A metal and acrylic sign for Aquarium du Québec stands in the snow-covered woods, featuring silhouettes of marine animals and a polar bear cutout. Bright winter sun and bare trees frame this entrance to the Quebec Aquarium.

Visiting the Quebec Aquarium: What to Expect & Why It’s Worth It

ByErin Updated on

I can’t believe we waited this long to visit the Quebec Aquarium. After visiting an incredible aquarium in Vienna, my kids put another aquarium visit on their bucket list. They didn’t have a specific one in mind, but when I found out Quebec City had one, we made sure to include it in our trip—it was actually one of the reasons we decided to visit Quebec City! And I’m so glad we did.

From the incredible seahorses and jellyfish (seriously, I had no idea jellyfish were so interesting!) to the outdoor polar bear and seal habitats, it was such a fun and unique experience.

While we don’t usually seek out zoos or aquariums just for the sake of seeing animals in captivity, there are some places that truly focus on education, conservation, and care. This is one of them. The Aquarium du Québec is Biosphère-certified, meaning it’s recognized as an ambassador of sustainable tourism. Several of the animals, like the polar bears, were born in captivity and wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild. And with thoughtful exhibits and engaging educational content, this is one aquarium I’d genuinely recommend.

The aquarium in Quebec City spans 16 hectares and features both indoor and outdoor exhibits, making it a great stop year-round. It focuses on marine life from the St. Lawrence River but also has tropical fish, Arctic animals, and hands-on experiences for kids. Whether your family loves aquariums or is just looking for a fun, kid-friendly activity in Quebec City, this is a great place to explore.

Here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.

Quebec City Aquarium: Essential Information

📍 Address: 1675 Avenue des Hôtels, Quebec City, QC

The Aquarium du Québec sits right on the St. Lawrence River, about a 15-minute drive from Old Quebec. It’s not in the historic downtown core though, so if you’re exploring Quebec City on foot, you’ll need to drive or take public transit. If you’re staying at L’Hôtel Québec, one of the most family-friendly hotels in the city, it’s just a short drive away.

Ticket Prices & Discounts

Quebec Aquarium tickets must be purchased online in advance—there are no on-site ticket sales. General admission covers all exhibits, both indoor and outdoor, with discounts available for kids, seniors, and families.

  • Adults: Starting at $23
  • Kids (3–17): $11.50
  • Family passes: Starting at $46

For full details or to purchase tickets, visit the Aquarium du Québec’s website before your visit.

A colourful illustrated map of the Québec Aquarium shows labeled pathways, buildings, animal exhibits, and amenities, with a red marker indicating “Vous êtes ici” (You are here) near the main entrance. The layout includes icons for seals, polar bears, jellyfish, and more.
Quebec Aquarium map

When to Visit

The aquarium is open year-round, with both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The Quebec Aquarium hours vary throughout the year:

  • Summer (June 1 – September 2): 9 am – 6 pm
  • Winter (December 2 to May 31): 9 am – 4 pm 

Mornings are usually the quietest, especially on weekdays. Afternoons can get busy, and while the outdoor areas provide space to spread out, popular exhibits like the touch tanks and other indoor tanks may require waiting for a turn.

What to Expect: Exhibits & Highlights

The Aquarium du Québec has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, making it a great place to explore in any season. While it focuses on marine life, there are also land animals like owls, Arctic foxes, and even polar bears. The outdoor areas feature large animal habitats, while the indoor sections showcase tropical fish, jellyfish, and interactive displays.

Whether you start inside or outside might depend on the season—on a winter visit, it makes sense to explore outdoors first and then warm up inside, while in summer, many families may do the reverse.

Two children look into the large underwater viewing window of the polar bear habitat at the Quebec Aquarium, with icy snowbanks above and frigid water below. The immersive design simulates the Arctic environment.
A polar bear walks across snow-covered ground at the Aquarium du Québec, mid-stride with its mouth open. The bright sun highlights its thick, creamy white fur against the snowy rocks.

Outdoor Exhibits

The outdoor areas are home to some of the aquarium’s most exciting animals, with plenty of space to walk around and explore.

  • Polar Bear Habitat: Home to three polar bears, this large enclosure has a waterfall, swimming pool, and multiple viewing paths. All three bears were born in captivity, so they wouldn’t be able to survive in the wild. While we didn’t see them swim, we did catch a glimpse of the huge creatures walking down the hill before heading into their indoor area. 
  • Arctic Foxes & Owls: The aquarium has three Arctic foxes, which are much easier to spot in winter when the weather matches their natural habitat.
  • Seals: There are two separate seal areas—one for four harbour seals and another for three harp seals. The harbour seals are quick swimmers, zipping in and out of different areas, making it tricky to count them at first! One of the harp seals was basking in the sun when we visited, even though it was chilly outside.

Pathways connect the outdoor exhibits, and in the summer, there’s a natural outdoor playground and adventure course just past the owls. 

Two harbour seals rest and swim in an outdoor enclosure at the Aquarium du Québec, with bleacher seating and snow in the background. One seal lounges on the pool edge while the other peeks out from the water under a clear blue sky.
it was chilly, but the seals didn’t seem to mind!
Two children walk across a wooden balance beam in a snowy forest playground, surrounded by leafless trees under a clear blue sky. The scene captures outdoor winter play and adventure on a sunny day in Quebec.
this would be way better in the summer…

Indoor Exhibits

The aquarium is spread over several floors, with different environments on each level. Each section highlights a unique aquatic habitat, from Canada’s freshwater lakes and rivers to saltwater ecosystems around the world.

  • Freshwater Section: This area focuses on fish from Quebec and other parts of Canada, with a look at species found in the region’s lakes and rivers.
  • Canada’s Saltwater Environment: One floor is dedicated to marine life found in Canada’s oceans, featuring species like leopard sharks, scorpionfish and even the blue lobster.
  • Saltwater Section: On the top floor is ocean life from more tropical and temperate regions, with colourful fish, coral ecosystems, and a coastal zone, where you can touch sea urchins and starfish.  

But the real highlight—at least for me—was the Pavilion of the Deep. Watching the jellyfish float gracefully through the water was mesmerizing. (Did you know jellyfish are immortal? I had no idea!) The exhibit also features other fascinating creatures, like seahorses, both tiny and larger ones, and sea dragons – I thought my kids were trying to trick me with the name, but that’s actually what it’s called.

A leafy sea dragon swims among swaying strands of kelp in a dimly lit tank, its body camouflaged with leaf-like fins. The deep blue background contrasts with the delicate yellow and brown tones of this unique marine creature.
the sea dragon!
Two children stand silhouetted in front of a glowing red aquarium tank filled with dozens of jellyfish drifting through the water.
they could watch the jellyfish all day…

One of the most exciting spots is the underwater tunnel, where you actually walk under a massive tank and see fish swimming all around you.

And, of course, my kids’ favourite part—the touch tanks. They loved getting hands-on with starfish and anemones, but the best part? Touching Atlantic stingrays. It was such a cool experience and one they’re still talking about!

A child in a red and gray hat gently touches a stingray in a touch tank. Natural light highlights the clear water and interactive learning moment.
A child wearing a green and blue winter hat gently touches a stingray in a shallow touch tank, with several rays gliding through the clear water. The rocky edge and tropical mural in the background create an immersive aquarium experience.

Shows & Activities

The Aquarium du Québec doesn’t have traditional shows, but it does offer guided feedings, where you can watch the animals eat and learn more about their diets and behaviours. These feedings take place at different times throughout the day and can be a great way to see the animals up close. Schedules vary, so be sure to check the posted times when you arrive.

Tips for Visiting the Quebec Aquarium with Kids

Stroller Accessibility

The entire aquarium is stroller-friendly, with ramps and an elevator connecting the different floors. The outdoor paths are also easy to navigate, making it a smooth visit for families with little ones.

Bathrooms & Baby Changing Stations

Bathrooms are available on all levels, with larger changing stations located on Level 1 (which is actually the middle level, as there’s also a Level 0).

Dining Options

There’s a food court inside the Freshwater & Saltwater Pavilion, offering sandwiches, pizzas, salads, drinks, and treats. In the summer, there’s also two additional restaurants and a snack truck outside for quick bites. 

You’re also welcome to bring your own lunch or snacks and eat on-site. There are picnic tables outside and plenty of seating options indoors. 

Gift Shop

Like many attractions, the gift shop is the only way out, so expect to walk through it before leaving. It has plenty of souvenirs, but prices aren’t cheap. While there are some great books—especially in French—my kids were a bit confused by the huge selection of stuffed animals that didn’t match the animals we actually saw at the aquarium. If you’re looking for something truly aquarium-themed, choices may be limited.

How Long to Visit

Plan for 2–3 hours to explore at a relaxed pace. If you take your time at the outdoor exhibits, touch tanks, and animal feedings, or stop for lunch, it could easily turn into a half-day trip.

What to Bring

  • In summer: Sunscreen, hats, and water bottles for the outdoor areas.
  • In winter: Warm layers and gloves, since you’ll be outside for part of the visit. There are lockers available to rent inside if you want to store the coats and hats while you explore the indoor exhibits. 
  • Snacks: While there is food available to purchase, you’ll probably want to bring along some snacks as well. 

Things to Do Nearby

  • Parc de la Plage-Jacques-Cartier – A scenic park about 10 minutes away, great for a walk or picnic by the river.
  • Chutes de la Chaudière: Just across the river, these waterfalls feature a suspension bridge, hiking trails, and best of all—it’s completely free. We go every time we visit Quebec!
  • Old Quebec: If you have extra time, head to Old Quebec to explore the historic streets, visit Château Frontenac, or take a stroll along Dufferin Terrace. Check out our guide on the best things to do in Quebec City in the winter and things to do in Quebec City in the Summer for more ideas.

Where to Stay

If you’re planning to stay overnight, L’Hôtel Québec is a great option for families. It’s close to the aquarium and has plenty of kid-friendly features, including an indoor pool, 7 story play structure, and water splash area.

For more options on where to stay, check out our guide on the best family hotels in Quebec City. 

FAQ: Visiting the Aquarium du Québec

How do you get to the Quebec City Aquarium?
The aquarium is located at 1675 Avenue des Hôtels, about a 15-minute drive from Old Quebec. Public transit is available, but driving is the easiest option.

Is parking free at the Quebec Aquarium?
Yes, parking is free and available on-site, just outside the entrance.

How big is the Quebec City Aquarium?
The Aquarium de Quebec spans 16 hectares and includes three floors of indoor exhibits, plus extensive outdoor areas featuring animal habitats, walking trails, and seasonal play spaces.

What is there to do at the Quebec Aquarium?
There’s plenty to do at the Aquarium, from exploringmarine life from the St. Lawrence River, seeing animals like polar bears, seals, and Arctic foxes, watching guided feedings, and enjoying interactive touch tanks. In summer, there’s also a playground and outdoor snack options.

How much does it cost to go to the Aquarium of Quebec?
Ticket prices start at $23 for adults and $11.50 for kids, with family passes available as well. We paid $46 for one adult and two kids. All tickets must be purchased online in advance.

Two children in colourful winter jackets watch tropical fish swim around a coral reef exhibit through a large tank window at the Aquarium du Québec. The vibrant marine life captivates their attention.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth Visiting?

We loved our visit to the Aquarium du Québec. While it’s not as big as some other aquariums we’ve been to, it was still well worth the visit and a great activity to add to our itinerary in Quebec City. The mix of indoor and outdoor exhibits, hands-on experiences like the touch tanks, and the chance to see animals like polar bears and Arctic foxes made it a fun stop on our trip to Quebec City.

If you’re visiting Quebec City with kids, the aquarium is a fantastic way to spend a few hours—and one we’d absolutely recommend!

Need more ideas and planning suggestions? Check out our 3 day itinerary for Quebec City in the winter, or how to spend 2 days in Quebec City in the summer for more ideas. I also recommend visiting Montmorency Falls, and there are some other great day trips from Quebec City if you have time to spend in the area. 

Erin Martin is the founder of Take the Kids Everywhere, a family travel blog that helps parents explore the world with their kids — one destination at a time. She’s travelled to 20+ countries with her kids, including destinations across Europe, South America, and Canada. With a background in teaching and a love for exploring new places, Erin shares practical tips, city guides, and real-life experiences to make family travel easier and more enjoyable.

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