Visitor Information

The Whale Interpretive Centre (WIC) is located in a renovated historical site (the "Old Freight Shed") in Telegraph Cove on Northern Vancouver Island. Telegraph Cove, British Columbia is a very picturesque, historical boardwalk community. It is highly frequented by international, maritime and local community visitors due to its unique aesthetics, fishing and wildlife watching. The prime location of the Whale Interpretive Centre is key to its success  as it allows exposure to an established and very wide audience.


Visitor Hours 

The Whale Interpretive Centre is now closed for the 2024 season. Please keep an eye on our social media pages for information about the 2025 season!

We recommend that you allow a minimum of half an hour for a visit to the WIC. 
Please note that no dogs (with the exception of service animals) are permitted within the WIC!

Our season is early May to the end of September. 

Admission

The vast majority of our funding comes from our admission fee and generous donations from the public. These are what allows us to continue to update our exhibits and pursue our public education goals. Our admission fee (including GST) for 2024: 

Adults: $6.30
Kids (age 3-12): $4.20
Kids (2 and under): Free

Season's Passes

For unlimited access to the WIC, consider a season's pass! We offer both individual and family season passes, where family passes include two adults and their children. Prices (including GST) are below:

Individual: $21.00
Family: $36.75 

An Overview of Exhibits

  • Articulated skeletons of many local species, including juvenile fin and humpback whales, two killer whales, and a Steller sea lion
  • A genealogy chart of the entire population of Northern Resident Killer Whales
  • A life sized model of a juvenile killer whale
  • Information on the work of Dr. Michael Bigg and the importance of the Michael Bigg Robson Bight Ecological Reserve
  • History of Whaling in Western Canada
  • Tours of exhibits led by knowledgeable staff
  • An interactive "kids corner" with hands on games and activities
  • And much more!

How to Get to Telegraph Cove and the Whale Interpretive Centre


The WIC is located on Northeastern Vancouver Island in British Columbia, Canada. Telegraph Cove is 15 km from Highway 19 via the Beaver Cove Road.


Driving times via Highway 19 are approximately:

1 hour South of Port Hardy

20 minutes South of Port McNeill

2.5 hours North of Campbell River

4 hours North of Nanaimo



Meet our Interpreters!

Meet Gillian!

Meet Tyra!