This summer, the Manitoba Museum is welcoming a new pod of friends in the Science Gallery!

Critical Distance is an augmented reality (AR) experience that follows Kiki – an eight-year-old orca – and a group of southern resident orcas known as J pod. Seen through the eyes of Kiki, Critical Distance offers a unique and immersive AR experience where visitors can interact with sound waves and touch elements to learn about echolocation, noise pollution, and the daily perils facing this critically endangered pod as they navigate life in the Salish Sea.

Harnessing the power of Meta’s Quest 3 virtual reality headsets, Critical Distance allows visitors to engage on a deeper level with the ocean and its inhabitants, fostering an appreciation and understanding of marine life.

Each 15-minute AR session is limited to eight participants and subject to availability. This experience is open for visitors aged 10 and older.

Critical Distance was created by Adam May and Chris Campkin and produced by VISION3.

This exhibit is presented by Nature Canada, in association with the Alliance of Natural History Museums of Canada, with support from Saturna Island Marine Research and Education Society (SIMRES).