For many families, the holiday season is spent shopping, baking, wrapping presents and maybe waiting a few hours in line to meet Ol’ Saint Nick. But why sit on Santa’s lap when you can see him scuba dive instead?
He's used to diving down chimneys but this year he's back diving with the fish. Yes, Scuba Claus is back at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquarium, an Ocean Wise initiative. Keen-eyed youngsters and adults alike will be able to spot Scuba Claus during his daily dives at 12:30pm and 2:30pm until January 5, 2020. Visitors can also pose for a photo with Scuba Claus at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquarium entrance between 10:00 am and 3:30 pm Saturday, December 14, Sunday, December 15 and December 20 - 24.
Of course, that’s not the only holiday activation making a splash at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquarium.
Back for another year of seasonal snaps, the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquarium’s tank of shimmering small white jellyfish has once again been transformed into a living snow globe–the perfect backdrop for any Instagram feed or framed family photo. Returning holiday favourites also include the Aquarium’s ‘shocking’ Electric eel-powered Christmas tree (with daily feedings at 11:30am), the tot-friendly Kelp Maze, and the mischievous “Mistle Toad” and the Marine Debris Tree created by Tofino-based artist Pete Clarkson. The tree is made entirely from items collected from shoreline cleanups on the west coast of Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Island — a creative reminder to think green during the holiday season.
After wandering the galleries with hot cocoa in hand, you can even take a quick trip to the North Pole! A shortened version of the animated holiday classic The Polar Express™ 4D Experience® is playing daily in the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquarium’s 4-D theatre (free with your Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquarium admission).
Lastly, as you “exit through the gift shop,” you can do your holiday shopping from their thoughtful inventory of ocean-friendly items. Purchases at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquarium Gift Shop support the conservation of marine life. It’s a great spot for stocking stuffers and last-minute holiday gifts.
With more than 50,000 animals from across the world (and one Santa Claus) there’s no shortage of incredible things to see at the Â鶹´«Ã½Ó³»Aquarium, an Ocean Wise initiative. You can take a deep dive into holiday magic until January 5, 2020. To learn more, visit