Whale Sponsor
Have you ever visited a place and thought, I could live here?
On Vancouver’s North Shore, we feel that way every day.
Whether you’re planning to visit Vancouver’s North Shore for the first time, or are a resident and experience our natural wonders every day, by pledging to North Shore Like a Local, you can help preserve our beautiful environment, respect the diverse cultures here, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all.
Learn more about Vancouver’s North Shore Tourism Association
Presenting Sponsor Squamish and Nanaimo, Orca Sponsor North Vancouver
SSA Marine Canada is the most diverse terminal, stevedoring, and intermodal services company in British Columbia, handling forestry, steel, grain, bulk, autos, cruise passengers, and project cargo to and from global markets.
As a diversified and integrated group of marine logistics companies, we are committed to the success of our people, our customers, and our communities. Our role in Canada’s supply chain is both essential and a privilege—one that drives us to deliver expert solutions that move cargo and people across the globe reliably, safely, and professionally. By sustaining and growing Canada’s trade economy, we help create lasting benefits for all Canadians.
Orca Sponsor
We need the ocean, the ocean needs us.
Ocean Wise builds communities that take meaningful action to protect and restore our ocean. Together – with business leaders, researchers, community members, governments and ocean lovers around the world – we are monitoring and protecting whales, fighting climate change and restoring biodiversity, protecting and restoring fish stocks, innovating for a plastic free ocean, educating and empowering youth.
Our vision: a world in which the ocean is healthy and thriving.
Our mission: to build a global community that takes meaningful action to protect and restore our ocean.
We will need millions of people, those on the coast as well as those landlocked individuals, to join us for our ocean. Our ability to thrive on this planet depends on it.
Sea Lion Sponsor
The Capilano University Alumni Association represents a global network of more than 100,000 graduates, connected by a shared CapU experience and a commitment to lead with purpose.
CUAA exists to keep alumni connected, engaged, and empowered long after graduation. From exclusive perks and career resources to lifelong connections and events, we’re here to support our alumni at every stage of their journey.
We host a variety of alumni and community events throughout the year, many of which are open to the public. Stay connected and be the first to hear about alumni news, opportunities, and events.
Follow us:
Instagram: @capualumni
Sea Lion Sponsor
Althyrea is a brand born out of a deep commitment to ethically made clothing and an unwavering love for the planet. Althyrea caters to the mindful consumer who steers clear of fast fashion and instead, embraces timeless style. Her values intertwine self-care and earth care and she finds solace in practices such as meditation and yoga, complemented by an appreciation for locally crafted products.
Our styles draw inspiration from nature which captures hummingbirds and native healing plants. Our commitment to quality extends to sourcing high-quality, all natural, European fabrics with stringent sustainable certifications, such as responsibly-sourced wool from regenerative farms and mills powered solely by solar energy.
We're committed to giving back and we proudly support 1% for the Planet and collaborate with local environmental and wildlife organizations.
Learn more about Althyrea
Sea Lion Sponsor
Chris Obst is a leadership coach and facilitator who helps people navigate change, build trust, and lead with integrity. His work centers on creating resilient, values-driven organizations that thrive over the long term. Like sustainability, his approach emphasizes balance—between performance and well-being, results and relationships, ambition and responsibility. By encouraging mindful leadership and purpose-driven growth, Chris empowers individuals and teams to create lasting impact—on their workplaces, their communities, and the world around them. He is also a passionate advocate for sustainability and an ocean lover, deeply connected to the values that inspire the Ocean Film Festival.
Gold Sponsor Nanaimo
Rugged Coast Research Society (RCRS) is a Nanaimo BC based non-profit organization and registered charity with a multi-disciplinary team of marine industry professionals.
With decades of combined experience in marine logistics, conservation and marine biology, GIS and project management, our team plans and safely executes research and restoration projects in the remote and rugged corners of British Columbia’s coast.
RCRS places tremendous value on our partnerships with each of the Coastal First Nations communities whose territories we operate in. We are continuously seeking guidance and direction from each Nation so that we are able to meet the collective goals of stewardship and respect.
Photographs: Agathe Bernard Photography.
Silver Sponsor Victoria
OUR STORY
Laurie and Fred, originally from Scotland and the Maritimes respectively, made the great migration from East to West. After both moved their lives to British Columbia, they met through their shared love for freediving and spearfishing.
The couple knew local snorkelers, freedivers, and spearfishers deserved a specialized shop on the island. They decided it was time to fully commit to their passion and opened their very own store in March 2023 at 839 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC !
Salmon Sponsor
Neptune Terminals is a bulk shipping terminal located on the north shore of Burrard Inlet in the Port of Vancouver. We are a critical link in the supply chain that transports Canadian resources to overseas markets around the world.
Neptune is committed to protecting the environment and minimizing the impact of our operations. This includes managing emissions, mitigating dust and reducing noise, as well as treating and recycling water used on our site. We are proud members of Green Marine, an environmental certification program for the marine industry that requires members to go beyond regulatory compliance and build a program of continuous improvement. In 2023, we were one of only 3% of terminals that achieved a perfect score.
Neptune has operated on the North Shore for 57 years and prioritizes local procurement and community investment. We focus on support for children and youth, seniors and environmental initiatives, partnering with organizations that contribute to a strong and healthy North Shore community and the well-being of everyone who lives and works here.
Salmon Sponsor
Bickerton Co. is an eco-conscious spearfishing company based on Vancouver Island.
Known for their handcrafted spearguns, Bickerton Co. sources recycled and local materials to create marine gear, apparel, and camp supplies to be enjoyed in, on, or near the ocean.
Learn more about Bickerton Co.
Salmon Sponsor
Salt Outdoors: Adventure-Ready Gear for Souls Who Seek The Wet and Wild
At Salt Outdoors, we believe the ocean is more than a seasonal destination; it's a source of year-round health and exhilaration. We are dedicated to supporting those who connect with the sea sustainably—whether through cold dips, surfing, paddling, sailing or wild swimming—ensuring its beauty can be enjoyed by all, now and into the future.
We create premium gear for ocean lovers who refuse to choose between performance and planet. Every product—from change robes to merino wool hats—is built to last many seasons, not just a winter. We source thoughtfully and manufacture consciously because we care deeply about our impact. Explore the collection at salt-outdoors.com and join a community that lives for the outdoors.
Media Sponsor
Wave 98.3 is Vancouver's Coolest Vibe. Serving “smooth jazz” to Western Canada with contemporary instrumental and pop vocals. Listen Live to Wave 98.3 FM.
Community Partners
Orca Spirit Adventures is Victoria’s first whale watching company, locally owned and operated with the largest fleet of vessels. We are also British Columbia’s leaders in sustainable ecotourism, 2025/2026 Green Leader BC Green Business, 2025/2026 Water Friendly SurfRider Approved, Greenstep Gold Certified, 2025 Offsetters Climate Friendly Company, 1% for the Planet members, and 2025/2026 Biosphere Sustainability Certified.
Orca Spirit Adventures wants to welcome the Ocean Film Festival to Victoria! As whale watchers, we share the festival's passion for the ocean and its inhabitants, and a commitment to educating those around the world on how we can leave the ocean a better place. Our crew is uniquely positioned to offer guests an opportunity to experience the wonders of the Salish Sea, coupled with education on ecological concerns and conservation efforts. Our aim is to transform our guest’s curiosity and experience with whales in their natural habitat into advocacy for ocean health. Every ticket contributes to research and conservation through the Pacific Salmon Foundation and the Marine Education and Research Society (MERS). We are thrilled to celebrate the ocean alongside the Ocean Film Festival and its attendees!
To book your tour please visit our website at https://orcaspirit.com/ or call our office at 1 888 672 6722.
Hullo Ferries is the easiest way to travel between downtown Vancouver and Nanaimo in just 70 minutes. With comfortable reservable seating, free wifi, charging ports, friendly staff, and connectivity to the SkyTrain and free Nanaimo shuttle, guests can spend more time with the people and events they care about.
Our passenger-only ferries offer a connection between Vancouver Island that significantly reduces kilometers driven, and idling time, for our passengers. Our successful use of HDRD serves as an example, and potentially a catalyst, for other users to explore alternative fuel. With over 105 full-time employees, we've become one of the largest private employers in Nanaimo, investing in local infrastructure and fostering economic growth.
Operating on biodiesel (HDRD), reducing emissions and setting an example for regional adoption of alternative fuels
Active participant in MERS / Oceanwise Whale Report Alert System, ensuring marine life protection
Tourism Nanaimo is proud to welcome visitors to our vibrant city on the east coast of Vancouver Island, within the traditional and unceded territories of the Snuneymuxw First Nation. Known as “the gathering place,” Nanaimo blends cultural richness, outdoor adventure, and urban charm, whether you’re exploring scenic trails, enjoying local flavours, or taking a guided tour on Saysutshun Island. As the city’s destination management organization, Tourism Nanaimo helps shape a sustainable and dynamic visitor experience that benefits both guests and the community. Come as you are, and experience the unexpected in Nanaimo.
The Greater Victoria Harbour Authority (GVHA) is a not-for-profit organization committed to the stewardship and sustainable growth of Victoria’s working harbour. GVHA owns and operates several high-profile amenities, including the Breakwater District at Ogden Point, the Inner Harbour lower causeway and marina, Fisherman’s Wharf and Ship Point Pier. GVHA is certified as a Canadian Council for Aboriginal Business Gold Member for its commitment to working in partnership with the Lək̓ʷəŋən People.