Ucluelet Aquarium, Public aquarium in Ucluelet, Canada

The Ucluelet Aquarium is a non-profit public aquarium overlooking Ucluelet Harbour on Vancouver Island's west coast. Its permanent building opened on 1 June 2012, after a seasonal mini-aquarium ran from 2004 to 2011. Raw seawater is pumped continuously through the exhibits, which hold invertebrates and fishes native to Barkley Sound and Clayoquot Sound, including the Giant Pacific Octopus, rockfish, crabs, bivalves, feather duster worms, bay pipefish, sea anemones and sea pens.

The facility started in 2004 as a waterfront initiative and gradually grew into a permanent structure. The current building opened in 2012 and has been introducing visitors to the region's marine life since then.

The facility sits on the traditional territory of the Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ First Nation and reflects the importance of local marine life to the region. Visitors experience a direct connection to the ocean ecosystem that has shaped community life here for generations.

The permanent building overlooks Ucluelet Harbor, and its seawater outflow feeds several tidepools on the adjoining public beach, which visitors can explore at low tide. Groundbreaking took place on 29 June 2011, and the doors opened on 1 June 2012. The building was designed to show its sustainable green technology to visitors.

All marine animals spend roughly nine months in the tanks before returning to the ocean. This approach means the displays constantly change, giving visitors the chance to see different species each time they visit.