The Whale Interpretive Centre (WIC) is 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 to provide a venue in which to increase public awareness about the biology of marine mammals and the anthropogenic threats facing their populations.

The WIC is open from May to the end of September. There is an admission fee which, along with the WIC’s gift shop, provide the majority of the WIC’s funding and support the WIC’s education objectives.

Key features of the WIC include articulated skeletons of many local marine mammals, including a juvenile fin and humpback whale, two killer whales and a Steller sea lion; a genealogy chart of the entire northern resident killer whale population; an interactive “kid’s corner”; knowledgeable staff are on hand to answer questions and provide tours of the exhibits; and so much more!

2025 update

Important Notice: The Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove was destroyed by fire in December 2024 and is no longer in operation.

While Telegraph Cove remains a beautiful and worthwhile destination for whale watching and exploring the natural beauty of Vancouver Island North, the Whale Interpretive Centre is unfortunately no longer available. We encourage visitors to explore alternative attractions and activities in the area.

A fundraiser has been set up to help the WIC rebuild and replace its incredible collection of marine mammal skeletons.