When you visit Niagara Falls, the thundering water is the main attraction, but just a few blocks away lies another aquatic wonder that deserves a spot on your itinerary. The Aquarium of Niagara is a hidden gem that has transformed from a small local stop into a world-class rescue center and education hub.
If you are planning a trip to Western New York in 2026, you are in for a treat. With the newly opened Great Lakes 360 building and the expanded Shark & Ray Bay, the Aquarium of Niagara offers an intimate, hands-on experience you won’t find at massive commercial parks. Whether you are looking for family-friendly activities or want to support marine rescue, here is everything you need to know before you go.
New for 2026: The Great Lakes 360 Expansion
Aquarium of Niagara
One of the biggest reasons to visit the Aquarium of Niagara this year is the massive expansion known as Great Lakes 360. Located just a short walk (about 500 feet) from the main building, this new facility is included in your general admission ticket.
- What is it? A “living museum” dedicated entirely to the ecosystem of the Great Lakes. It features 16 immersive exhibits showcasing native species like the prehistoric Lake Sturgeon, mudpuppies, and spotted turtles.
- Why visit? It is one of the few places in the world where you can touch a sturgeon—a fish that has existed since the age of dinosaurs. This expansion has turned the Aquarium of Niagara into a multi-building campus, significantly increasing the value of your ticket.
Rescue Harbor: A Home for Blind Seals
Blind Seals
The heart and soul of the Aquarium of Niagara is its commitment to animal rescue. Unlike many aquariums that focus solely on entertainment, this facility specializes in providing a forever home for animals that cannot survive in the wild.
Meet the Rescued Residents
The Rescue Harbor exhibit is home to seals and sea lions with incredible survival stories.
- Blind Seals: The aquarium is famous for caring for visually impaired seals. For decades, it was home to “Della,” a blind grey seal who lived to age 35. Today, the tradition continues with other rescued residents who are deemed “non-releasable” by the federal government due to blindness or injury.
- Trainer Interaction: Watch closely during the daily presentations. You will notice trainers using “tactile cues” (touch signals) instead of hand signals to communicate with the blind animals. It is a touching display of trust that defines the mission of the Aquarium of Niagara.
Shark & Ray Bay: The Hands-On Experience
Shark & Ray Bay
For families, the highlight of the trip is often the Shark & Ray Bay. This isn’t just a viewing tank—it is the only hands-on shark and stingray touch pool within 250 miles of the region.
Modeled after a Florida mangrove forest, this 4,000-gallon shallow pool allows visitors to gently touch White-Spotted Bamboo Sharks, Epaulette Sharks, and Cownose Rays as they glide past. Don’t worry about safety; the stingrays have their barbs trimmed (similar to clipping a fingernail), making them completely safe for children to touch.
Penguin Coast: Meet Timmy and Jules
Timmy and Jules
The Aquarium of Niagara is also home to a lively colony of Humboldt Penguins at the Penguin Coast exhibit. In early 2026, the colony welcomed a new romance that has captivated visitors.
Timmy, a penguin who arrived from Brookfield Zoo Chicago, has paired up with Jules, a rare “hometown” penguin hatched right here in Niagara. Look for Timmy (red and white wing band) and Jules (pink and black band) preening each other—a sign of a bonded pair. Their story is a perfect example of the Species Survival Plan (SSP) in action, working to save this vulnerable species from extinction.
Visitor Logistics: Tickets, Parking & Hours
To make the most of your trip to the Aquarium of Niagara, keep these 2026 details in mind.
- Address: 701 Whirlpool St, Niagara Falls, NY 14301.
- Hours: Open year-round. Typically 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Mon-Thu) and 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Fri-Sun).
- Ticket Prices:
- Adults: $25.00
- Seniors (60+): $23.00
- Children (3-12): $18.00
- Parking: There is a dedicated parking lot at the main building. The cost is a flat fee of $5.00 for cars, which is significantly cheaper than most parking near the falls.
Conclusion
From the new Great Lakes 360 building to the emotional stories of the blind seals, the Aquarium of Niagara is more than just a rainy-day backup plan. It is a place of education, conservation, and genuine connection with nature. By visiting, you are directly supporting the rescue and rehabilitation of marine life in the Great Lakes region.
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