Ripley’s Aquarium – Celebrating 30 Years

In 2013, Toronto gained something it had not seen in decades: a brand-new, world-class tourist attraction. Ripley’s Aquarium opened at the base of the CN Tower, expanding the city’s tourism landscape and helping cement downtown Toronto as a global destination.

Before Ripley’s, the city’s marquee attractions—the Royal Ontario Museum, the Art Gallery of Ontario, the CN Tower, even the Hockey Hall of Fame—were long-established. While Toronto’s restaurants and neighbourhoods offered plenty to explore, the absence of new large-scale attractions meant fewer reasons for international visitors to add the city to their travel plans.

Ripley’s changed that. Strategically located on Bremner Boulevard, the Aquarium added a powerful new anchor alongside the Rogers Centre, Scotiabank Arena, and Metro Toronto Convention Centre. The project’s success depended on building a strong case for its economic impact, demonstrating that a modern attraction could draw tourists, generate jobs, and drive investment. Working with government partners, StrategyCorp helped secure an $11 million provincial grant that brought the project to life.

Today, Ripley’s Aquarium is one of Toronto’s most recognizable destinations. Families flock to see glowing jellyfish and massive freshwater tanks, convention-goers find an unforgettable experience steps away from their meetings, and tourists can easily pair a visit with the CN Tower or a Blue Jays game. The Aquarium has become both a beloved community space and an international magnet, boosting the city’s tourism economy and creating a dynamic entertainment district in Toronto’s core.

Ripley’s Aquarium is more than a successful project—it’s a legacy. It demonstrates how smart public affairs strategy and targeted investment can deliver lasting benefits for a city, its residents, and its global reputation.