Stanley Park is quite large. We are dedicating the whole day to the experience. There is plenty to keep us busy. In fact, we are weighing our options. The current diversion is the Vancouver Aquarium. We walk from the bus stop at the edge of the park around Brockton Park and its Totem Park to get to the aquarium complex.

After walking a few miles and dilly dallying in the park, it is time for lunch. As soon as we hit the entrance, we take a hard left into the cafeteria where I buy a plate of poutine. Only in Canada does fast food include fries covered in brown gravy and cheese curds. Delicious! While my husband isn’t enthusiastic, the bright eyed crow perched on a nearby chair is waiting to steal a bite. Not on my watch! Every last curd is mine.

Rejuvenated, we head into the main hall. I have to pause to take a selfie with the World Cup polar bear referee. It seems the whole town is World Cup crazy. Next door in the rain forest gallery, the animals couldn’t care less. A turtle has flipped on his back and struggles to right himself. The keepers are on alert, but are letting the little guy work it out himself. A sloth is uncharacteristically moving steadily on his jungle gym.

The aquarium tanks are vibrant and varied. They have hundreds of fish species. Of course they feature North Pacific specimens. I am always fascinated by sea horses and mesmerized by jelly fish. But in this aquarium the wow factor goes to the sea pens. They look exactly like Thomas Jefferson could pick one up and sign the Declaration with it. A living creature that looks like a quill pen. Who knew?

There are lots of galleries to walk through. We happily dodge aggressive stroller pushers and dancing children. I try not to be frustrated when I am stepped on. It is an exciting place for little ones (and for us old ones). It is easy to lose yourself and forget to be spatially aware.

Eventually we finish the upstairs galleries and venture outside where there are many tanks for seals and sea lions. There is also ice cream, a combination that makes us smile. The weather is near perfect. And for a few hours, I am lost in childlike wonder. Animals have that effect on me.

Eventually we head back inside. There are axolotls and lizards. There is a display on dragons. There may have been snakes, but I have put that out of my mind. Instead, I will head back into the park dreaming of sea stars and colorful fish. And I will look into the Bay with a fresh perspective about what lies below the water line.