Vanislander / Festivals and Events / Ocean Week 2025 on Vancouver Island

Top Ocean Week 2025 Events on Vancouver Island

The Most Anticipated Ocean Week Events Across Vancouver Island

From June 1 to 8, 2025, Vancouver Island invites you to immerse yourself in Ocean Week—a celebration of our marine environment through a series of engaging events. Communities across the island are hosting activities that blend education, culture, and adventure, offering something for everyone. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, these events provide unique opportunities to connect with the ocean and learn about its significance.

Victoria & Sidney

1. Community Day at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

• Date: June 1
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
• Location: Sidney
• Highlights: Admission by donation to the aquarium; part of the World Ocean Day festival at Beacon Park.
• Tip: Combine your visit with the festival for a full day of ocean-themed activities.
Read more about Community Day at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea

2. World Ocean Day Celebration in Sidney

• Date: June 1
• Time: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Beacon Park, Sidney
• Highlights: Free community event with family-friendly activities and ocean-themed exhibits.
• Tip: Ideal for families looking for engaging and educational experiences.
Read more about World Ocean Day Celebration in Sidney

3. Family Intertidal Exploration

• Date: June 1
• Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Location: Rainbow Park
• Highlights: Explore the intertidal zone with experts from the Maritime Museum of BC.
• Tip: Wear waterproof footwear for the best experience.

4. Ocean-Themed Pub Trivia

• Date: June 2
• Time: 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM
• Location: Christie's Pub
• Highlights: Test your knowledge with ocean-related trivia hosted by Sixty Watt Trivia.
• Tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot.

5. Specimen Spectacular: Ocean Week Pop-Up Display

• Date: June 3
• Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Royal BC Museum
• Highlights: Explore marine specimens and chat with curators.
• Tip: Great for those interested in marine biology and natural history.

6. Return of the Sea Otter Webinar

• Date: June 5
• Time: 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
• Location: Online
• Highlights: Learn about sea otter conservation efforts with Pacific Wild's Marine Specialist.
• Tip: Register in advance to secure your spot.

7. World Ocean Day at Fisherman’s Wharf

• Date: June 8
• Time: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Fisherman’s Wharf
• Highlights: Celebrate with over 20 organizations, live performances, and interactive activities.
• Tip: Don't miss the performance by the lək̓ʷəŋən Traditional Dancers at the start of the event.

8. Sea Kayaking & Intertidal Exploration

• Date: June 2, 2025
• Time: 12:00 PM – 2:30 PM
• Location: Oak Bay Marina, Victoria
• Highlights: Embark on a guided 1 hour and 45-minute kayak tour, pausing midway at a local beach for an intertidal exploration. Learn about the remarkable world of seaweeds found in the Salish Sea, including identification, edibility, nutrition, culinary tips, spa uses, and their ecological importance.
• Features: Suitable for all skill levels; registration required due to limited space.
• Tip: Bring waterproof footwear and a sense of curiosity to fully enjoy the intertidal exploration.

Disclaimer

Vanislander provides information for general reference only. We do not assume responsibility for any changes, cancellations, or modifications made by third parties. For the most up-to-date details, please refer to the official websites or social media channels of the respective organizers or businesses.

Campbell River

9. World Ocean Day Festival

• Date: June 8
• Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM
• Location: Maritime Heritage Centre
• Highlights: Family-oriented festival with music, vendors, and ocean displays. Discovery Passage Aquarium offers half-price admission; Maritime Heritage Centre has admission by donation.
• Tip: Bring the whole family for a day of fun and learning.

10. Seaweed Innovation Hub Open House at NIC

• Date: June 4, 2025
• Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: North Island College, 1685 South Dogwood Street, Campbell River, BC
• Highlights: Tour the Seaweed Innovation Lab, learn about seaweed research projects, create seaweed art, and sample seaweed snacks.
• Features: Hands-on tours; wheelchair accessible; suitable for all ages. • Admission: Free
• Tip: No registration required; event is part of Ocean Week Campbell River celebrations.

11. Greenways Birding Sea Watch

• Date: June 5, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Location: Discovery Fishing Pier, Campbell River, BC
• Highlights: Join Greenways Land Trust for a Sea Watch Birding Adventure. Utilize high-powered spotting scopes and binoculars to observe seabirds in their natural habitat, with guidance from expert staff.
• Features: Outdoor event; wheelchair accessible; pet-friendly; suitable for all ages.
• Admission: Free
• Tip: No registration required; drop in any time during the session.

Parksville

12. World Ocean Day Celebration at The Beach Club Resort

• Date: June 8
• Time: 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
• Location: The Beach Club Resort, Parksville
• Highlights: Sustainably sourced seafood stations, welcome drink, complimentary tastings from local beverage partners, and a coastal celebration filled with incredible food and inspiring stories.
• Tip: Tickets are $89 per person; book early to secure your spot.

Ucluelet

13. Build-A-Whale at the Ucluelet Aquarium

• Date: June 4
• Time: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Ucluelet Aquarium
• Highlights: Hands-on educational program featuring the skeleton of a real offshore orca, allowing participants to assist in constructing her skeleton while learning about the biology, ecology, anatomy, evolution, and conservation of killer whales.
• Tip: Ideal for those interested in marine biology and conservation.

14. Marine Ecology Talk at Ucluelet Aquarium

• Date: June 4, 2025
• Time: 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
• Location: Ucluelet Aquarium, 180 Main Street, Ucluelet, BC
• Highlights: Delve into the intertidal and pelagic ecosystems of Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds. This session covers seaweeds, invertebrates, marine mammals, and local oceanographic conditions.
• Features: Indoor educational presentation; wheelchair accessible; suitable for all ages.
• Admission: Free
• Tip: Seats are limited; please register in advance through the Raincoast Education Society website.

15. Mini Microscopes at Ucluelet Aquarium

• Date: June 2–3, 2025
• Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Location: Ucluelet Aquarium, 180 Main Street, Ucluelet, BC
• Highlights: Explore marine life up close using handheld microscopes. Examine various specimens, including petri dishes, marine animals in resin, and prepared slides.
• Features: Interactive indoor exhibit; wheelchair accessible; suitable for all ages.
• Admission: Adults: $18; Seniors (65+): $16; Students: $13; Youth (4–17): $11; Children 3 and under: Free.
• Tip: No registration required; admission tickets available at the door.

Nanaimo

16. Waves of Change at Neck Point Park

• Date: June 8
• Time: 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• Location: Neck Point Park
• Highlights: An inspiring event blending hands-on action and meaningful education to highlight the importance of protecting our aquatic ecosystems.
• Tip: Bring gloves and appropriate footwear for shoreline activities.

Planning Your Ocean Week Adventure

• Transportation: Vancouver Island is accessible via ferry, air, and road. Plan your route in advance to ensure timely arrival at events.
• Accommodation: Consider booking accommodations early, as Ocean Week attracts visitors from across the region. Options range from hotels and B&Bs to campgrounds.
• What to Bring: Comfortable clothing, reusable water bottles, and a sense of curiosity! Some events may be outdoors, so check the weather forecast and dress accordingly.

Embark on a journey of discovery during Ocean Week 2025 on Vancouver Island. Each event offers a unique opportunity to connect with the ocean and the communities that cherish it. Dive in and experience the wonders that await beneath the surface.

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