Ocean Week is about to make a splash throughout Victoria. The eight-day festival will feature a range of educational events, all to help us appreciate the ocean life that surrounds our Island.

This is the third in-person celebration of Ocean Week Victoria—the festival was launched in 2020, but cancelled twice because of the pandemic—and this year there will be nearly 200 events across Canada, with Victoria hosting 30+ from June 1-9. 

“Why a whole week of activities to learn about the ocean? Well, all life depends on the ocean,” said Heather Murray, organizer of World Ocean Week Victoria. “Every second breath you take comes from the ocean.” 

Murray says it’s important to appreciate the value of a healthy ocean in our day-to-day lives—and those of future generations.

The week will come to a head next weekend for World Ocean Day—with 10 different ocean-loving activities happening across town and a final celebration at Fisherman’s Wharf on Sun. June 9. 

From paddleboarding and kayak tours to marine-themed arts and crafts, and ocean pub trivia, there are plenty of activities for kids and adults alike. Check out the list below:

Saturday, June 1

Family Beach Day and Stand-Up Paddleboarding  |  9am-1pm | Free

Take the whole family to Cadboro Bay Beach for some fun in the sand and a chance to try stand-up paddleboarding.

Ocean Week at the Gorge Waterway Nature House | 10am-2pm | Free

Join in on games, crafts, guided watershed walks, and interact with live animal ambassadors at Gorge Waterway Nature House. 

Museum Tots: Beach Life | 10:30am | Free

The museum’s weekly education series for children aged 3-5 will have a beach theme this week. 

Deep Sea Defenders | 12-2pm | Free

Help raise awareness about the harms of deep-sea mining at the Greater Victoria Visitor Centre near the Inner Harbour. 

Sea Lanterns Workshop | 2pm-3:15pm | $30.

Create your own lantern, decorated with sea glass and other treasures at the Maritime Museum. 

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Sunday, June 2

Community Day at the Maritime Museum | 9:30-4:30pm | Free

Enjoy a free day at the Maritime Museum, and join a lino-cut printmaking workshop in the afternoon.

Surfrider Foundation Beach Cleanup | 11am-1pm | Free

Join this beach cleanup at Witty’s Lagoon to keep this beloved Island beach in pristine condition. 

World Ocean Day in Sidney | 11am-3pm

Celebrate Ocean Day a week early and spend the day at the Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea in Sidney. Check out our behind-the-scenes photo series of the aquarium by James McDonald.

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Monday, June 3

Otters and More! | 10am-2pm | Museum admission fee

Immerse yourself in all things otter-related at the Royal BC Museum. 

Say NO to Deep Sea Mining | 4:30-6pm | Free

Join the Grandmothers Advocacy Network Victoria for a virtual seminar to learn all about the harms of deep sea mining.

Ocean Trivia at Ross Bay Pub | 7-9:30pm | Free

Test your marine knowledge at this ocean-themed trivia night at the pub.

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Tuesday, June 4

Estuary Clean & Beach Seine | 9:30am-12pm | Free

Meet at Regatta Point Park to join in on this cleanup, from the Bay Street Bridge and the Selkirk Trestle.

Your Salish Sea Neighbours Tour | 2-2:30pm | Museum admission fee

Get to know your underwater neighbours—all 3K of them—at this RBCM workshop. 

Land To Sea: Food Webs in the Great Bear Rainforest | 7:30pm | Free 

Join this virtual webinar about the vital connections between the land and sea. 

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Wednesday, June 5

Tsawout Beach Clean Up | 9:30am-12:30pm | Free

Join Tsawout Fisheries to preserve the natural beauty of T̸IX̱EṈ!. Lunch will be provided.

Marine Conservation Amidst Climate Change | 7-8:30pm | Free 

This virtual presentation is ideal for those experiencing climate anxiety—learn about innovations in conservation and small steps to take to preserve our ocean environments. 

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Thursday, June 6

Talks and Networking Night | 7-8:30pm | Free

Join this evening of talks, followed by mingling and networking with other ocean lovers at Ocean Networks Canada’s office on Arbutus Road. 

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Friday, June 7

United Nations World Oceans Day Celebration | 7-10:30am | Free

Join this early-morning virtual celebration for World Ocean Day.

Intertidal Walk with Seaquaria | 10am-12pm | Free

Head to Cattle Point for a scavenger hunt that will teach you about marine species.

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Saturday, June 8

Science & The Sea | 9am-4pm | Free

Visit the Institute of Ocean Sciences for a unique educational experience: demonstrations, interactive exhibits, and ship tours.

Clover Point Parkrun: Ocean-Themed | 9-10:30am | Free

Join this 5km run, with an ocean twist—dress up in your favourite ocean-themed costume for this free fun run.

RAVEN Beach Cleanup Fundraiser | 10am-12pm | By donation

Meet at Willows Beach to clean up our local waters and fundraise for the Heiltsuk First Nation as they deal with cleaning up a devastating oil spill.

FUNdraiser Paddle and Ocean Clean Up | 10-11:30am | $35

Head to Willows Beach, meeting at the north end of Esplanade (near the stairs), to take part in this fundraising paddle.

World Ocean Day - Fort Rodd Hill | 10am-4pm | Museum admission fee

This seaside historic site will host this ocean-themed day. 

Museum Tots: Whales | 10:30am | Free

The museum’s weekly education series for children aged 3-5 will have a whale theme this week. 

Sea Glass Jewellery Workshop | 2-3:15pm | $30

Make some stylish sea glass jewelry at this workshop at the Maritime Museum. 

Natural History Speaker Series: Whales (Sooke) | 3-4pm | Free

Learn about the whales that visit or live in Island waters at the Sooke Region Museum. 

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Sunday, June 9

Kelp Float | 9:45-10:45am or 11am-12pm | Free

Enjoy a relaxing paddle through a local kelp forest, meeting at Gonzales Park. 

World Ocean Day Celebrations | 11am-4pm | Free

Cap off the week with the main celebratory event for World Ocean Day Victoria, happening at Fisherman’s Wharf. There will be multiple local businesses involved in the “blue economy” taking part to share their love of the ocean, with several activities to “dive” into.