The first sanctuary for whales rescued from captivity is about to open in Canada (and could welcome Marineland’s belugas)

The province of Nova Scotia has officially approved the world’s first marine whale and dolphin sanctuary, a project that will change the way the country approaches cetacean conservation. The chosen site is located in Port Hilford Bay, along the east coast, and will cover over 80 hectares of land and water.

After years of discussions and bureaucratic delays, the Whale Sanctuary Project initiative can finally move into the operational phase. The approval of the Crown land lease marks a turning point: the group can now begin fundraising and building the necessary facilities. If all goes as planned, the first guests could arrive as early as the summer of 2026.

From imprisonment to freedom

The project was born with a specific objective: to offer a new life to cetaceans coming from water parks, such as the belugas of Marineland, forced for years to live in artificial tanks. The intention is to welcome eight to ten animals into a natural environment, where they will finally be able to swim in real salt water, surrounded by space and quiet.

The CEO of the Whale Sanctuary Project, Charles Vinick, said that Nova Scotia’s green light will allow it to attract new private donors, but around $15 million will still be needed to complete the work. An important figure, but supported by a growing network of organizations and citizens who see the sanctuary as a true ethical alternative to captivity.

Tourism will be limited

There is no shortage of challenges. The project still must obtain federal permits from the Departments of Fisheries and Transportation, as well as address some local concerns related to water access and increased traffic. However the team has vowed to limit tourism and ensure the area remains a place of recovery, not entertainment. With the support of the community and the commitment of the authorities, the Port Hilford sanctuary could become the symbol of a new relationship between man and nature, where respect finally surpasses spectacle.

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