BROCKVILLE OFFERS NAUTICAL FAMILY FUN
Kate Heartfield takes us to Brockville’s Aquatarium on the shore of the Saint Lawrence River, where a trio of otters are the star attraction, and where there’s plenty more to keep the kids active, entertained and informed.
QWhat is the Aquatarium at Tall Ships Landing?
AIt’s a 27,000-sq.- ft. interactive interpretive centre about the history and ecosystems of the Thousand Islands region. It opened this spring in the heart of Brockville, right on the shore of the Saint Lawrence River. Since it opened on March 1, it’s had more than 30,000 visitors, exceeding projections.
Q How do I get there?
ABrockville is a little more than an hour’s drive from Ottawa. Take Hwy. 416 to Hwy. 401. Or, if you want to go through Merrickville and check out two pretty towns in one day, Hwy. 15 south from Merrickville is a pleasant drive, dotted with old houses and small farms, and takes you to the 401 just this side of Brockville. From the 401, take the second Brockville exit, Hwy. 29, going south into the heart of town. This becomes Broad Street, which takes you right to the Aquatarium at the water’s edge. There is pay parking inside the building and nearby.
A new free shuttle links the aquarium to local hotels on Saturdays in the summer.
QHow much does it cost?
AAdult admission is $19.99 plus tax. Seniors and youth pay $14.99 and children between 4 and 12 pay $9.99. Children under 3 are free. The Ropes Course and Aqua Drop cost extra. Attendants for people with disabilities have free admission, and group rates are available.
QHow much time do we need?
AFor the Aquatarium itself, two hours should do it. It’s generally open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
QWho is it for?
AIt’s an educational centre that’s geared toward children, but there are things for the whole family to enjoy. The Ropes Course and Aqua Drop, which let you climb across the rigging of two ships, are only available for people over the age of 8. The building is accessible.
QWhat is there to do?
AThe Aquatarium’s three otters — Brock, Oliver and Ivy — are the stars of the attraction, in their glass-walled habitat. Otter feeding happens at 11:30 a.m. every day, so that’s a good time to catch them splashing and diving. Aquariums, a touch tank and the recreations of several ships teach about the life of the region. Younger kids will keep busy in the water-table area, in the activities-filled Castle Library or climbing up to the scramble ropes in HMS Ontario.
QIs there shopping nearby?
AThe Aquatarium is a short walk from the shops, bakeries and restaurants of Brockville’s pleasant downtown. At the Aquatarium itself, shop for toys and clothes in the gift shop or for nautical themed housewares, clothing and art at the adjoining Dockside Living shop.
QWhat should I bring?
AA change of clothes and dry shoes for each kid who’s likely to play at the water table. There are waterproof bibs, but it’s easy and tempting for kids to arrange the system of pipes in such a way that they splash their pants and shoes, too. Bring a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen if it’s summer, as the boardwalk by the waterfront is sure to call you. No outside food is allowed.
QWhat if we get hungry?
AThere are several restaurants within a few blocks of the Aquatarium, including the new Tall Ships Waterfront Grille in the same complex. If the weather is nice, walk one block up and one block over to Don’s Fish and Chips on Water Street, for takeout wrapped in newspaper. A “regular” sized order of fries will set you back $3.75 plus tax and is big enough to share.
From there, it’s a two-minute walk along the water to Hardy Park, which has plenty of picnic tables, a bandstand by the river front and a play structure.
QIs there more to do in the area?
ANext to Hardy Park is the Brockville Museum. And just outside the Aquatarium you can set off on an adventure on the Fair Jeanne, or just admire the 18thcentury style brigantine from the shore. You can find out more about the Fair Jeanne at tallshipsadventure.org.