Tides, Seals, and Subtidal Wonder: Inside the Fundy Discovery Aquarium

ST. ANDREWS ATTRACTION FIELD GUIDE

Tides, Seals, and Subtidal Wonder: Inside the Fundy Discovery Aquarium

At the Huntsman Marine Science Centre’s Fundy Discovery Aquarium in St. Andrews you can explore Bay of Fundy marine life, watch seal antics, and study a life‑sized tide display; this guide explains hours, admission and what to expect.

Tides, Seals, and Subtidal Wonder: Inside the Fundy Discovery Aquarium.

Duration
Contact operator
Location
St. Andrews
Operator
Huntsman Marine Science Centre
Category
Attraction
Robert Eric Crews
Founder & Editor, The Adventure Collective
Published Verified

Perched on the shores of the Bay of Fundy, the Fundy Discovery Aquarium brings the province’s tidal drama and coastal ecosystem into sharp, intimate focus. Inside, a life‑sized tide display anchors exhibits of intertidal creatures, underwater viewing of local fishes, a gigantic subtidal pool and a lobster tank; daily seal programming and roaming grounds with beach access round out a visit designed to register with both kids and seasoned naturalists.

Highlights

Outing Highlights

THE TIDES

Life‑sized Bay of Fundy Tide Display

A central, life‑sized exhibit demonstrates the magnitude of the Bay of Fundy’s tides—one of the defining features of the local marine environment and a focal point for the aquarium’s interpretation.

THE WILDLIFE

Seal Antics and the Subtidal Pool

Visitors can meet the harbour seal during scheduled Seal Talks and watch marine life in the aquarium’s large subtidal pool—programming designed to showcase local species and animal care in action.

THE EXHIBITS

Creature Feature Talks and Underwater Viewing

Daily talks and gallery exhibits put the region’s fishes, lobsters and intertidal creatures front and centre, with opportunities for live demonstrations and interactive Q&A during peak season programming.

What the day feels like

What a Visit Feels Like

A visit unfolds at an easy pace: enter to a dramatic tide display, move through galleries that reveal intertidal life and underwater fish viewing, gather for scheduled Seal Talks and Creature Feature sessions, then stroll the grounds—if tides allow—to the shoreline for a direct sense of the Bay of Fundy. The program is family‑friendly and built to connect visitors to the scale and behaviour of local marine life.

Suitability

Who it's for

Who this visit suits—and who should plan differently.

1
Active FamiliesIdeal: family rate and child pricing make it approachable; infant admission is free, and interactive exhibits plus seal programming keep children engaged.
2
School & Group TripsGood match: groups of 20 or more receive a 10% admission discount (must contact the operator after booking and pay together); discounts cannot be combined with other offers.
3
Seniors and StudentsAccessible: there are specific reduced rates for seniors and students during peak season, making the aquarium suitable for older visitors and learners.
4
Casual SightseersWell suited: exhibits and short scheduled programs mean a meaningful visit can be achieved in a single day pass without specialized gear or long hikes.

Practical planner

Details to review before reserving

Hours & Admission

Regular open hours are 9:30–4:30pm; regular admission includes a day pass to the Fundy Discovery Aquarium. Seal Talks are scheduled daily at 11:00am and 3:00pm (subject to change); Creature Feature Talks run Monday–Friday at 2:00pm from June 24 to August 21 with rotating topics.

What to Bring & Payment

Plan to pay by credit or debit card—cash is not accepted and American Express is not accepted. No special clothing or gear is required for gallery visits.

Booking Notice

Review cancellation policies before reserving.

Frequently asked questions

Planning Your Outing

What are the aquarium’s open hours?

Regular open hours are 9:30–4:30pm.

When are Seal Talks scheduled?

Seal Talks to meet the harbour seal (Snorkel) are scheduled daily at 11:00am and 3:00pm, subject to change or cancellation without notice.

Are there additional talks or feeding demonstrations?

Creature Feature Talks are offered Monday to Friday at 2:00pm from June 24 to August 21 with topics including Atlantic salmon, seahorse, whales, Bay of Fundy tide pools and American lobsters; topics and times may change.

What are the admission rates during peak season?

Peak season rates are: Adults (18+): $20 + HST; Senior/Student (65+): $18 + HST; Children (4–17): $14 + HST; Infants (0–3): free; Family Rate (2 adults + up to 3 dependent children): $55 + HST (online booking fees may apply).

Is cash accepted?

No. The aquarium does not accept cash; payment is by credit or debit card only and American Express is not accepted.

Do groups receive a discount?

Yes. Groups of 20 or more receive a 10% discount on admission. Contact the operator after booking to have the discount applied; the group discount cannot be combined with other discounts and the entire group must pay together.