World Ocean Day at Sherbrooke Nova Scotia

Sherbrooke, a small and close-knit community in Nova Scotia’s Halifax region, has a population of just under 400 people. It’s a quiet village where life is shaped by the rhythms of the nearby ocean, and where everyone knows their neighbors.

This year, something remarkable happened in Sherbrooke. The Whale Sanctuary Project (WSP) chose this humble village to host its first-ever World Ocean Day celebration, inviting Ocean Wise to showcase their Sea Dome display as the centerpiece of the event. Nearly 500 people—more than the town’s entire population—gathered in and around a massive blue tent set up at the Whale Sanctuary Visitors Centre. The tent, with its ocean-themed blue and white stripes, was a striking remnant of an old circus tent that the community had found and painstakingly erected just for this occasion.

“Having the Ocean Wise team join us for our inaugural St Mary’s Ocean Day Celebration was a highlight for both us and our community, with more than 500 participants turning out to learn about the ocean from inside the Dome! The OW team was incredibly kind and collaborative to work with, and we hope to welcome them back for future celebrations.” Alexandra Vance, Whale Sanctuary Project

The day was a true celebration of all things ocean. Visitors enjoyed ocean-themed games, face painting, and interactive displays featuring fascinating artifacts from Ocean Wise and the awe-inspiring Sea Dome. Children, their eyes wide with wonder, dashed off to bring their friends to experience the magic of the Sea Dome, which even welcomed its first-ever canine visitors.

What truly made the day special, though, was the heart and effort that the community poured into making it happen. Sherbrooke, being a remote area with no hotels and limited resources, faced significant logistical challenges in hosting such an event. The Sea Dome needed to be set up outside, requiring a tent large enough to cover it, along with curtains to protect it from the wind, and accommodations for the visiting team. Yet, the people of Sherbrooke rose to the challenge. They found accommodation for the Mobile team and the perfect tent to house the Sea Dome. They took the time and care to set everything up, ensuring the event would be a success. When a member of the Mobile team couldn’t align their flight with the rest of the group, a local volunteer stepped in without hesitation. They made the two-hour drive to the airport that evening to ensure everyone from Ocean Wise could be there, a gesture that perfectly encapsulated the spirit of Sherbrooke.

True to their word, the community showed up in full force. “You’re going to see 400 people,” they had predicted, and indeed, nearly 400 people, including some from nearby communities, stepped inside the dome. Conversations about ocean conservation, science, and the strength of community filled the air, leaving everyone—locals and visitors alike—feeling inspired and deeply connected.

For the team from Ocean Wise and the WSP, this day was more than just an event; it was an unforgettable experience. The warmth, unity, and determination of Sherbrooke’s residents turned World Ocean Day into a celebration of community spirit and the deep connection people share with the ocean.