After a busy three weeks on the road, the Ocean Wise Mobile Education team wrapped up their spring tour of Southern Ontario! With nine events spanning over 1,500 kilometres and reaching 4,717 participants, it was an amazing opportunity to inspire youth about the wonders of the ocean. Here are some of the highlights!
Bramalea to Hamilton
Our tour began at Bramalea City Centre, where we engaged shoppers in conversations about ocean animals from the tropics to nearby Hudson Bay, discussing the magnificence of animals big and small. From Bramalea, the team travelled to Hamilton to share the Ocean Wise Sea Dome with students at Bennetto Elementary School. Students were thrilled to learn about the connection between local freshwater systems and the world’s ocean, expressing interest in acting in their community to protect our blue planet.
Hamilton to Niagara
From Hamilton we travelled south to the Niagara region where we set up activations at two public libraries. At St. Catharines Public Library, we saw student groups from two local schools. We heard from one school that their students don’t often get to take part in external programming due to the lack of free programs in the region, demonstrating the importance of accessible ocean education! From St. Catharines, our team headed to the Niagara-on-the-Lake Public Library, where we spoke with another school group as well as lots of parents who brought their young children to experience the Ocean Wise Sea Dome. They were excited to learn about the strong connections between the shorelines of Lake Ontario and Canada’s coastlines.
“I wanted to thank your team for the educational, interactive program on Tuesday. Our community had so many positive things to say! We would be happy to host you again for another event in the future.” – Jen Dell, Programming and Outreach Librarian, St. Catharines Public Library
Niagara to Sarnia
In the following days, the team drove across Southern Ontario to Sarnia where we set up the Ocean Wise Sea Dome in Lambton Mall. So many folks showed up and for many, it was their first time learning about Ocean Wise.
“We love to help connect people with marine animals that they wouldn’t normally get to connect with and inspire curiosity. The response has been overwhelmingly positive! It’s been amazing to connect with so many different communities.” – Breanne Keil, Educator, Ocean Wise
Sarnia to London
Next up, we stopped at London Children’s Museum – the first children’s museum established in Canada! Having kids and adults experience the Ocean Wise Sea Dome added extra fun to the existing educational exhibits.
London to Toronto
One incredible stop on our journey was at the Toronto Zoo! We were excited to be joined by Ocean Bridge Ambassadors at this event – they brought so much energy and enthusiasm. Every Ocean Wise Sea Dome presentation of the day was full!
“Please extend my gratitude again to your phenomenal team for the tour stop at the Brick Works! They were so knowledgeable, engaging, and flexible. I truly appreciated the energy they brought to a quieter Monday afternoon on site! We hope to see your mobile team again at the Brick Works next year!” – Jessica Vuong, Program Coordinator, Evergreen Brick Works
Toronto to Ottawa
Our final stop in Ontario, before heading to Quebec, made a lasting impression. At St. Laurent Mall in Ottawa, we wrapped up with a powerful wave of community engagement. We ran back-to-back sessions in the Ocean Wise Sea Dome, adapting each one to meet the needs of our diverse audience—ensuring accessibility for individuals who are hearing or visually impaired, neurodivergent, or have mobility challenges.
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