Aquarium
du Québec

Sea otters have arrived at the Aquarium du Québec. Come discover them in their brand-new habitats and immerse yourself in their fascinating world!

Discover the world of sea otters

Discover our new podcast: Bulles de vie. Dive into the heart of the Aquarium which gives a voice to the specialists who care for our animals. Hosted by Stéphanie Tremblay, this series sheds light on our institution’s best-kept secrets. Combining scientific expertise with heartwarming anecdotes, Bulles de vie is a unique source of information about the Aquarium’s residents.

Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and our YouTube channel.

Episode 1 - The polar bears

For this major launch, the show highlights one of the most impressive predators in the world: the polar bear. Alongside trainers Kléo‑Carrier and Lorrayne Gabrielle Dias Dantas, as well as Director of Conservation Marie‑Pierre Lessard, we set out to meet bears Kinuk, Shouka, and Humphrey. Discover the unique personalities of these Arctic giants while learning the tips and tricks of the polar bear training profession. This episode lifts the curtain on a fascinating career where mistakes are not an option.

Listen to episode 1 (in French only)

Episode 2 - The harbour seals and harp seals

This second episode sets its course toward the engaging personalities of our harbour seals and harp seals. Joined by trainers Geneviève Banville and Amélie Germain-Paulette, along with animal health technician Isabelle Gaudet, we head out to meet seals Cléo, Nicky, Daphnée, Daïla, Sammie, Rafale—and the newest addition, little Nina. Discover the training techniques used with these masters of swimming, the care provided to these aging animals, and learn all about the rescue of a seal in an urban environment carried out by our team.

Listen to episode 2 (in French only)

Episode 3 - The giant Pacific octopus

This third episode lifts the veil on the world of the octopus, a fascinating animal. Together with aquarist Valérie Croteau, who works daily with the Aquarium’s giant Pacific octopus, we discover just how incredibly intelligent this animal is. She talks about the toys and enrichment activities that she and her team design to stimulate it.

And with Marie‑Pierre Lessard, Director of Conservation, we discuss the octopus’s very unique reproduction process and its relatively short life expectancy.

Listen to episode 3 (in French only)

Episode 4 - The golden lobster and sea stars

In this fourth episode, we shine a spotlight on our star of the moment—the extremely rare golden lobster—alongside aquarist Marco‑Xavier Cruz‑Barrita. It’s not just its striking golden‑yellow colour that’s remarkable; the story of how it arrived at the Aquarium is just as fascinating.

We also introduce other stars: sea stars. With aquarist Océan Labrecque, we explore just how incredible their abilities are, including their capacity to regenerate an arm.

For sunflower sea stars, however, the outlook is more somber, as they are endangered. Curator Catherine Rousseau offers reassurance: there is hope, notably through breeding programs in institutional settings.

Listen to episode 4 (in French only)

Episode 5 - The leopard sharks and swell sharks

In this fifth shark‑themed episode, we introduce you to leopard sharks and swell sharks. These are two species that Assistant Curator Amélie Bérard‑Lafontaine knows well, as they are part of the Aquarium’s animal collection.

Alongside diver Manuel Ano, we dive underwater to learn more about the lifestyles of these sharks, which have some surprising characteristics.

With aquarist Nicolas Gagnon, we debunk the persistent myths that cling to these predators.

Listen to episode 5 (in French only)

Episode 6 - The Québec's turtles

They may be slow, but they still have a few tricks up their shells! In this new episode, we dive into the fascinating world of Québec’s turtles. Alongside aquarist Léa Gosselin, we get a behind-the-scenes look at a turtle rescue, and with our curator Catherine Rousseau, we learn how our teams successfully helped baby turtles hatch before releasing them back into the wild. Secrets, challenges, and heartwarming stories await.

Listen to episode 6 (in French only)

Episode 7 - The fish

Fish are far more surprising than we might think! In this new episode of Bulles de vie, we break down common myths with aquarist Mathieu Lessard: no, fish don’t just have a three-second memory! And did you know they can be trained like other animals? Alongside external curator Krystel Lacasse-Aubin, we take a look at the highly specialized healthcare they can receive when they become ill.

We also dive into the depths with Director of Conservation Marie-Pierre Lessard to explore a fascinating study: what do fish really hear underwater, and what sounds do they make?

Listen to episode 7 (in French only)

Episode 8 - The sea otters

We lift the curtain on a fascinating species that the Aquarium du Québec had never hosted before: the sea otter! The smallest of marine mammals is as endearing as it is surprising. With trainer Kléo Carrier, we share the moments she experienced when they arrived by cargo plane at the Aquarium, and she introduces us to their quirky sides—they’re tireless players, highly intelligent, and spend hours grooming themselves, and it’s not out of vanity!

In a conversation with the Director of Conservation, Marie-Pierre Lessard, we learn more about the challenge of building a sea otter habitat and just how essential sea otters are to our ecosystem. And with Aquarium Director Nathalie Julien Boucher, we broaden our horizons to better understand the institution’s future ambitions, as it moves forward with this exciting new addition.

Listen to episode 8 (in French only)

Polar bears

It's a real pleasure to watch our three polar bears, Kinuk and Shouka, roaming around their vast habitat, which includes a wooded area and water pools.

Find out more about our polar bears

Arctic foxes

Our three magnificent Arctic foxes, Joséphine, Léonie, and René, are cunning and mischievous, and nobody will ever tire of watching them play.

Seals

Dive into the fascinating world of our harbour seals. Enjoy a unique experience at our brand-new Louphoque exhibit. Come forge a special bond with our seven magnificent harbour seals, who are all exceptional swimmers.

What awaits you at the Louphoque exhibit:

• Modern pools: state-of-the-art facilities designed for the animals’ well-being.
• Underwater views: admire their agility through underwater viewing points.
• Up-close encounters: observe their natural behaviours and captivating interactions.
• Educational moments: meet our animal guides, who will be happy to share all the secrets of this iconic species found along our coasts.

One of the rarest specimens at the Aquarium is our famous golden lobster, whom we call Source! In nature, there is a one in 30 million chance of finding an American lobster with this colour, which comes from a genetic mutation that prevents certain pigments from expressing themselves. And the story of how it arrived at the Aquarium is quite unusual! A fisher from Port-Cartier caught this female and took her to a dealer. The dealer then contacted the Aquarium to prevent her from ending up in a pot.

Apart from its colour, this specimen has the same characteristics as other lobsters of the same species. It is mainly nocturnal and lives in rocky crevices during the day. It can weigh up to 18 kilograms and measure 60 cm, and has a long life expectancy. It moves using its 10 legs and is able to swim backwards with its powerful tail.

• Where: Freshwater and Saltwater Pavilion (near the coastal zone)

Want to learn more about our animals? Scheduled presentations are being replaced by spontaneous interactions. Meet our passionate guides throughout the site during your visit.

The Deep Sea Pavilion is aptly named. As soon as you arrive, you’ll be immersed in the dark, to better admire the captivating beauty of the jellyfish. Then, the seahorses and sea dragons will charm you. A large pool, populated by Atlantic stingrays, closes the visit of this pavilion. And as a delightful touch, you’ll be able to stroke the soft skin of these beautiful ladies of the sea.

The Deep Sea Pavilion is not accessible with a stroller, but an outdoor parking is provided at this location.

• Indoor activity

Upon entering the Freshwater and Saltwater Pavilion, you’ll see a multitude of fish from here and elsewhere. You’ll also enjoy amazing encounters with leopard sharks, scorpion fish, our octopus, and our golden lobster.And you can top off the visit by diving into our immersive adventure projection entitled ImMERsion.

Please note that our coastal zone touch pool, where you can touch sea starfish and sea urchins, is temporarily closed.

• Indoor activity

As impressive as ever, with its 350,000 liters of water, the Awesome  Ocean is getting a makeover - or rather, new fins! Our fish collection has been almost entirely renewed. In a process as fascinating as it is rare, our team of divers has introduced a number of new semi-tropical species: rock crappie, green calicagere, señorita, blacksmith damsel, black surf perch and many other specimens with equally exotic names. These newcomers will stand alongside the tank's star species: leopard sharks.

Discover the beauty of the Arctic through our immersive Artika projection. Young and old alike can admire polar bears, narwhals, walruses, belugas, Arctic foxes, and many other species that live in this corner of the globe. Images captured in the wild and projected onto three-metre-high walls clearly illustrate the richness and fragility of the Arctic.

Cooling down in the polar zone

Come and unwind in our relaxation area transformed into a base camp. Kids can stretch out and play in our little igloos, while grown-ups lounge. A little reminder... don't forget to snap a selfie in our polar photobooth!

We're waiting for you... thrills guaranteed!

See the video of this attraction (in French only)

Hundreds of animated animals will parade before your eyes in our immersive projection room. Eels, polar bears, walruses, Greenland sharks, sperm whales, and giant squid await you. Watch out for the whale that swallows you! Dive into the adventure with us!

This activity is included in your daily access fee.

See the video (in French only)

With EAU'DORAT: Water Sniffing for Beginners, enjoy an olfactory and sensory experience linked to the marine world. Smell the St. Lawrence, marshes, and fish products, and discover the odour of a shark or polar bear. Each scent is associated with a touchable texture representing an animal or a place in this captivating ecosystem. Come and discover our olfactory and sensory interpretation panel.

• Where: first level of the Freshwater and Saltwater Pavilion

See the video of this experience (in French only)

Admire the beauties of Antarctica. The sublime photos of Antarctica by photographer Michel Groleau show a darker reality, that of the impact of climate change on this region of the globe.

In summer, the zone covered by sea ice is 40% less extensive than in 1980. Antarctica is the place in the world where the temperature is rising the fastest. The spectacular glaciers that have been there since time immemorial are in danger of disappearing forever. Our daily actions have an influence on the fate of Antarctica.

• Where: near Espace Artika
• When: every day

Blue Horizon: Protecting the Future

The Aquarium du Québec is committed to providing tangible support for the protection of aquatic environments and the preservation of biodiversity by building partnerships with a wide range of stakeholders. Through our photo exhibition, discover the various projects in which we share our know-how and expertise.

Whether by taking part in cleanup dives, contributing to research projects on marine animals, or initiating the breeding of threatened species—every action counts when it comes to protecting wildlife and plant life.

• Where: at the entrance to the Fresh and Saltwater Pavilion
• When: every day

The water games are an aquatic paradise for kids! They are very much appreciated on hot days. Water jets, interactive water canons, and amusing characters will delight the children ... and adults!

Locker rooms are available near the water games to put on your swimsuit.

• Outdoor activity

Schedule: June 1 to September 2026

A pathway to adventure for young adventurers! There are nets, catwalks, gangplanks, vines, and so on. A way to develop balance and self-reliance while burning up energy!

• Outdoor activity

Purchase souvenirs that reflect the image of Aquarium du Québec and the animals it houses by visiting our boutique. Decorative items, clothing, jewelry, books, postcards, photos, toys, original and exclusive corporate gifts… all sorts of delightful discoveries await you! Open year-round and located in the reception pavilion, our boutique is accessible even if you don't have your membership or a daily ticket.

Série documentaire tournée entièrement à l'Aquarium du Québec

C’est dans les coulisses de l'Aquarium du Québec que les aquaristes, entraîneurs des mammifères marins, techniciennes en santé animale et vétérinaires nous font découvrir les étapes de vie de leurs pensionnaires, qui ressemblent drôlement à ce que nous vivons chez les humains. La naissance, la maladie, la cohabitation, la peur, ce sont quelques-uns des thèmes abordés dans cette aventure aussi instructive que captivante! Avec les explications éclairantes de la biologiste Vikie Pedneault et la narration sympathique de Stéphane Rousseau, toute la famille aura beaucoup de plaisir à vivre cette immersion dans le merveilleux monde aquatique.

Les 10 épisodes sont disponibles pour écoute en ligne.

The restaurant boasts a terrace and a superb view of the St. Lawrence River and the Québec bridges. With a cafeteria-style layout, it offers poutines, pizzas, children's menus, appetizing salads, beverages and more.

Period: open year-round

Note: Due to renovations, the restaurant is closed until June 2026. For a light snack (soup, salad, sandwich), the Aqua Bistro remains open.

You’ve got a sweet tooth? Well, watch out! The BeaverTails^® banner is at the Aquarium! The wide array of flavours, each more succulent than the last, will satisfy your most powerful sugar cravings. Treat yourself with this tasty delight next time you drop by!

Period: open year-round on weekends and every day during summer period

This restaurant is inside L'Atrium in the main building and offers coffee and pastries.

Period: open every day

Outside the restaurant, you can get ice cream cones and other frozen deserts.

Period: open during summer period

Online Activities

Discover the Aquarium du Québec online with your students! In the company of our excellent scientific animators, participate in various activities specially designed for you. Find out more

To book the online game animation (in French only) with one of our guides for your class, please contact us at 418-659-5266, ext. 3815.

The Aqua Lab’

Let your students experience an activity led by our science educators! Getaway games and challenge activities on the program for one and all!

Activity details - 2025-2026 (in French only)

Activity details - 2026-2027 (in French only)

Find out more (in French only)

The Aquavan at your school or at the daycamp!

Here’s an extraordinary opportunity to discover Aquarium du Québec in your school or at the daycamp thanks to our Aquavan educational vehicle! An animal guide will come to your location to present special activities with a real hermit crab or turtle.

The Aquavan at your school - 2025-2026 (in French only)

The Aquavan at your school - 2026-2027 (in French only)

The Aquavan at the daycamp (in French only)

NEW! Aquarium du Québec is registered with the répertoire des ressources culture-éducation (culture-education resources directory)

You could receive financial assistance depending on your project. Fees may be reimbursed (entry fees and transportation costs, for example) for scientific culture workshops held at your school and for organized student visits to scientific culture organizations. For more information and for eligibility conditions, please consult the scientific culture section of the Culture in the Schools program.

Guided and self-guided visits - 2025-2026 (in French only)

Guided and self-guided visits - 2026-2027 (in French only)

Speak with a representative

Request for proposal

Elsewhere at Sépaq