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May 14, 2026
This year’s annual Gorge Waterway cleanup was another incredible reminder of what can happen when a community comes together for the ocean. Collectively, participants removed an impressive 305.1 kg (672.6 lbs) of garbage from the shoreline and surrounding waterways, helping protect one of Greater Victoria’s most important urban ecosystems.
We are very proud to collaborate on this project with some amazing community partners: Black Ball Ferry Line, Transport Canada and Surfrider.
At Prince of Whales, protecting the ocean goes far beyond what happens on our tours. As a company built around marine wildlife and coastal ecosystems, we see firsthand how pollution impacts the environment and the animals that call it home. That’s why we were proud to continue supporting shoreline cleanup initiatives this year through our partnership with Surfrider Foundation Vancouver Island.
As part of this commitment, Prince of Whales contributed $10,000 to Surfrider to support community-driven shoreline cleanups across Vancouver Island. These initiatives help remove harmful debris before it can break down into microplastics or directly impact marine wildlife.
Marine pollution remains one of the biggest threats facing coastal ecosystems. Items like plastic packaging, rope, fishing gear, cigarette butts, and foam can all have devastating impacts on wildlife. Seals, sea lions, seabirds, and whales can become entangled in debris or mistake plastics for food. Even smaller pieces of garbage eventually break down into microplastics, entering the food chain and affecting the entire marine ecosystem.
Cleanups like this are important because they stop that process before it begins.
The Gorge Waterway is home to an incredible diversity of life, from fish and birds to marine mammals that pass through nearby coastal waters. Keeping these shorelines clean helps create healthier habitats not only for wildlife, but for the communities that enjoy and rely on these ecosystems every day.
One of the best parts of the cleanup each year is seeing the community spirit behind it. Volunteers of all ages came together with a shared goal: making a tangible difference for the coast. While 305.1 kg is a significant amount of debris removed, it’s also a reminder of how important ongoing stewardship and education continue to be.
We’d like to thank everyone who participated, supported, and helped make this year’s cleanup such a success. Every piece removed matters, and every effort helps keep our coastlines healthier for future generations.
Together, we can continue protecting the waters we all love.
