Inevitably a summer day finds the kids and I wondering what to do especially when the rain falls nonstop. I saved this outing for a rainy day and that day arrived last week! So off we went to explore the Shaw Ocean Discovery Center in Sidney B.C. that just opened in June this year. The kids were soooo happy to get out of the house with their cousins. I knew that we would be entertained but the center surprised us. With ages ranging from 3 to 12 and in between everyone was completely engrossed in the variety of displays offered for exploring the creatures of the underwater world. I forgot the camera as I herded the gang into the van so don’t mind the iphone shots below, not as clear as I would have liked- it was so colourful and interesting, once again, I couldn’t resist taking photos!
What I loved was that there were many, many unique creatures that I had never seen before. Having lived on the west coast all my life and taken in the shores and many aquariums one would think they’d seen it all- but there are countless creatures to explore big and microscopic! The large aquarium windows framed the colourful creatures that performed endlessly for us. The 17 massive aquarium habitats are home to thousands of fish, invertebrates and marine plant life including a giant octopus that we all were thrilled to examine. All these creatures live in 87 tonnes of seawater! We also loved exploring the microscope stations which were just fascinating to peer thru exposing marine creatures we never get to see up close.
This wonderful center was designed for visitors of all generations to gain new insight into the ocean and what each and everyone of us can do to cherish and respect the ocean ecosystem. As we exited we were prompted to write and post a promise of how we will, in our own, way help to preserve the ocean. The kids each talked about their promise as we drove home in the rain reflecting on the exciting ocean adventure that will inevitably lure us back for further discovery.
The Saanich Peninsula is bursting with lots of fun summer activities and businesses that offer exciting experiences. I love to support and promote the local business community and hope thru sharing ideas in Julie’s Favourites blog that you discover new and exciting places to visit and share as well. Do you have a favourite summer activity to share with us? or a business that offers something we should all check out? Don’t keep secrets! Do let us know!
This looks like so much fun! I will have to check it out!!!