October in Vancouver means cozy sweaters, pumpkin spice everything, and the never-ending search for indoor activities that don’t involve more screen time. This year, the Vancouver Aquarium is making fall planning easy with Fin-tastic Fall Days, a month-long celebration that brings autumn magic under the sea.

Running through October 31, this seasonal event transforms the aquarium into a fall wonderland with special activities, exclusive experiences, and plenty of reasons to visit multiple times throughout the month. Here’s everything families need to know about making the most of Fin-tastic Fall Days this October.

What is Fin-tastic Fall Days?

Fin-tastic Fall Days invites families to experience the warmth and wonder of fall surrounded by 65,000 incredible animals—from playful otters to mesmerizing octopuses. The aquarium has embraced the season with bat-themed programming, autumn activities, and special events that bring Halloween fun to the underwater world.

Whether visiting on a rainy weekday afternoon or planning a special weekend outing, there’s something new to discover each time families walk through the doors.

Daily Activities Throughout October

Navigate the Kelp Maze

One of the highlight attractions is the interactive kelp maze that takes visitors on an underwater-themed adventure. Kids can explore every twist and turn while learning about how kelp forests create neighborhoods for marine life. It’s the perfect blend of active play and education that keeps children engaged and moving.

Bat Houses Scavenger Hunt

Families can trick-or-treat their way through the aquarium with a signature scavenger hunt that leads them to different Bat Houses throughout the exhibits. This activity keeps kids entertained while encouraging them to explore areas of the aquarium they might otherwise pass by. It’s a clever way to combine Halloween fun with marine discovery.

Seasonal Bat Talks

The aquarium’s knowledgeable staff hosts special Bat Talks that showcase these fascinating and often misunderstood creatures. These educational presentations happen regularly throughout the day and are perfect for all ages. Visitors learn surprising facts about bats while gaining a new appreciation for their important role in ecosystems.

Daily Animal Feeds

Watching feeding time never gets old, and during Fin-tastic Fall Days, families can catch daily animal feeds that bring them closer to the aquarium’s residents. These interactive moments offer insight into animal behavior and care while creating memorable experiences for children who love watching the animals in action.

The Bugs 4D Movie Experience

This fall brings a brand new 4D theatre experience that’s both educational and thrilling. The Bugs 4D movie takes viewers into the tremendous lives of tiny creatures on the big screen with full sensory effects that make the experience come alive.

This squirm-worthy adventure is designed to be exciting without being too scary for younger children, while still entertaining enough for older kids and adults to enjoy. It’s the perfect addition to an aquarium visit, offering a break from walking while keeping everyone engaged and entertained.

Fall Flavours and Keepsakes

No fall visit is complete without seasonal treats and souvenirs to take home. The aquarium offers hot chocolate served in adorable souvenir bat mugs that kids can keep as a memento of their visit. The gift shop is also stocked with fall-themed stuffies and keepsakes, from otterly adorable plush toys to bat-themed merchandise that extends the fun beyond the visit.

These small touches make the experience feel special and give families tangible memories to take home

Special Event: Underwater Pumpkin Carving (October 18-31)

Mark your calendars for the second half of October when the aquarium unveils one of its most magical experiences. From October 18-31, visitors can watch divers carve glowing pumpkins beneath the waves in daily underwater dive shows.

This unique spectacle combines the artistry of pumpkin carving with the wonder of scuba diving, creating a mesmerizing show that captures the magic of both Halloween and marine life. It’s something families won’t see anywhere else in Vancouver and makes late October visits extra special.

The underwater pumpkin carving shows happen daily during this period, so families have multiple opportunities to catch this incredible display.

Adults-Only: Fish & Sips Oktoberfish Editions

While Fin-tastic Fall Days offers incredible family experiences, the aquarium hasn’t forgotten about adults who need a night out. Fish & Sips: Oktoberfish Editions provide two chances this month for grown-ups to experience the aquarium after hours.

When to Go

• Saturday, October 4
• Friday, October 10

What’s Included (All for Just $35)

These adults-only evenings (19+) transform the aquarium into an Oktoberfest celebration with a marine twist. Guests can explore Canada’s largest aquarium after hours without the daytime crowds, making it an intimate and unique experience.

Live Entertainment:

Legendary local band Side One provides live music throughout the evening, creating a rockin’ ocean dancefloor atmosphere that brings energy to the event.

Oktoberfest Fare:

outh-watering bratwurst and pretzel combos are available for purchase, along with local craft beer and other refreshing beverages. The aquarium encourages guests to purchase drink tickets at the door before lining up at the bar.

Animal Meet-and-Greets:

Exclusive opportunities to get up close with some of the aquarium’s residents make these evenings truly special. The Amazon Gallery is open for visitors to meet rainforest residents and catch exclusive Bat Talks designed for adult audiences.

Bugs 4D Experience:

The creepy-crawly 4D theatre adventure takes on a different feel during these adult-only nights, offering a fun and slightly spooky experience perfect for the season.

Complimentary VR Adventure:

All Fish & Sips guests receive complimentary access to the new Undersea Explorer VR Adventure (a $10 value). Space is limited and not guaranteed, so arriving early is recommended for those wanting to try this immersive experience.

These events are perfect for date nights, girls’ nights out, or just a fun evening with friends. At only $35 per person, they offer exceptional value for an unforgettable Vancouver experience.

Making the Most of Your October Visits

With so much happening throughout the month, here are some tips for planning visits to Fin-tastic Fall Days:

Early October (Oct 1-17): Perfect for families who want to experience the kelp maze, scavenger hunts, Bat Talks, daily animal feeds, and the Bugs 4D movie without the added excitement of pumpkin carving. Weekdays tend to be less crowded.

Late October (Oct 18-31): The underwater pumpkin carving shows begin on October 18, making late October visits extra magical. This is ideal timing for families wanting the full Fin-tastic Fall Days experience, especially during the week leading up to Halloween.

Adults-Only Nights: Book tickets early for Fish & Sips on October 4 or 10. These events sell out and offer a completely different way to experience the aquarium.

Multiple Visits: With activities running throughout the month and special events on specific dates, families might want to visit more than once. An annual membership pays for itself in just two to three visits and includes perks like priority entry and bonus guest tickets.

Ready to Plan Your Fin-tastic October?

Visit vanaqua.org for tickets, membership information, and full event details.