This change will help streamline transactions across the aquarium—from admissions and food outlets to retail and special events—making purchases quicker, easier, and more secure for both guests and staff.

Only have cash? No problem. We’ve got you covered with two complimentary Cash-to-Card kiosks at the aquarium. Simply load your cash onto a prepaid card at no cost and use it anywhere within the aquarium—or anywhere else that credit or debit cards are accepted. 

As of May 2026, the aquarium will solely accept electronic payments. These include all major credit and debit card providers (Visa, MasterCard, AMEX, Discover) and secure mobile payment systems (Apple Pay, Google/Android Pay, Samsung Pay). We do not accept cash, however, guests can transfer cash onto a prepaid card through a simple and safe process at two Cash-to-Card Kiosks located in the Gift Shop and Courtyard Café at the Vancouver Aquarium.

This is not a capability available at this time.

Transitioning to only accepting electronic payments such as debit cards, credit cards, and mobile methods like Apple Pay, Vancouver Aquarium will provide a faster, safer and more guest-friendly experience, similar to Rogers Arena, BC Place, Vancouver Lookout, and the PNE. Team Members will spend less time handling cash and more time serving guests.

No, cryptocurrencies will not be accepted at the Vancouver Aquarium.

Guests can transfer anywhere from $5 to $500 onto a prepaid card at two kiosks located throughout the aquarium. This transfer process is free, and the card can be used throughout the facility and any outside locations where credit or debit cards are accepted.

The Cash-to-Card Kiosks are free to use; there is no fee to load cash onto the prepaid card. If the card is used regularly, there is no recurring fee. After 92 consecutive days of no transaction activity, however, a $3.95 fee will be charged each month. To avoid this fee, simply use the card within 91 days.

Cash is not given back if there is a balance on the card. The card can be used anywhere credit and debit cards are accepted.

None! Use of the kiosks is anonymous, helping make the cards provided among the most secure forms of payment possible.

The card can be used anywhere payments are made throughout the Vancouver Aquarium. Outside of the aquarium, it can be used at any location that accepts credit or debit cards.

Prepaid cards cannot be reloaded. Instead, get a new prepaid card free of charge at a nearby Cash-to-Card kiosk.

There are several ways to check your balance. First, you can swipe the card and see the balance at any Cash-to-Card Kiosk. You can also visit RCbalance.com or call the number listed on the back of each card.

There are no penalties or fees if you attempt to make a purchase that is larger than the amount of funds on the card. You will need to provide another form of payment to complete the transaction or load additional money onto a new card.

First, please be sure to take the receipt issued during your transaction at the Cash-to-Card Kiosk. This will list the amount of cash you deposited. Then, head to the Guest Services desk. A Host will work with the card provider to resolve the error as quickly as possible so you can get back to fun!

Vancouver’s Water is Better on Tap. We only offer Vancouver’s tap water at the Aquarium – it comes filtered, fresh from the mountains, and is safe to drink. You’ll find dispensers throughout the building – enjoy!

Serving it to you warm, while keeping our kitchen cool. Our kitchen appliances are connected to an energy-efficient exchange loop that redistributes heat throughout the building. We save energy by using the heat already produced in our café to warm galleries like the Amazon.

We only serve shade grown, organic coffee. Buying shade grown ensures our coffee grows under the shade of the rainforest canopy, preventing deforestation, and protecting animals like our Goeldi Monkeys.

All dishware and food waste is composted, and turned into Class A compost that is used to grow certified organic alfalfa and hops in the Lower Mainland.

We only feed our guests sustainable seafood to ensure that our seafood is harvested in a method that ensures limited bycatch on non-target and endangered species, and that populations are abundant and resilient.