The Vancouver Aquarium's AquaVan rolled into the region on Wednesday, splashing down at various places until the end of the month.
"Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre's mobile education program, AquaVan, delivers award-winning aquatic programs to schools and communities throughout British Columbia, Alberta, and beyond," said Alexis Brown, a spokesperson for the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre. "Since 1994, over 400,000 students and community members have shared an up-close and personal experience with live aquatic animals and discovered the connections we have with our natural environment."
Most of the locations on the AquaVan tour are schools, for the education and fun of those students. However, the entire public gets to see them make waves at The Exploration Place on Sunday during a full public appearance from noon to 4 p.m.
"The AquaVan is an outstanding chance to meet our underwater neighbours up close and personal," said Tracy Calogheros, CEO of The Exploration Place. "We have had them here before and they are always well received. This time they are coming on an outreach grant so the winner is the public. No charge to spend some time with the aquarium's professional staff and watery ambassadors."
There are no tickets for this event, it is first come-first serve so don't miss out.
"I understand they will bring at least one touch-tank," said Calogheros, "and then when you are done with the AquaVan there is always the opening weekend of The Little Prince steam engine and the launch of Frozen Paddle ice cream in the scoop shop - those aren't free though."
The train will be running from noon to 8 p.m., Thursdays through Mondays, all summer long.
Regular admission applies to the museum and the Fort George Railway, but all aspects of the AquaVan will be free of charge.
After an opening visit to Westwood elementary on Wednesday, the AquaVan will visit several other schools in the area.
