Exhibit / Canada’s Arctic
Canada’s Arctic
The Aquarium’s Canada’s Arctic exhibit tells the story of the changes experienced by the animals, land and people, and engages visitors with cutting-edge technology and mesmerizing animals.
Please note this exhibit is temporarily closed to encourage social distancing. Please view our COVID-19 special advisory page for more information.
Overview
In the grip of change
Canada’s Arctic is vast, diverse and changing. It is home to one of the largest archipelagos in the world and to animals well-adapted to living with ice. This exhibit shows how climate change is affecting this vast, remote area. By establishing active connections between visitors and this fascinating region, the interactive exhibit fosters awareness, understanding and relationships between those in the North and the rest of Canada.
What You'll See
Beauty below the ice
If you think the Arctic is a desolate place, you’d be surprised at how much life thrives within and beneath the sea ice that’s drifting on the ocean.
What You'll See
Changing by the minute
Canada’s Arctic is undergoing some of the fastest and most dramatic changes in the world. Although researchers are desperately racing against time to document the diversity of life in this region, the sea ice is thinning and shrinking around them.
What You'll See
Rare collections
The underwater Arctic is bursting with colour, and we’ve collected some of the most interesting marine animals from that region.
Featured
Go behind the scenes
Participate in interactive sessions alongside Aquarium interpreters, biologists and trainers. You’ll be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the habitats of some of the animals at the Aquarium where you’ll help our trainers in a feeding or training session. Participate in interactive sessions alongside Aquarium interpreters, biologists and trainers. You’ll be able to get a behind-the-scenes look at the habitats of some of the animals at the Aquarium where you’ll help our trainers in a feeding or training session.
How we help
Improving our understanding of the Arctic
From research on beluga acoustics and collaborative work on narwhal distribution and movement, to subtidal marine ecology, Ocean Wise scientists and staff conduct and contribute to important Arctic scientific research. Our work recognizes the important connections people in the North have with the natural environment, and we regularly collaborate with Arctic Indigenous communities to ensure our work is both relevant and meets the needs of Canada’s northernmost residents.
01
Ikaarvik: barriers to bridges
The word “Ikaarvik” means “bridge” in Inuktitut. Youth in Arctic communities become the bridge between research and their communities, exploring the strengths of both Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and science as ways to understand the natural world and working with their communities to identify and act on local research priorities
02
Plastics in the Arctic
Ocean plastic pollution is a truly global problem and the Arctic is no exception. Ocean Wise researchers are studying the prevalence and impacts of microplastics in Arctic sea water and sediments, and in marine life from zooplankton to beluga whales. 2-3 sentences plus photo plus link to CORI Plastics Lab or link to new Plastics webpage for the Arctic. Link to OOE and DFO partnerships.
03
Arctic marine mammals
Ocean Wise researchers are studying the biology and ecology of Arctic marine mammals, including important and iconic species such as beluga whales, narwhals, seals and walruses. Researchers at the Coastal Ocean Research Institute’s Ocean Pollution Program study the extent and impacts of contaminants in ringed seals and beluga whales.