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Special Events

Impress your guests as you host a sustainable holiday party, retirement gathering, wedding ceremony or wedding party reception, fundraising gala, product launch, or award ceremony with private access to the entire Fundy Discovery Aquarium!

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It isn’t everyday that you get to mingle and celebrate amongst the underwater residents of the Bay of Fundy. Our team of professionals are able to transform the Fundy Discovery Aquarium to meet your special event needs.

Venues

Both the Anderson Gallery and Flemer Gallery are on the first floor of the Fundy Discovery Aquarium and able to comfortably host 150 guests in a reception style event or 72 for a more formal seated dining experience. Seasonally our beautiful grounds, viewing decks and low tide intertidal beach access provide additional fabulous event space for your guests to enjoy.

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Food & Beverage

The Huntsman is committed to work towards a #DebrisFreeFundy and our event catering practices reflect this in our approach to serve menu items in the absence of personal single-use plastics throughout our Huntsman Marine Hospitality operations. Food and beverage stations may be placed throughout our Galleries and grounds (seasonally and weather permitting) to facilitate strolling dinner events. The Fundy Discovery Aquarium and its grounds are licensed to provide options for wine pairings or operate a cash bar during your special group event. (Please note that bar service (alcohol) must conclude at least thirty (30) minutes prior to the scheduled end of your event)

Optional 'Edutainment' Activities

  • Interpretation – Huntsman naturalists and interpreters will be available to engage your guests throughout the Fundy Discovery Aquarium Galleries and exhibits, including animal facts and inner workings to operate the Aquarium facility (Program Length: Up to 3 hours).
     
  • Snorkel Interactions – Our mascot Snorkel will interact with your guests and provide fantastic photo opportunities (Program Length: Two 30-minute appearances possible).
     
  • Into the Bay of Fundy – Enhance your event with this great opportunity to allow your guests to touch and hold a series of tide pool animals, such as sea stars, sea urchins, sea cucumbers, etc., under careful observation of a Fundy Discovery Aquarium Naturalist/Interpreter (Program Length: Up to 2 hours).
     
  • Diver Interaction – Guests are provided a unique opportunity to observe a diver within the Bay of Fundy tank and interact with your guests through the viewing glass (Program Length: One 30-minute dive).
     

  • Informative Talk – Guests enjoy a 20-minute informative presentation in either the Anderson Gallery or Dunn Science Theatre that may be tailored for:

 

  • History of the Huntsman to Fulfill Our Ocean Mission

  • Towards a #DebrisFreeFundy

  • Biodiversity of the Bay of Fundy

We hope you choose to host your next special event at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium in beautiful St. Andrews by-the-Sea! Your special event will support the Huntsman ocean mission to inspire stewardship, advance marine sciences through collaborative research, and deliver inspirational educational experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Is there a discounted rate for different nights of the week or during the off-season?
    Yes, discounted rates are offered for Fundy Discovery Aquarium rentals and food and beverage minimum for special events that take place during our off-season (October through April) and on Sunday – Tuesday inclusive during May through September.
  • When do you require a final guest count for a special event?
    The final guest count must be communicated to your Huntsman point of contact seven business days prior to your special event. If you are offering preselected entrée options to your guests then the final breakdown of meals must also be provided at this time.
  • What is the deposit payment schedule?
    You will make three separate payments before your special event hosted at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium. The initial non-refundable deposit is due upon signing the contract equal to 33% of the contracted total to save your date. The second deposit of 33% will be due three months before the special event to provide your firm commitment. The final 34% payment is due seven business days before the special event and coincides with your final guest count.
  • Does the Fundy Discovery Aquarium host on-site wedding ceremonies?
    Yes, we are able to host ceremonies both indoors throughout the Fundy Discovery Aquarium or outside on our grounds. The ceremony fee includes event staff for the ceremony, ceremony rehearsal (time and location subject to availability), chairs, speakers, and a microphone. Additional fees apply for ceremonies that begin before 7:30 p.m. during the months of July and August.
  • Is there a food and beverage minimum order?
    Yes, a food and beverage minimum is required for all private special events hosted at the Fundy Discovery Aquarium and varies based on the type of event and space required.
  • Are there limitations in the way my special event may be decorated?
    Yes, certain guidelines apply for decorations, flower arrangements and conduct during your special group event to ensure safety and well-being of all Fundy Discovery Aquarium animals and consistent with our mission to protect the ocean environment. We specifically prohibit elastic bands, rubber/silicone wristbands, balloons, glow items such as sticks, bracelets, necklaces, Hawaiian leis, toothpicks, skewers, stirrers, certain plant materials, cans or bottles, marbles, sand, small toys, ribbon, Mylar, confetti, glitter, rice, birdseed, live fish, and dried marine life. Seashells are allowed in vases only. Candle flames must be enclosed by glass (for example, hurricane lamps or votive holders). Please discuss your decorating options with our knowledgeable staff.
  • Does the Fundy Discovery Aquarium have audiovisual capacity to support a special event?
    Yes, the Anderson Gallery is equipped with a projector/screen and audio to ensure your presentation is a success. Of course, the Dunn Science Theatre may also be used for presentations within the comfort of a modern theatre setting.
  • Are outside caterers permitted to serve food or beverages?
    No, all food and beverages must be provided by Huntsman Marine Hospitality.
  • Does the Huntsman provide set-up furniture for my special event?
    Yes, Huntsman offers complimentary house tables, chairs and a set of linens that we will set-up for a specific number of guests attending your special group event. We are happy to also discuss accommodation of specialty linen and upgraded chairs for use during your event.
  • Am I permitted to play amplified music within the Fundy Discovery Aquarium?
    Yes, but amplified music will be monitored to remain within a reasonable sound level for the safety of our animals. Band restrictions may apply for indoor special group events.
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