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.

The new sanctuary, the brainchild of the Whale Sanctuary Project, will offer these whales and others a permanent, safe home. The whales will be able to swim in real ocean water, feel the rhythms of tides and seasons, and explore a natural environment while still receiving the human care they need to survive. This opportunity for the whales to live out their lives in peace, in the ocean where they belong, is being hailed as a significant step forward in compassionate, science-based care for captive marine mammals.

The sanctuary is expected to open as soon as summer 2026, and the Ontario government will work with the federal government to place as many of the Marineland belugas as possible in the new facility. 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.