The Deep Sea Adventure was a submarine ride attraction in West Edmonton Mall.
The submarines were first unveiled in the Phase Three expansion of the mall, in 1985. Each were made out of lead and aluminum, and each weighed around 38 tonnes. A proud catchphrase / fact which was often cited about the attraction was that “there are more Submarines in West Edmonton Mall than there are in Canada’s Navy”.
The attraction featured four submarines which would travel around the world’s largest indoor lake, the same one which hosts the Santa Maria replica, and is connected to the Sea Life Caverns and Sea Lion’s Rock.
Riders would board a submarine, and sit in front of a port hole which looked out into the lake. The sub would travel along a track around the lake, which was filled with undersea decor, ornaments, and even views of live fish. An operator would guide guests with a verbal tour of the expedition.
In 2005, after 20 years of service, the rides were halted. Then, in 2012, it was determined that it would not be feasible for the attraction to ever resume, and the vessels were removed completely.
The submarines of the Deep Sea Adventure at dock 
The Deep Sea Adventure submarines and tower 
The submarines of the Deep Sea Adventure
On March, 19, 2012, the Mall announced it would be removing the submarines from the mall, after they had been sitting stagnant for years. The Deep Sea Adventure ride had been closed since the mid 2000’s, though the vessels were still present in the lake in a decorative capacity. Until this date, the mall’s plans for the fate of the attraction had been unknown.
In a media release from the mall, West Edmonton Mall General Manager Stacey Claffey stated “We spent time looking at how we might be able to use the submarines again, but there weren’t any options that could meet the standards we want in an attraction, […] Our revitalization plans include all areas of the shopping center and the removal of the submarines will certainly help us to better identify a variety of options for Deep Sea Adventure Lake and area.”
While many thought a new exciting attraction would be implemented, the removal of the submarines was followed by a brief implementation of the Deep Sea Derby. Following this, the area around the launch dock and former flamingo viewing area were removed, to make way for more kiosks selling cell phones, investments, and beauty products.
bestedmontonmall.com 
Awww shucks. I was 27 on their maiden voyage, and I thought and hoped that one day we would venture north and spend a week at the mall riding the submarines. We are from South Pasadena, California, and my favorite Disneyland ride was always the submarines, though the Disney lagoon was tiny compared to the West Edmonton Mall lake. And I was 47 when they discontinued and 54 when they were removed. I am now 65 and retiring, and I guess the subs wont be returning, but the West Edmonton Mall will still be a destination for me and my family. We’ll probably stay at one of the hotels. We want to spend at least a month driving around Canada.
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