What is the Whale Sanctuary Project?

The Whale Sanctuary Project is the organization behind the creation of Canada's first-ever whale sanctuary, a permanent, safe home for captive whales with nowhere else to go.

How large will the new whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia be?

The new whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia will be 100 times larger than the tanks at the now-closed Marineland in Ontario, allowing the whales to swim in real ocean water and explore a natural environment.

What will happen to the 30 beluga whales from Marineland?

The Ontario government will work with the federal government to place as many of the Marineland belugas as possible in the new whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia. If all the whales cannot be accommodated, the remaining ones could be moved to aquariums that promise not to breed them or force them to perform.

Home / Environment / Canada Greenlights First Whale Sanctuary, Offering Captive Whales a Path to Freedom

Canada Greenlights First Whale Sanctuary, Offering Captive Whales a Path to Freedom

23 Oct

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Summary

Canada bans whale and dolphin captivity in 2019
Marineland in Ontario closes, leaving 30 belugas in limbo
New whale sanctuary in Nova Scotia to open by summer 2026

Canada Greenlights First Whale Sanctuary, Offering Captive Whales a Path to Freedom

In October 2025, Canada took a significant step forward in addressing the plight of captive whales by approving the country's first-ever whale sanctuary. This historic project will transform a natural cove on Nova Scotia's eastern shore into a refuge 100 times larger than the tanks at the now-closed Marineland in Ontario.

The announcement of the sanctuary comes at a critical time, as Marineland, which recently shuttered its doors, had been struggling to care for the 30 beluga whales it had on site. The Canadian government had previously denied the park's request to send the whales to China, citing concerns over their continued captivity and use for public entertainment. With no other options, Marineland had warned that it might have to euthanize the whales, sparking public outcry.