Hours of operation

We re-open to drop-in public visitors on Saturday May 17th!

The station will be open from 10:00am to 4:00pm daily for the summer season from the May long weekend until the September long weekend.

The station is closed to the general public from early September to mid-May except for special events (see calendar) and privately booked tours (see below). 

SCHOOL TEACHERS: please note that we are fully booked for spring 2025, and are now accepting fall 2025 field trip requests via our STEMantics school programs booking form.

Pentlatch Fish Trap Panel - Special temporary exhibit ends in May

We are excited to share that we are providing a temporary home to a unique 550 year old Pentlatch fish trap panel while it undergoes restoration. This panel was installed in July 8th, 2024, and we anticipate that it will be on site well into 2025.

We thank local First Nations for sharing this incredible cultural object with us as it undergoes restoration, and encourage visitors and interested people to learn more about Pentlatch cultures at K’ómoks First Nation and Qualicum First Nation.

Interested in seeing this unique, temporary exhibit? Visit us between May 17-22 before it leaves Deep Bay!

About the station

Deep Bay Marine Field Station is a unique research and education facility serving faculty, staff and students from Vancouver Island University. 

Nestled in the heart of Deep Bay along the southern reaches of Baynes Sound, the station's dual focus is aquaculture research and marine science education. Oysters are the main research subject, and aquaculture research at the station continues year-round.

During the academic year from September to May, on-site educational programming is limited to K-12 school classes, pre-booked tours for groups of ten or more, and special marine science events. If you are a teacher interested in bringing your class to the station, you can find out more at the link below.

During the vibrant summer season, spanning from the May long weekend to the end of the first weekend in September, we open our doors to the general public seven days a week. Engaging touch tanks, captivating aquaria, and enlightening exhibits stand ready to unveil the marvels of local marine life. You can also take a peek into our research labs from the viewing mezzanine and gain insights into ongoing research that revolves around shellfish aquaculture.

At the Deep Bay Marine Field Station, knowledge knows no bounds, and curiosity finds its home.