Hours of operation

The station operates daily, year-round for Vancouver Island University as a research station focussed on sustainable oyster aquaculture. Public education is an important element of station operations for VIU students and for the public with operational hours varying upon time of year.

We are open to drop-in public visitors for the summer!

The station is open from 10 am to 4 pm daily for the summer season from the May 17th until August 31, 2025. Our knowledgeable VIU student staff is ready to welcome you and share their passion for marine science through our touch tanks, whale skeletons, and other exhibits.

The station is closed to drop-in public visitors for the main university season from early September to mid-May except for special events, privately booked tours, and our STEM education programs for K-12 classes and other youth groups. 

School teachers and youth group leaders: our marine-science STEM programs  are fully booked for spring 2025, but we are taking bookings for summer and fall 2025. Please use our STEMantics school programs booking form.

Private Tours: we accept group tour bookings for interested groups of 10-30 people year round. Please use our Group Tour booking form.

Pentlatch Fish Trap Panel exhibit ends May 23

We have been providing a temporary home to a unique 550 year old Pentlatch fish trap panel while it undergoes restoration. This panel was installed in July 8, 2024, and will be undergoing final conservation at the station from Tuesday May 20 to Thursday May 22. This one of a kind exhibit will leave the station on Friday May 23. We thank local First Nations for sharing this incredible cultural object with us as it has undergone restoration.

We 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 available to K-12 school classes and other youth groups. We also offer pre-booked tours for groups of ten to thirty adults.

During the vibrant summer season from the May long weekend to the end of August we open our doors to the general public seven days a week. Engaging touch tanks, captivating aquaria, and enlightening exhibits stand ready to reveal 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 from our VIU student summer staff.

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