Ocean Week events happening in Greater Victoria this week

Victoria’s biggest marine celebration is back and making waves across the city. There are multiple opportunities to immerse yourself in all things ocean-themed, from educational events to on-the-water activities.

Ocean Week Victoria is a local celebration that happens alongside Ocean Week Canada and World Ocean Day on June 8. It’s the perfect occasion to reflect on the value of our local waterways and fall deeper in love with the natural environment that surrounds our Island.

From family-friendly festivals in downtown Victoria and Sidney to educational talks at the Royal BC Museum and local libraries, find new ways to discover our blue backyard.

Check out the full list of Ocean Week Victoria events below.

Happening all week

Ocean Week Radio Trivia | Now through June 8

Listen to The Q 100.3 or The Zone 91.3 every morning to hear about local Ocean Week Canada events and jump into interactive trivia moments for local prizes.

Carbon Sink: Interdisciplinary Art Work | June 1-8

Head to Oak Bay Marina during operating hours to view this immersive multidisciplinary installation that merges kelp weaving, underwater video, and sound design to draw audiences into the hidden world of kelp forests and seagrass meadows. Free.

‍ Saturday, May 30

The Gorge Splashtacular Ocean Festival | May 30 | 12-4pm

The official kickoff event for Ocean Week Victoria! Join Seaquaria Ocean Education and the Gorge Waterway Action Society outside of the Gorge Park Nature House for ocean-themed crafts, an interactive touch tank, a scavenger hunt, and more. Free.

Marine Ecology Exploration by Paddleboard | May 30 | 9-10:30am

This guided paddleboard tour will take you through the wonders of our local intertidal zones. The paddle begins at Gonzales Beach. Registration required, fees may apply.

Sunday, May 31

Open Water Drop-in Dive | May 31 | 9am-2pm

Certified divers, including beginners, can join this dive along our local shores, meeting at Wilson Diving Shop. Suitable for teens and adults. Free to join, gear rentals available.

Oars for Ocean | May 31 | 9am-5pm

Join the Gorge Narrows Rowing Club for a guided, hands-on rowing experience. Multiple time slots available. Cost: $25.

World Ocean Day at Fisherman’s Wharf | May 31 | 11am-4pm

Join 30+ Victoria organizations for a day celebrating ocean conservation and education. This family-friendly event will have interactive activities, marine exhibits, a touch tank, live diving presentations, ocean conservation displays, face painting, and more. Free.

Ocean Week Canada Film Screening | May 31 | 4-6pm

Head to the Sidney Star Cinema for a selection of water-themed short films from Canada and around the world, highlighting urgent environmental challenges and innovative solutions. Fees may apply.

Monday, June 1

Ocean Week Pub Trivia Night | June 1 | 7:30-11pm

Put your ocean knowledge to the test at this trivia night at Christie’s Pub. Registration isn’t required, but spots fill up fast—make sure to come early. Free entrance.

Tuesday, June 2

Unlocking the Ocean’s Greatest Mysteries through Innovation and Data | June 2 | 5-6:30pm

Learn about the work of Ocean Networks Canada at the Esquimalt Library Branch as two ONC experts dive into their experience working with local deep-sea and remote Antarctic areas. Free.

How to Train Your Glider: Adventures with Underwater Robots | June 2 | 6:30-7:30pm

This 45-minute presentation at the Royal BC Museum will guide you through the present and future of robotic ocean observation. Free.

Marine Debris and its Origins | June 2 | 7-7:30pm

This presentation by Dr. Hauke Blanken at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club will look at the impacts of lost shipping containers, focusing on a 2021 incident near the Island. Free.

The Impacts of Commercial Ship Anchorages | June 2 | 7:30-8pm

This presentation by Dr. Cathryn Murray, at the Royal Victoria Yacht Club, highlights the impact of anchoring commercial ships on the ocean’s ecosystem health. Free.

Wednesday, June 3

Gorge Beach Clean-up | June 3 | 9:30-11:30am

Show our shores some love at this beach cleaning event, meeting at Regatta Point Park. Personal paddleboards and kayaks are welcome for getting to hard-to-reach shorelines. Free.

Printmaking with Ocean Specimens | June 3 | 11am-2pm

Learn how to make prints using specimens from the Royal BC Museum Handling Collection, led by scientist and artist Cindy Wright. Fees apply.

Sea Glass Jewelry Workshop | June 3 | 2-3:15pm

Head to the Crystal Pool to learn about the history of sea glass and create jewelry with wire-wrapping techniques and locally sourced sea glass. Cost: $30.

Ocean Opportunities Fair | June 3 | 4-7pm

Interested in a marine-focused career? Learn about professional ocean opportunities at Tillicum Mall. Free.

Ocean Week Advanced Evening Drop-In | June 3 | 5-8pm

Advanced open-water divers can go deep on this free dive along our local shores, meeting at Wilson Diving Shop. Advanced certification required. Free to join, gear rentals available.

Science at the Bottom of the World | June 3 | 6-7:30pm

Head to Camosun Interurban Campus to hear from Canadian scientists who journeyed to Antarctica with plans to investigate the effects of climate change—and the twists that occurred along the way. Free.

Thursday, June 4

Ocean Career Pathways: Candid Panel | June 4 | 5-6:30pm

Hear from four ocean professionals at the GVPL Central Library Branch as they share candid career stories, practical advice, and the many ways to build a career connected to the ocean. Free.

Screening: Oceans with David Attenborough | June 4 | 6-9:15pm

See the remarkable documentary, narrated by the legendary David Attenborough, at the Vic Theatre and catch a panel discussion, featuring ocean experts, afterwards. Free, registration required.

Life Aboard Ocean Research Vessels | June 4 | 6:30-7:30pm

This special presentation at the Royal BC Museum will explore what it's like to travel the seas on a research vessel, including the different roles and tasks, and how to get involved. Free.

Saturday, June 6

Ocean Week Canada Discover Snorkeling | June 6 | 9am-2pm

This guided mini adventure at Saxe Point Park will have you swimming above vibrant marine life. Suitable for ages 10 and up. $90+.

Marine Birds of Island View Beach | June 6 | 10am-12pm

This guided nature walk through Island View Beach Regional Park teaches participants all about the marine birds found there, including identification, life history, and fun facts. Free.

Discover Coastal Wildlife with the Prince of Whales | June 6 | 10am-4pm

Visit this interactive exhibit in the Inner Harbour for a fun learning experience about marine conservation and the wildlife of the Salish Sea. Free.

Art with Impact: Live Art for Conservation | June 6 | 12-4pm

Witness artist Dana Batho provide a live painting experience in the atrium of the Parkside Hotel. The completed pieces will be auctioned off online afterward. Free.

Entanglements: A Scientifically Accurate Ocean Circus Show | June 6 & 7 | 2:30-4pm & 6-7:30pm

Island Circus Space pairs contemporary circus art with scientific research to tell the story of ocean deoxygenation and its impacts on local marine ecosystems. Cost: $30.

Saltwater Tongues | June 6 | 6:30-9pm

This marine-themed art and poetry showcase will take place at Caffe Fantastico. Free.

Sunday, June 7

Kelp Float: ‘Dive’ into Citizen Science Kelp Monitoring! | June 7 | 10-11:30am

Float on paddleboards in Gonzales Bay and learn about the enchanting world of kelp forests with Mer Tales Ocean Journeys.

Sidney World Ocean Day Celebration | June 7 | 11am-3pm

Shaw Centre for the Salish Sea’s annual World Ocean Day Celebration is back for 2026! Head to Beacon Park on the SETINES/Sidney waterfront for science and conservation exhibitions, art stations, touch pools, games, photos, and more. Free.

Monday, June 8

SṈIDȻEȽ Resiliency Project | June 8 | 10am-2pm

Join Habitat Acquisition Trust and PEPÁḴEṈ HÁUTW̱ for a day of ecological restoration. Training, tools, and snacks provided. Free.

Marine Ecology Exploration by Paddleboard | June 8 | 5-6:30pm

Finish off Ocean Week with one last guided paddle. Glide across the water in Gonzales Bay and explore the vibrant intertidal zone and kelp forest. Costs may apply.