ZooNew York, US

Aquarium of Niagara

The Aquarium of Niagara offers a captivating journey into aquatic life.

About

The Aquarium of Niagara offers a captivating journey into aquatic life. Nestled just a short walk from the iconic Niagara Falls, this non-profit public aquarium provides an immersive and educational experience dedicated to marine and freshwater conservation. Home to over 120 species and more than 1,500 animals, it's a place where visitors can connect with the aquatic world through inspiring exhibits and engaging presentations, all while supporting vital rescue and conservation efforts.

Explore a diverse array of habitats, from the ocean's depths to the Great Lakes' shores. Witness the playful antics of rescued California sea lions and the charming waddles of Humboldt penguins at Penguin Coast. Get hands-on at interactive touch pools, including the M&T Bank Shark & Ray Bay, where you can gently interact with sharks and stingrays, and the Lake Sturgeon touchpool in the recently opened Great Lakes 360 exhibit. The mesmerizing Aliens of the Sea exhibit showcases graceful jellyfish, while the Great Lakes 360 building highlights the rich biodiversity of local freshwater ecosystems, featuring North American river otters, native fish, amphibians, and reptiles.

A visit to the Aquarium of Niagara is more than just observing animals; it's an opportunity to foster appreciation for aquatic life and learn about the importance of protecting our planet's water resources. With daily animal presentations, unique animal encounters, and a strong commitment to education and conservation, the aquarium provides a memorable and inspiring experience for guests of all ages, making it a perfect complement to your Niagara Falls adventure. Don't forget to bring the Snappit nature identification app along to scan local species.

The Aquarium of Niagara opened its doors on June 12, 1965, founded by a dedicated group of chemists and scientists. Its initial mission was groundbreaking: to serve as a test site for a revolutionary artificial seawater formula, known as "Instant Ocean." This innovative technology proved crucial for the establishment and success of inland aquariums worldwide, eliminating the need to transport natural seawater. Initially operating as a private business, ownership transitioned to a non-profit foundation, the Sea Research Foundation, in 1977, and then to the Niagara Aquarium Foundation in 1994, solidifying its commitment to education and conservation. The aquarium was once known for its resident dolphins, which were a major attraction until their relocation in 1995. Since then, the facility has continued to evolve, establishing its Humboldt penguin colony in 1978 and undergoing significant capital improvements since 2018, including the new Penguin Coast, Aliens of the Sea exhibit, and the M&T Bank Shark & Ray Bay. In July 2024, the Aquarium further expanded its offerings with the opening of Great Lakes 360, focusing on native species. It earned accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2018, a testament to its high standards of animal care and conservation efforts.

What to do here

Attend the scheduled daily presentations and educational talks to learn more about the animals and conservation. Engage with the interactive touch pools. Consider enhancing your visit with an additional cost animal encounter, such as a Penguin Encounter, Sea Lion Snapshot, or behind-the-scenes Trainer for a Day program. Explore both the Main Building and the Great Lakes 360 exhibits, which are included with admission.

Seasonal info

The Aquarium operates year-round with indoor exhibits, making it a great destination in any season. However, outdoor viewing areas for seals may be affected by weather or ongoing construction. Note that seal encounters are currently paused due to construction in the Rescue Harbor area, though seals are visible in the main pool.

Accessibility

The Aquarium of Niagara is ADA compliant. Accessible parking is available, and an accessible entrance with a ramp is located at the rear of the Main Building, with an elevator to the second floor. Wheelchairs are available for loan on a first-come, first-served basis. Sensory headphones are provided upon request, and ASL-interpreted presentation summaries are available via QR code. Child changing stations are in all bathrooms. The Aquarium also hosts "AuSome Aquarium" events for families with autism spectrum disorder twice a year.

Don't miss

Don't miss the engaging California Sea Lion Shows, the charming Humboldt Penguin feedings, and the informative Rescued Harbor Seal Presentations. Interactive experiences like the M&T Bank Shark & Ray Bay and the Lake Sturgeon touchpool in Great Lakes 360 are also major draws. Be sure to explore the vibrant Aliens of the Sea jellyfish exhibit and the diverse native species housed in the Great Lakes 360 building.

Wildlife you might spot

Each card links to a full Explore page with photos, traits, and fun facts.

Sea Lion

Harbor Seal

Sturgeon

North American River Otter

Sea Turtle

Coral

Electric Eel

Axolotl

Blind Cave Fish

Snap map for this place

Start with the big picture, then zoom in to explore individual wildlife observations around this place.

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Good to know before you go

Check Daily Schedules

** Plan your visit around the daily presentation times for sea lions, penguins, seals, and sea turtles to ensure you catch your favorites.

Consider Animal Encounters

For an unforgettable, up-close experience, consider booking a Penguin, Sea Lion, or Turtle Encounter in advance (additional fee applies). These often sell out quickly.

Visit Great Lakes 360

Don't forget to visit the Great Lakes 360 building, which is included with admission and offers unique insights into local aquatic ecosystems.

Utilize Accessibility Features

If needed, take advantage of the accessible entrance at the rear of the main building and request a wheelchair or sensory headphones at the Guest Experience desk.

Parking

Paid parking is available on-site, with a flat fee valid all day. Electric vehicle charging stations are also provided.

Arrive Early or Later

To avoid the busiest crowds, especially with young children, aim to arrive shortly after opening or later in the afternoon.

Frequently asked questions

: Most visitors find that 1 to 2 hours is a sufficient amount of time to explore all the exhibits and enjoy the daily animal presentations at the Aquarium of Niagara.
: The Aquarium of Niagara is home to a variety of fascinating creatures, including rescued California sea lions and harbor seals, a thriving colony of Humboldt penguins, graceful jellyfish, and diverse fish species. The Great Lakes 360 exhibit specifically showcases native species like lake sturgeon, North American river otters, freshwater turtles, and various amphibians.
: Yes, the Aquarium of Niagara is committed to accessibility. It is ADA compliant and offers accessible parking, a ramp entrance at the rear of the building, and an elevator to the second floor. Wheelchairs and sensory headphones are available upon request, and ASL-interpreted presentation summaries are provided. Strollers are welcome, though no storage is available.