What to know
- A recent study by Radical Storage analyzed nearly 100,000 reviews of 200 top global attractions and ranked Ripley’s Aquarium as Canada’s most disappointing and fifth globally.
- Locals are divided: some agree the aquarium is underwhelming or take issue with animal captivity, while others say they’ve heard good things or want to see for themselves.
- Locals interviewed for this story also called other Toronto attractions disappointing, including the CN Tower and the Toronto Zoo.
- Some residents say Toronto is better enjoyed as a place to live than as a destination for world-class tourist sites, suggesting the city’s appeal is more about lifestyle than standout attractions.
Ripley’s Aquarium has been named Canada’s most disappointing tourist spot and ranked fifth most disappointing in the entire world.
Luggage storage expert company Radical Storage conducted a study analyzing nearly 100,000 visitor reviews across 200 of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, and Toronto’s own Ripley’s Aquarium made the list—and not for a good reason.
Here’s the list of the top 10 most disappointing tourist attractions:
- Alton Towers, Staffordshire, U.K.
- Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, U.S.
- Horseshoe Casino, Louisiana, U.S.
- Széchenyi Baths and Pool, Budapest, Hungary
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto, Canada
- Universal Islands of Adventure, Orlando, U.S.
- Siam Park, Tenerife, Spain
- Space Needle, Seattle, U.S. — tied with Graceland, Memphis, U.S.
10. Fushimi Inari-taisha Shrine, Kyoto, Japan
Ripley’s Aquarium, Canada’s largest indoor aquarium with over 20,000 aquatic animals and interactive exhibits, ranked most disappointing in Canada and fifth in the world. So, Now Toronto asked locals whether they believe the ranking is deserved.
’It was very underwhelming,’ an Australian expat describes
Toronto resident Christopher D. says he saw better in Australia, where he’s from.
“I’ve been living here for 10 years, but having been to a lot of tourist attractions across the world, I would say it is very, very overrated,” he told Now Toronto.
Christopher shared that he’s seen great white sharks in Australia, but none like them in Toronto.
“I do think it was very underwhelming,” he stated.
‘I don’t believe in the exploitation of animals for entertainment’: One local says she wouldn’t even visit
Toronto resident Lauren T. says she’s never been — and never would because of the live animals inside the aquarium.
“I’m vegan, so I don’t believe in the exploitation of animals for entertainment, and Ripley’s would be the number one culprit. There are sharks in there, tropical fish, so I would boycott it,” she told Now Toronto.
So, she agrees with the ranking, discouraging people from attending aquariums and zoos for ethical reasons.
‘I’m gonna have to see for myself’: This local has never been, but challenges that narrative
‘I’m gonna have to see for myself’: This local has never been, but challenges that narrative
Toronto resident Jonny S. says he’s never been yet, but the ranking doesn’t discourage him from visiting.
“I’ve never been there before, but I’ve only heard good things. So, I think I’m gonna have to challenge that and say that I don’t agree, and I’m gonna have to see for myself and see how it is,” Jonny told Now Toronto.
‘I just don’t see a lot of entertainment’: This resident says aquariums don’t have much to offer
Toronto resident Mauricio M. says he doesn’t find much entertainment in aquariums.
“I think I went there once, like 15 years ago… I just don’t see a lot of entertainment that I’m drawn to there, aside from going on dates. But even then, it’s like not really paying much attention,” he shared.
Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada officially opened to the public 13 years ago, located at 288 Bremner Blvd., just southeast of the CN Tower.
Toronto’s tourist attractions locals would add to the list of overhyped or disappointing spots
Christopher says he would add the entire city to the list.
“I think that Toronto is great for what’s outside of Toronto,” he shared.
Christopher explains that friends have visited him in Toronto, and the only things he could show were the CN Tower and the waterfront, but there’s nothing “outstanding.”
“I love the city. It’s fun to live in and be immersed in, but I don’t think it has too many outstanding tourist attractions,” Christopher said.
Lauren said the Toronto Zoo is overhyped, as she wouldn’t go to zoos and finds it sad that animals are caged.
Jonny said the CN Tower, as it’s visible from many different spots in the city.
Mauricio agreed that seeing the landmark every day makes it overrated.
“We live in a city, so you can kind of always see it,” he said.
