Canada's Great Lakes Aquarium

Frequently Asked Questions

1)The World War II destroyer " Haida" was recently moved from Ontario Place because it was in serious need of repair. Won't this problem occurr here as well?
No. The "Haida" was built fast to go fast for a war that was not supposed to last very long. It saw severe service in saltwater in very trying circumstances. As well there was little or no hull preparation for long term storage. Finally the hull plates on the Haida are about .25 of an inch thick.
A typical straight-decker has hull plates approaching a thickness of 1" and sees little or no saltwater. As a commercial carrier it is drydocked and examined on a regular schedule including a sonograph of the hull. This enables the examiner to monitor the reduction of hull thickness. A typical 50 year use will see hull thickness reduced by approximately 20%.
In other words the ships under consideration have a 100 year lifespan left for the anticipated use.

2) Will this aquarium really look like a world class exhibit?
Have a look at the graphics. We have an extremely solid structure to work with. The design parameters to be incorporated in to this project will make this an exhibit any city would be proud of. Remember, the commercial use wear and tear will no longer be present.

3) You keep saying "world class". Really?
Go to the oft referred to Table 1. You can see that compared to other major aquariums , in terms of total gallons or square footage of exhibit space ( 2 commonly used reference points for capacity or size) we are roughly in the middle of the pack.
As for design and appearance, this approach is unique in the entire world!

4)Will I see exotic specimans of underwater life from around the world?
This exhibit, Canada's Great Lakes Aquarium focuses on the aquatic ecosystem of the watershed of the Great Lakes. We will join this ship on its journey from the lakehead at the top of Lake Superior all the down to the Gulf of the St. Lawrence river. Along the way we will explore and get to know the fascinating underwater world that is , in many cases, literally at our own back door. Trust us, there's some pretty neat stuff in there!

5) What else is offered?
Creative and themed gifts in our "Ships stores" gift shop. Stop by the "Galley" for lunch or a snack , take in the view and a refreshment from "The Deck by the Dock" open air patio. The really adventurous can see what's up at "The Poop" or for fine dining join us at the "Wheelhouse Bar and Diner"