This facility has plenty of opportunities for learning. It is a small facility that is packed with variety. I'm a veteran of ocean and intertidal studies. On each visit I have seen and learned new things about the Salish Sea. We spent at least an hour and a half "exploring" the various displays on this most recent visit. The staff...
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Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, Sidney
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Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre
9811 Seaport Place, Sidney, British Columbia V8L 4X3, Canada
250-665-7511
Website
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21 visitor photos
Ranked #4 of 13 attractions in Sidney
Type: Aquariums
Owner description:
Explore the mysteries of the ocean. Journey from seafloor to seashore and discover the amazing diversity of the Salish Sea. Peer into seventeen...
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Owner description:
Explore the mysteries of the ocean. Journey from seafloor to seashore and discover the amazing diversity of the Salish Sea. Peer into seventeen massive aquarium habitats teeming with live marine life from anemones to zooplankton. See wolf-eels lurking in caverns. Get an up-close look at a giant Pacific octopus in her overhead den. Learn about the intricate web of life with friendly Oceaneers, interactive exhibits and hands-on/hands-wet exploration. An underwater world of wonder awaits you!
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Useful Information: Activities for older children, Activities for young children
Mill Bay
1 review
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Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Reviewer
The displays were beautiful and the inhabitants in those tanks were amazing. Did not do the upstairs touch area. The employees were very informative and answered all our questions.
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BC Canada
Senior Contributor
Incredibly well laid out, and really knowledgeable volunteers. Touch pool for all......interesting breakdown of marine life in the Saltish Seas
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Victoria, Canada
Senior Reviewer
I would have rated this higher, but compared to the Vancouver aquarium, this is a back yard tank. Still a very nice place, but expect to be through it all in about 20 minutes.
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OceanDiscovery, Public Relations Manager at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, responded to this review
1 May 2013
Hi Stephen R,
Thank you for visiting the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre! We're glad that you decided to come have a look.
It's interesting that you would compare us to the Vancouver Aquarium since we are a completely different experience. It's like comparing apples to a grassroots, rural community-driven, education centre. Not-for-profit too. We know that our vibe is intimate;...
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Calgary, Canada
Senior Contributor
On the way to the airport from Victoria, we made a stop for coffee in Sidney. We noticed this attraction and decided to give it a look see. The experience was quite nice although it was obvious that the attraction itself is better suited for the children. The guides were so nice and informative, they were very informative. The class...
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OceanDiscovery, Public Relations Manager at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, responded to this review
30 April 2013
Hi D H,
Thank you so much for visiting the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre! We're glad that the draw of coffee led you to Sidney and ultimately through our submarine doors! It thrills us to hear that you were well looked after by our volunteer Oceaneers (they're pretty great!), and that our gift shop was to your liking. As a...
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Okotoks
Senior Reviewer
Had some time to kill before catching a flight out of Victoria Airport so wandered around Sidney and came upon the Shaw Ocean Discovery Center. Well it was great place to visit! Not only was it great for my wife and I but if you have children and it is a great place for them as well. So much to...
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OceanDiscovery, Public Relations Manager at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, responded to this review
21 April 2013
Hi StParrot!
Thank you for visiting the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre and for your wonderful review. We're so glad that you found us!
As a not-for-profit aquarium, we rely heavily on admissions sales and donations to keep our facility operating to the highest of quality standards but for the lowest cost possible. Many of our local visitors opt to purchase...
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Beiseker, Canada
Reviewer
W way to spend a couple of hours max its also quite Close to the airport Tour guide s were extremely qualityied. Chech out the octopus .... Did you know a fully grown one an take out a shark A real must do with kids or grsmand kids just keep em quiet please
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OceanDiscovery, Public Relations Manager at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, responded to this review
21 April 2013
Hi Lifeisgood1908,
Thank you so much for visiting our aquarium. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed yourself...and that you learned neat facts about octopuses! Our volunteer Oceaneers are excellent at answering the questions our visitors have while exploring the thousands of marine creatures we showcase in our many exhibits, not to mention providing fun facts and great stories about...
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Victoria, Canada
Contributor
With a name that starts with a corporate sponsor, and a location in Sidney I expected nothing. What I got was amazing. An amazing sampling of local flora and fauna. It was especially amazing for children as you could touch so much of the sealife. The best way to see local water life without putting on a dry suit.
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OceanDiscovery, Public Relations Manager at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, responded to this review
19 April 2013
Hi Marktodandtravel!
Thank you for visitng our aquarium, and for your fantastic review! It sounds like you really "get" our purpose: we're a hands on, hands wet facility for people of all ages devoted to showcasing the amazing sea life that exists beneath the surface of our beautiful Salish Sea.
You know, you're not the first person to be thrown...
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BC
Senior Contributor
first time visiting this aquarium. Very friendly and helpful volunteers who are always available to share information. Took me a few minutes to realize we really weren't going down in the elevator :-)
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See 6 more reviews by fatdogowner for Sidney
OceanDiscovery, Public Relations Manager at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, responded to this review
19 April 2013
Hello fatdogowner!
What a fantastic name you have! My family has a 'plus size' dog as well...more of him to love, we say. Anyway, thank you so much for visiting the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, and for your wonderful review!
We're pretty proud of our team of 160+ volunteer Oceaneers who work so hard to provide our visitors with the...
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Sidney, Canada
Senior Contributor
This is the place to go to see what lies under the Salish Sea. I was particularly impressed with the presentation tanks providing easy to see wildlife. The touch tanks are fun! My favourite is the purple sand dollars which stand on edge themselves!
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See 6 more reviews by Steve D for Sidney
OceanDiscovery, Public Relations Manager at Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre, responded to this review
19 April 2013
Well hello Steve D!
You look mildly familiar...have we met?
Thank you VERY much for your glowing review! Your support means a great deal to us here, and we appreciate that you took the time to give us a 'thumbs up'.
As a not-for-profit aquarium, it is our admissions sales that keep our head above water (love those ocean puns!)....
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4.0 out of 5, 621 reviewsLast reviewed 23 May 2013
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