Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, at the foot of the CN Tower, is one of Toronto’s best indoor outings in winter, and at Christmas it adds a special Breakfast with Santa above the shark tunnel.
Breakfast with Santa 2026
November 21, November 28 and December 5, 2026
Three 90-minute seatings each day (8 a.m., 10 a.m. and noon) with a breakfast buffet in the Dangerous Lagoon Overlook, a photo with Santa, aquarium admission, an ornament for each guest and a plush for each child. $85 plus HST per person, minimum two tickets; designed for kids 3 and up. Breakfast with Santa in Toronto
Visiting over the holidays
- Open on Boxing Day: in 2025 the aquarium was open 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on December 26. Check holiday hours for Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day.
- Sensory-friendly mornings: Ripley’s runs quieter Sensory Sunday Mornings on select dates, including December 6, 2026.
- Busy days: December 26 to 31 are the busiest days of the year. Buy timed tickets online and arrive at opening.
Highlights
The moving walkway through Dangerous Lagoon, with sharks and sea turtles overhead, the touch tanks with rays and horseshoe crabs, and the jellyfish gallery are favourites for every age.
Ripley’s at Christmas: what to see
- The Dangerous Lagoon: a moving walkway through an underwater tunnel full of sharks, sea turtles and sawfish.
- Rainbow Reef: tropical fish in a colourful coral reef habitat.
- Planet Jellies: glowing jellyfish in lit tanks, beautiful and calming.
- Discovery Centre: interactive exhibits and touch tanks for kids.
- Ray Bay: a touch pool with stingrays (follow staff instructions).
Allow about two to three hours for a visit.
Tips for a holiday visit
- Buy timed tickets online in advance, especially during the school holidays (December 21, 2026 to January 1, 2027).
- Go early or late: the first hour after opening and the last few hours are quietest.
- Late nights: the aquarium has hosted adults-only evenings with music and drinks; check the calendar for any holiday editions.
- Combine with the CN Tower next door for a full day. Indoor winter activities
- Use the PATH: you can reach the aquarium from Union Station via the SkyWalk, mostly indoors.
Accessibility
The aquarium is wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, with elevators and a moving walkway through the shark tunnel. Sensory-friendly mornings offer a quieter experience for guests who need it.
Ripley’s Aquarium at Christmas: FAQ
Is Ripley’s open on Christmas Day? Check the aquarium’s holiday hours for 2026; it typically opens on most holidays with adjusted hours.
How long do you need at Ripley’s? About two to three hours.
Is it good for toddlers? Yes. The touch tanks, tunnels and jellyfish are big hits with little ones. See Christmas with toddlers.
Getting there
288 Bremner Boulevard, next to the CN Tower and a short walk from Union Station.
More: winter break activities · Christmas in Toronto with kids
