World Ocean Week 🌊 is June 1 – 8 this year and we have some FUN special events lined up on June 7 and June 8 World Ocean Day as part of Ocean Week Victoria and Ocean Week Canada.
Share the news with family and friends! Be sure to check out the Ocean Week Victoria online calendar often as more local events are added daily.
June 7Â Immersive Marine Ecology Paddle & FUNdraiser
June 8 Kelp Float
June 8Â Summit and Sea Celebration on World Ocean Day
Scroll down below for more details.
Immersive Marine Ecology Paddle & FUNdraiser
Come join South Island SUP, Mer Tales Ocean Journeys and Pacific Wild for our Immersive Marine Ecology Paddle & FUNdraiser.
Ever wondered how kelp reproduce? Or whether eels actually live in eelgrass? Have you spotted a northern kelp crab up close, or considered what sea otters and sunstars might have in common? Discover the hidden connections between the underwater world and life on land, from insects to orca whales, as you paddle through coastal waters.
When: June 7 from 10 am to 11:30 am
Where: Willows Beach near Cattle Point (north end of Esplanade Avenue)
Registration: Book My Spot!
Check out our Immersive Marine Ecology Paddle & FUNdraiser page for more details.
Please either walk, bike, bus or carpool to Willows Beach.
Kelp Float!
June 8 is World Ocean Day! 🌎 Celebrate this special day with a relaxing FREE Kelp Float.
Treat yourself to a unique experience floating on a stand-up paddleboard in a kelp forest!
Whether you’re standing, kneeling or sitting, exploring the ocean by paddleboard is magical and a source of continual learning through endless opportunities to observe marine life in action – with eagles flying overhead, harbour seals popping up, and being able to gaze down through the water column to observe schools of fish, egg-yolk and moon jellies, kelp crabs on bull kelp stipes and more!
Learn about this amazing and important ecosystem while you relax, allowing nature to come alive even more as we tune in and connect with it in a deeper and meaningful way. Reflect on the wisdom and messages from the ocean, seals, sea lions, seabirds and more.
Join Mer Tales Ocean Journeys‘ professional Marine Biologist and paddle guide, Gina Lemieux, and South Island SUP for this special ocean immersive experience.
When: June 8, first session 10:00 am to 10:45 am and second session 11:00 am to 11:45 am
Where: Gonzales Beach (1809 Crescent Road)
Registration:
Session 1 (10:00 am to 10:45 am) Book My Spot!
Session 2 (11:00 am to 11:45 am) Book My Spot!
**Space limited to 12 people/session** **Confirmation of participation is required by June 7 to secure your reservation**
Please either walk, bike, bus or carpool to Gonzales Beach.
Summit and Sea Celebration on World Ocean Day
Join South Island SUP, Mer Tales Ocean Journeys and our co-host, the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, for the Summit and Sea Celebration on World Ocean Day! 🌎
From summit to sea, this unique offering brings together land-based coastal hiking and exploration on the ocean through stand-up paddleboarding.
Whether you’d like to take part in both or just one, you’re welcome to choose your own adventure!
Explore Victoria’s Spectacular Summits “Part 1”
When: June 8, 10:30 am (start at Anderson Hill) – 11:30 am (end at Gonzales Beach)
Led by FMCBC team members, the day begins at Anderson Hill at 10:30 AM. Enjoy a guided group hike that connects three of the area’s most scenic summits:
- Anderson Hill
- Walbran Summit
- Gonzales Observatory
Each location offers panoramic views and a chance to reflect on the importance of trail access, summits, and natural spaces for community health and wellness, biodiversity, and public stewardship.
Accessibility Note: A portion of the hike to Walbran Summit includes steep stairs and requires a higher level of fitness. If you have accessibility concerns, FMCBC will also offer an alternate route that travels from Anderson Hill through the residential area directly to Gonzales Beach, excluding Walbran Summit and Gonzales Observatory.
Parking at Anderson Hill is limited. Please walk, bike, bus or carpool to Gonzales Beach, then walk to Anderson Hill to join the hiking groups.
Both groups will arrive at Gonzales Beach around 11:30 am to relax, enjoy lunch, and prepare for the ocean-based portion of the day.
No Registration needed.
Kelp Float Paddleboarding Experience “Part 2”
When: June 8, 12:30 pm – 1:30 pm (Gonzales Beach)
At 12:30 pm, the adventure continues on the water! Paddle out with certified stand-up paddleboard instructors Gina Lemieux (marine biologist and founder of Mer Tales Ocean Journeys) and Brian Raymer (founder of South Island SUP) to explore and learn about the vibrant nearshore marine ecosystem off Gonzales Beach.
Enjoy a guided ecological tour and “kelp float”, a mindful, immersive experience in the kelp forest where nature reveals its magic.
Never paddleboarded before? No problem. All equipment is provided, and certified instructors will be there to support you on the water.
- Paddle time: 30 to 60 minutes (depending on group size)
- Max participants: 12 per session / 24 total
- Based on a first-come, first-served basis (no registration)
Accessibility Note: Paddleboarding will be staged from the Gonzales Park entrance to Gonzales Beach at 1809 Crescent Road (stairs or ramp; public washrooms here). The beach can also be accessed from the east end of Gonzales Beach (Foul Bay Road stairs). Let us know in advance if you have accessibility needs.
What to Bring
- Weather-appropriate clothing (layers encouraged)
- Towel
- Change of clothes
- Strap for glasses/sunglasses
- Phones will be left on the shore or placed in one of our dry bags
- Reusable water bottle
- A light lunch
- Curiosity and community spirit!
