ABOUT US

The Whale Interpretive Centre

The Whale Interpretive Centre was home to the largest public collection of marine mammal skeletons in British Columbia. The WIC is run by the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society, a registered charitable organization that was established in 1993.

The WIC opened in 2002 based on recommendations from the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Committee, co-chaired by the Department of Fisheries and Oceans and BC Parks, for a land-based interpretive centre to be established in the Johnstone Strait area.

The WIC's mission is to increase public awareness about the biology of marine mammals and the anthropogenic threats facing their populations. With its extensive collection of skeletons, artifacts, and educational material, the WIC educated over 120,000 visitors from around the world.

On December 31, 2024, a fire broke out on the Telegraph Cove historic boardwalk, destroying multiple buildings, including the beloved Whale Interpretive Centre. The WIC's entire collection was lost.

Despite the fire, the heart of the WIC remains and rebuilding efforts are underway, speared forward by its dedicated community. Three skeletons - a Dall’s porpoise, Risso’s dolphin, and the only pygmy sperm whale ever recorded in BC - were off site at the time of the fire; they will form the foundation of the new Whale Interpretive Centre.

We appreciate everyone's support and patience as we navigate this new chapter.

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