplification during guided tours and daily enrichment presentations.

Often, our daily enrichment presentations can draw a crowd. For guests seeking a quieter or less crowded experience, our Lighthouse Theatre offers a digital version of our Otter and Beaver presentations, played simultaneously with the live sessions. Our Lighthouse Theatre also offers generous seating for comfort and a calm viewing environment. 

Our Touch Tank exhibit on the 3rd floor is accessible to all guests. Our staff are happy to bring the animals down for guests who may not be able to stand or look into the tank.

SENSORY PLANNING

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Visitor traffic at the Aquatarium varies throughout the year and day. We are generally busiest during our peak season from June to August, with additional high-traffic days during popular events like Mermaids and Pirates. From September to May, the Aquatarium is typically quieter and more relaxed.

Within a typical day, mornings tend to be more active, while later-day visits may offer a quieter experience. 

For guests seeking a quiet space during their visit, the Pilot House on our 4th floor usually offers a more laid back and comfortable environment to pause, regroup, or decompress.

INCLUSIVE FAMILY SUPPORT

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The Aquatarium is proud to be a welcoming space for families. Nursing and bottle-feeding are permitted throughout the facility, and caregivers are welcome to feed their children wherever they feel most comfortable. 

Family washrooms are available on our 1st and 3rd floors, each equipped with changing tables. These spaces offer privacy and flexibility for families if needed.

If a child becomes separated from their group, our staff are trained to respond quickly and compassionately. Please notify any team member, and we will activate our safety protocol to help reunite families as quickly as possible.

WASHROOMS

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An accessible washroom is available on our 1st floor near the front desk, and includes a changing table for guest convenience.

Our 3rd floor - the main exhibit level - features spacious washrooms with multiple stalls, an accessible family washroom equipped with a changing table, and a nearby water fountain for guest use.

 

There are no washroom facilities on our 4th floor.

 

Please note that the 2nd floor is reserved for staff offices and is not part of the public Aquatarium experience during regular visits. For River Scholars Homeschool programs and birthday parties held on the 2nd floor, a washroom equipped with a change table is available for use.

Kindly be aware that our washrooms are not equipped with adult changing tables at this time.

SEATING

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The Aquatarium offers plenty of seating throughout the facility to support comfort of guests during their visit. Several of our exhibits feature seating of their own, including:

  • 1st Floor Washroom Area: Bench seating located nearby for convenience.

  • Sir Robert Peel (1st Floor): Box seating available.

  • Lighthouse Theatre (3rd Floor): Generous seating for a comfortable viewing experience, with different videos playing throughout the day.

  • Singer Castle Library (3rd Floor): Tables and Chairs available.

  • Magedoma (3rd Floor): Chairs available.

  • HMS Ontario (3rd Floor): A cushioned bench and a table with seating.

  • Pilot House (4th Floor): Typically a quieter space with seating for guests.

Additional benches are placed throughout the facility to offer guests many opportunities to rest and recharge.

AQ MAP

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For a clear overview of exhibit locations, floor layouts, amenities, and accessibility features, please click here to view our facility map.

ACCESSIBILITY FEEDBACK

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CONTACT

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If you have any questions about accessibility at the Aquatarium, please contact us at:

Email: info@aquatarium.ca

Phone: (613) 342-6789

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