Description: This is the largest oceanography research centre in Canada and is run by the Federal
Government. It’s located under the A. Murray MacKay Bridge, near the water’s edge.
The first part of the tour is in the main building and we followed the painted "feet" on the floor to the various exhibits which are spread over two floors.
The first room is titled "Mapping Canada’s Ocean Frontiers" and there are a number of
maps on the wall, including the Halifax Harbour and the Bay of Fundy. The fun thing is
that the maps are 3D and glasses are supplied to bring the maps to life.
There is a small theatre with videos that are supposed to run continually but we were there
in the off season so we just watched the one video about mapping the ocean’s floor.
Nearby are models of various coast guard boats as well as a life raft and survival
equipment display.
Downstairs is a model of an iceberg as well as aquarium tanks with
crabs and small fish.
There is a separate section on the Titanic, including a model of what she looked like on the ocean floor and information on the Russian submersible that
explored the ship.
The best part of our visit was the Sea Pavilion, in a small building beside the main site. Inside are large touch tanks with various marine life including starfish, sea cucumbers, clams, lobster, crabs and fish like the flat groupers who stay on the bottom of the tank. Many were missing a limb or otherwise hurt and the guide explained that
divers bring in injured marine life so they can be protected. One tank is the Toddler Tank
with baby marine specimens.
It’s open Monday to Friday from 9 to 4 and there is no admission fee. I think the Sea
Pavilion is only open from May to August.
There is also a small gift shop near the main entrance.
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