The easiest way from downtown Vancouver to the Vancouver Aquarium is the number 19 bus. It runs along Pender Street, crosses into Stanley Park, and stops at the Stanley Park Loop, a short walk from the aquarium.
Taking the 19 from Waterfront or Burrard
The 19 is the one bus that goes right inside Stanley Park, which is why it is the usual choice. Two downtown places make good starting points. From Waterfront Station, which you can reach by Canada Line or SeaBus, walk to the stop on West Pender Street. From Burrard Station on the Expo Line, the stop is on West Pender at Burrard Street.
The 19 follows Pender past Gastown and Waterfront and then heads up toward the Stanley Park Causeway. When you reach the park, get off at the Loop and walk to the aquarium, which is at 845 Avison Way. Allow about five minutes on foot from the bus stop.
Check the TransLink trip planner for live times and detours before you go. Stops and service patterns change, and the planner tells you which way the bus is heading from the stop you pick.
Walking in from Coal Harbour or Canada Place
Many visitors walk instead, since the shoreline route is flat and scenic. Head west from Canada Place along the Coal Harbour waterfront, then follow the seawall and the signs for Stanley Park. The park is large, and the aquarium sits inside it, so the walk is longer than the route to the park gate itself. Wear comfortable shoes and use a map app for the best route and time from your starting point. The seawall also fills with cyclists and skaters on sunny days, so stay on the walking side.
By car and by taxi
Driving to Stanley Park is possible, but parking can be busy in summer. The aquarium website has the current directions and parking information, so look there before you go. Traffic into the park slows at peak hours on weekends and holidays.
A taxi or rideshare drops you close to the entrance, which helps with small children or strollers. Compare costs ahead with the taxi fare estimator or the Uber calculator. The Vancouver taxi page lists local cab service for the ride back downtown.