Communities across Canada have organized a record-breaking 440 events to help the public better understand, appreciate, and take action for the ocean. Science talks, exhibits, cleanups, film screenings, and other events kicked off May 31 and peaked this weekend, making Ocean Week Canada 2026 the biggest ocean festival in history.
Photos from Ocean Week Canada celebrations are now available. These images highlight the range of activities and the unique character of ocean connections in different parts of the country. Photos are free to use with attribution.
“Ocean Week Canada’s success this year is a powerful reminder that we all share a connection to the same ocean,” says Diz Glithero, Executive Director of the Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration. “We like to say that Canada’s big coastline is a big responsibility. This year’s turnout has also been a big inspiration– for people in Canada, for the ocean sector, and for ocean enthusiasts around the world.”
Ocean Week Canada celebrations continue today as many national landmarks will light up blue in honour of World Ocean Day. Beginning at dusk on the east coast, expect a wave of blue to roll across the country:
- Government House, St. John’s NL
- Punt Premises, Fogo Island NL
- CN Tower, Toronto ON
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, Toronto ON
- Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls ON
- Vancouver Aquarium, Vancouver BC
- Vancouver Sails (Canada Place) and Convention Centre, Vancouver BC
- Victoria Parliament Building Fountain, Victoria BC
Anyone interested in continuing to explore ocean connections can take part in other events happening in June, explore the ocean from home, or bring ocean learning experiences to their communities. Details are on the Ocean Week Canada website: oceanweek.ca
About Ocean Week Canada
Ocean Week Canada (June 1-8) is coordinated by the Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration in partnership with regional hubs and hundreds of partners across the country. It is the largest national ocean engagement event of its kind, helping to build a society that values and cares for the ocean.
Why Ocean Week Canada?
- With the world’s longest coastline (243,042 km), Canada carries both a unique responsibility and a unique opportunity to be a leader on ocean engagement
- Canadians care deeply about the ocean, but the gap between caring and acting remains wide and ocean health is in decline
- Better understanding of ocean impact is the #1 factor people say would inspire them to change their habits and choices
- With nearly 30-million people living away from the coast, media, exhibits, and storytelling play an essential role in helping people understand their connection to the ocean
- Ocean Week Canada coincides with World Ocean Day on June 8
Contact:
Meghan Callon
Communications and Design Manager
Centre for Ocean Literacy Collaboration
media@centreforoceanliteracy.ca
Download the photo package with caption and credit information