VIU Marine Research and Education in Deep Bay
The Deep Bay Marine Field Station is a Vancouver Island University research station focussed on sustainable aquaculture of oysters and other shellfish, kelp forest restoration, and other marine science. Marine science education for VIU students, visiting university and K-12 classes and the general public is also a key part of station operations with public access varying seasonally.
To navigate the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station website, please use the right hand menu in the small blue box.
Special Event: Sunday 13 July 2025, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Join us for a presentation of THE TEACHINGS OF MUTTON: A COAST SALISH WOOLLY DOG with author Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa and guests.
The pelt of a dog named “Mutton” languished in a drawer at the Smithsonian for 150 years until it was discovered, almost accidentally, by an amateur archivist. This book tells Mutton's story and explores what it can teach us about Coast Salish Woolly Dogs and their cultural significance.
Coast Salish Woolly Dogs: A public reading and discussion with Liz Hammond-Kaarremaa, author of The Teachings of Mutton: A Coast Salish Woolly Dog.
Admission at this public reading is free, donations welcome.
We are open to public visitors for the summer!
Drop-in visitors can come and see what's up at the station from May 17th until August 31, 2025. We are open daily from 10 am to 4 pm daily.
Our knowledgeable VIU student staff are ready to welcome you and share their passion for marine science through our touch tanks, whale skeletons, and other exhibits. Facility tours are included when time and staff allows. We are a fun place for families and anyone who is curious about marine life. Plan for at least an hour at the station. Washrooms are available and accessible, and parking is free.
The station is closed to drop-in public visitors for the main university season from September to mid-May.
Groups Tours Available: We offer group facility tours for interested groups of 10-30 people, year-round. Cost is regular per-person admission. Please use our Group Tour booking form.
School and Youth Group Marine Science Programs: We offer marine-science themed STEM programs for K-12 classes, youth groups, and post-secondary classes, year-round. We are currently booking for summer and fall 2025, and spring 2026. Please use our STEMantics programs booking form.
Special Events: Please visit our events calendar to find out about upcoming special events at the station.
Find out more about what's happening at the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station...
Learn more about our research.
Learn more about educational programs.
Learn more about the station and our people.
To navigate the VIU Deep Bay Marine Field Station website, please use the right hand menu in the blue box.
Come visit us!
We are open to the public daily from mid-May to the end of August.
Admission
Individual admission fees:
- Adults (18+): $ 13
- Youth (6 -17): $ 7
- Children (5 and under): Free
Public Hours
We open to the public seven days a week from the May long weekend until the September long weekend.
Book a school class field trip!
We accept school field trip bookings year-round. Check out our education programs and book your class for an activity or tour.
Research
As a key part of Vancouver Island University's Centre for Shellfish Research, our industry leading facilities are where we conduct applied research that benefits the shellfish aquaculture industry. Take a moment to explore our research!
Education
We are passionate about education! From the tiniest critters to the largest mammals, we are excited to share our knowledge about our local marine systems. Book a school field trip, guided tour, or just stop in for a visit!