On Telegraph Cove’s historic boardwalk, the Whale Interpretive Centre explores the marine mammals of Johnstone Strait and the Salish Sea. Displays include whale bones and other specimens, interactive features, and information about local whale communities, marine life and whaling history. The centre is rebuilding its collection after a fire, so what is on display is still growing. Staff-led talks and activities for children add context, and the surrounding cove has shops and restaurants to explore before or after your visit.
A museum on Telegraph Cove’s boardwalk
The Whale Interpretive Centre is in the old lumber warehouse once owned by Telegraph Cove Mills and Broughton Lumber and Trading Co. Its boardwalk location places it among the historic buildings of Telegraph Cove, where shops and restaurants are close by.
Founded in 2002, the centre is run by the Johnstone Strait Killer Whale Interpretive Centre Society. Its purpose is to help people learn about marine mammal biology, habitat needs and the threats facing local species. The collection is being rebuilt after a fire, and displays continue to grow.
Marine mammals and local whale communities
The centre focuses on the animals of the surrounding waters, including killer whales, fin whales, humpback whales and sea otters. Displays use bones, specimens, posters and interactive features to explain marine life and the place these animals have in the ecosystem.
The collection has included a blue whale jaw, whale teeth and ear bones, as well as specimens and skeletons from several marine mammals. A display mapping the families of Northern Resident killer whales connects individual animals with the local whale community. Exhibits also cover whaling history and whales’ place in Indigenous culture.
Talks and activities for children
Staff and volunteers can answer questions about whales and other local wildlife. Guided talks provide a way to explore the subject in more depth, while programs for children introduce biodiversity and animal adaptations in the Salish Sea.
If you are visiting with children, ask what activities are available on the day. The centre’s visual displays and interactive features give younger visitors ways to engage with the subject alongside the specimens.
Planning your visit
The centre is at 1610 Telegraph Cove Road, on the historic boardwalk. Admission is charged, and advance ticket purchase is recommended. The centre has a restroom and a gift shop with marine-related items.
Telegraph Cove is busier during the summer months, when its shops and restaurants are active. Give yourself time to walk around the historic community before or after the museum. The centre’s collection is still being rebuilt, so displays may continue to change as it grows.
Häufige Fragen
Where is the Whale Interpretive Centre?
It is at 1610 Telegraph Cove Road in Telegraph Cove, on the historic boardwalk.
What can you see at the Whale Interpretive Centre?
Displays cover local marine mammals, whale communities, whaling history and the Salish Sea. The centre has bones, specimens and interactive features, with its collection growing as it is rebuilt.
Are there activities for children?
The centre runs children’s programs about biodiversity and animal adaptations in the Salish Sea. Ask staff what is available during your visit.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
Advance ticket purchase is recommended. Admission is charged.
