Ocean Week Victoria events invite Islanders to explore ocean science, culture and conservation

A sperm whale is seen along the Johnstone Strait northeast of Vancouver Island. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Jared Towers, Fisheries and Oceans Canada)

From shoreline cleanups to deep-sea research talks and immersive ocean films, Vancouver Island is diving into a week of events aimed at strengthening the community’s connection to the water that surrounds it.

Ocean Week Canada runs June 1 to 8 and is timed to coincide with World Ocean Day on June 8, a global recognition of the ocean’s role in climate regulation, biodiversity and supporting coastal communities. The national initiative highlights the importance of ocean and watershed health while encouraging public learning and engagement.

Ocean Week Victoria builds on that effort with a local series of events designed to make ocean science, conservation and coastal culture more accessible through hands-on experiences.

Organizers say the goal is simple, turn curiosity into connection and connection into action.

Here’s a look at confirmed events happening across Greater Victoria during Ocean Week.

Monday June 1

• Ocean Week Pub Trivia A themed trivia night focused on ocean knowledge and marine science. Christie’s Carriage House Pub, 7:30 p.m.

Tuesday June 2, Ocean science and innovation night

• Unlocking the Ocean’s Greatest Mysteries through Innovation and Data Researchers explore how ocean data is used to study deep sea and polar environments. Esquimalt Library, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
• How to Train Your Glider: Adventures with Underwater Robots A behind the scenes look at autonomous ocean gliders used in marine research. Royal BC Museum, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Wednesday June 3, Cleanups, careers and ocean art

• Gorge Beach Clean up A shoreline cleanup along the Gorge Waterway focused on marine habitat protection. Gorge Waterway, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Printmaking with Ocean Specimens A creative workshop using marine specimens from museum collections. Royal BC Museum, 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
• Ocean Opportunities Fair A career focused event highlighting opportunities in marine science and ocean industries. Tillicum Mall, 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Science at the Bottom of the World A public talk on Canadian Antarctic research and climate science. Camosun College Interurban Campus, 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Thursday June 4, Films, research and ocean storytelling

• Screening Ocean with David Attenborough plus panel discussion A documentary exploring global ocean health and conservation solutions. Vic Theatre, 6:00 p.m. to 9:15 p.m.
• Life Aboard Ocean Research Vessels An inside look at work aboard Canadian ocean research ships. Royal BC Museum, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
• DRIFT with Impact Floating with the Whales A floating sound experience featuring whale song and ocean soundscapes. Parkside Hotel and Spa, 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.

Saturday June 6, Coastal wildlife exploration

• Marine Birds of Island View Beach Guided Walk A guided coastal walk exploring seabirds and shoreline ecosystems. Island View Beach, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Saturday June 7, Coastal science, cleanup and hands-on ocean learning

• Kelp Float Dive into Citizen Science Kelp Monitoring A guided paddleboard-based citizen science experience exploring kelp forests and coastal ecosystems at Gonzales Bay. Gonzales Bay, 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
• Entanglements A Scientifically Accurate Ocean Circus Show A performance blending circus arts and science storytelling focused on ocean health and deoxygenation in marine ecosystems. Island Circus Space, 2:00 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
• World Ocean Day Beach Cleanup and Bird Walk (Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse National Historic Site) A full-day program featuring guided bird walks, shoreline cleanup activities and family-friendly ocean education. Fort Rodd Hill and Fisgard Lighthouse, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Sunday June 8, World Ocean Day

• World Ocean Day Celebration at Fisherman’s Wharf A large public celebration featuring marine education booths, touch tanks, conservation groups and family activities. Fisherman’s Wharf, 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
• Marine Ecology Exploration by Paddleboard A guided paddleboard tour exploring intertidal zones and kelp forests, offering a citizen science look at coastal ecosystems. Gonzales Bay, 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Organizers say Ocean Week is designed to bring ocean awareness out of classrooms and laboratories and into everyday spaces whether that is a beach cleanup, a library talk or a walk along the shoreline.

Full listings and updates are available through the official Ocean Week Victoria event calendar.