Marineland to open this year with new ownership in Niagara Falls, Ontario

Marineland Canada is set to open its gates for its 63rd season on June 28.

The Niagara Falls attraction announced on Thursday (April 18) that it will open for the summer of 2024, coinciding with the end of the school year and just in time for the July long weekend.

The park anticipates to operate seven days a week until Labour Day.

Marineland’s statement indicated that the park is gearing up for significant changes under new ownership, focusing on its primary attractions and experiences this season. It also mentioned “offering guests a substantial discount on admission, to recognize decades of community support for Marineland and John and Marie Holer.”

While the theme park is nearing the completion of its reopening plans, discussions have also been held about the possibility of operating solely with rides and no animal exhibits. However, these details are still pending confirmation while the company says, “the process of transition to new ownership is proceeding positively.”

Earlier this year, Marineland faced legal challenges, having been found guilty in March of three charges under Ontario’s animal cruelty laws concerning the living conditions of three black bears, which were subsequently removed by Animal Welfare Services.

Additionally, the death of two beluga whales at the park in late March drew significant criticism from animal rights groups, prompting calls for more government action against the facility.

Marineland also had to quash unfounded online rumours that it was laying off all its staff and would not reopen this year. Reports even suggested that the park was slated to close permanently after enduring years of allegations regarding animal mistreatment.

In early 2023, Marineland announced it was seeking new ownership to help transition the park into its future phase. Since the death of its founder John Holer in 2018, his wife, Marie Holer, has owned the park.

Details on tickets and the specific attractions available will be posted on Marineland’s website and Facebook page on May 1, 2024.