English Bay from Stanley Park

World Ocean Day takes place on June 8th each year. Celebrations include events at the Vancouver Maritime Museum, Gulf of Georgia Cannery and Stanley Park.

Although World Ocean day is officially on June 8th, events often happen on the weekend just before or after. In 2026, for example, there will likely be events on the Saturday and/or Sunday of June 6th and 7th.

Lower Mainland Ocean Day Celebrations

World Ocean Day is a day to remind everyone about the importance of oceans. Events take place around the globe hoping to raise awareness and protect the natural resource.

Ocean Day events in the Lower Mainland take place on or around June 8th. Organizers usually host a range of events focused on ocean conservation, education, and fun by the water. From shoreline cleanups to interactive exhibits at local museums, the region offers multiple ways to mark the day and learn about our marine ecosystems.

Below are details about three different Ocean Day events that happened in 2025. These events will likely be similar in 2026, though exact details are to be confirmed.

Vancouver Maritime Museum

The Vancouver Maritime Museum is a must-visit attraction any time of the year. The museum is usually open daily, Tuesday to Sunday, from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.

In celebration of World Ocean Day, there was a special event on June 8th last year. It featured a screening of Ocean with David Attenborough. The museum showed the new film at 1:00 pm and included it with general admission. Visitors could also explore interactive exhibits, crafts and educational activities related to the ocean and maritime history. On June 7th last year, the museum also had an Open House with Canoe Cultures. On that day, between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm, admission was free (although donations were greatly appreciated).

The Vancouver Maritime Museum will likely do something similar again in 2026, although exact details are to be confirmed.

TIPS: On days other than Open Houses when the museum is free, if you use the promo code BESTVANCOUVER, you can save 25% on admission.

See the Vancouver Maritime Museum website for more information.

Vancouver Maritime Museum Photos — Vancouver Maritime Museum

World Ocean Day at the Cannery

In Richmond, the Gulf of Georgia Cannery also hosts special activities to celebrate World Oceans Day. Located in Steveston Village, last year the museum’s event ran from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm on Saturday, June 7th. There was also a drop-in Gyotaku Workshop throughout the day, and admission to the attraction was free (but only on June 7th).

On most other days of the year, people ages 18 and older have to pay, but only about $12. Children and youth ages 17 and under, however, are always free.

In 2026 the Gulf of Georgia Cannery hosts a couple of events. On Saturday, June 6th, there is the World Oceans’ Day Celebration at the Cannery – “The Ocean and Us”. It runs from 10:00 am until 5:00 pm. Activities include a Japanese fish printing art workshop, storytelling, and a various displays and exhibitions related to waterways. Admission on the day is free!

Also in 2026, on Sunday, June 7th, there is a book launch for Fish Tales: Cannery Community Cooking, Past and Present. It takes place from 2:00 until 4:00 pm in the Cannery’s Boiler House Theatre. The cookbook features over two dozen original fish and seafood recipes. At the event you can meet some of the book’s contributors and enjoy a cooking demonstration!

See the Gulf of Georgia Cannery website for full details about this event.

Gulf of Georgia Cannery at Waterfront — Gulf of Georgia Cannery

Stanley Park Event

Vancouver Ocean Day takes place at Lumbermen’s Arch in Stanley Park. It’s a four-minute walk from the Vancouver Aquarium.

In collaboration with Ocean Wise, the Vancouver Aquarium, Stanley Park Ecology Society and Water Rangers hosted a cleanup event from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm this past year. The event schedule included a Shoreline Cleanup running from 10:30 am until noon. A BioBlitz nature survey began at 10:00 am and continued until noon. There was also a water-quality testing demonstration at 11:00 am. Informational booths were set up throughout the event, and all supplies for cleanup were provided.

Click World Ocean Day Vancouver for full details about this event.