Sunshine Coast Whale Festival

In collaboration with the Blue Act Marine Society, the Sunshine Coast Conservation Association, and the Loon Foundation, Ocean Wise will host the Sunshine Coast Whale Festival, a weekend event (Aug 14th-17th, 2025) celebrating local cetacean biodiversity and highlighting the research efforts and citizen science initiatives currently underway in the area to help protect and recover these iconic animals. Events in Gibsons, Sechelt, and Pender Harbour!

Schedule of Events

August 14 | 6PM – 8:30 PM | Whales and Ales Trivia Night at Persephone Brewing
1053 Stewart Rd, Gibsons
Test your sea smarts at our ocean-themed trivia night and help support vital whale research with Ocean Wise! From deep-sea mysteries to whale songs and watery wonders, it’s a splash of fun for a fin-tastic cause.

August 15 | 5:30PM – 8 PM | Wild Whales Research and Community Science Symposium at the Gibsons Public Market
473 Gower Point Rd, Gibsons
Take a deep dive into the world of whales with leading whale experts for an inspiring evening of ocean science, storytelling, and discovery at the Gibsons Public Market. Light refreshments will be served. Registration opens soon.

August 16 | 11AM – 11:45PM | The Gibsons Whale Trail Unveiling Event, at the Gibsons Landing Harbour Authority Public Wharf
611 School Road, Gibsons
Join us for the unveiling of the Gibsons Whale Trail Sign at the Gibsons Public Wharf! Gibsons Harbour is the newest location to be added to the Whale Trail, a network of over 100 sites to view marine mammals from shore. Featuring a presentation from Whale Trail founder and Author of Orca Rescue! The True Story of an Orphaned Orca Named Springer. Please note there will be no parking at the Harbour parking lot; attendees must park up on the road or walk over to the event. 

August 16 | 10AM – 4PM | Gibsons Whale Fest at the Public Market
473 Gower Point Rd, Gibsons
Visit the Ocean Wise Sea Dome! Dive into the underwater world of whales in an immersive video featuring humpback whales, sperm whales, dolphins and more. Learn about local cetacean biodiversity and highlighting the research efforts and citizen science initiatives currently underway in the area to help protect and recover these iconic animals. Meet the Locals at Tidepools Aquarium, with free admission from 10am-4pm sponsored by BC Ferries.

August 17 | 10AM – 12PM | Ocean Wise Sea Dome in Sechelt
Location TBA
Visit the Ocean Wise Sea Dome! Dive into the underwater world of whales in an immersive video featuring humpback whales, sperm whales, dolphins and more.

We are honoured that this festival takes place on the unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), shíshálh Nation, and Tla’amin Nation.