Renowned Whale Museum Lost to Fire in B.C.'s Telegraph Cove Was a 'Labour of Love'

Mary Borrowman, co-founder of the Whale Interpretive Centre in Telegraph Cove, B.C., is mourning the loss of a cherished community landmark that drew visitors from across the globe. The centre, housing one of Western Canada’s largest collections of marine mammal skeletons, was destroyed in a fire that swept through the Vancouver Island resort village on Dec. 31, 2024.

“It was a labour of love,” said Borrowman, who, alongside her late husband Jim, had dedicated decades to collecting and showcasing marine mammal skeletons. “To see it all gone is heartbreaking.”

A Hub for Conservation and Tourism

The centre, established in 2002, was inspired by a government recommendation to support the Robson Bight Ecological Reserve, a sanctuary for killer whales. Over the years, it expanded from a modest display on the boardwalk to a renowned attraction featuring iconic exhibits like a 60-foot fin whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling.

“Walking underneath the whales gave visitors a perspective they’d never experience otherwise,” said former employee Emily Gatto, who met her husband and got married at the centre.

The museum was a cornerstone of Telegraph Cove’s economy, attracting tourists from the U.K., Germany, and the Netherlands, and complementing the region’s eco-tourism efforts. Its loss is expected to have ripple effects on the community, which has a population of just 20 permanent residents.

A Devastating Fire

The fire also destroyed several businesses, including the Killer Whale Cafe, Old Saltery Pub, and offices of two tour companies. No injuries were reported, as the resort was closed for the off-season, but the cause of the fire remains under investigation. Borrowman recalled witnessing the blaze consume the building: “It was hard to watch.”

Hope for Rebuilding

Despite the immense loss, Borrowman and Gatto are optimistic about rebuilding. Fundraising efforts are underway, buoyed by support from across the community and beyond.

“Starting again with two skeletons — that’s how we began,” said Borrowman, referring to the pygmy sperm whale and dolphin skeletons currently being assembled on Salt Spring Island.

Borrowman and her team are determined to carry on: “We’ll rebuild, just like we did 20 years ago.”

The Whale Interpretive Centre’s destruction is not just a loss for Telegraph Cove but also for marine education and conservation. As fundraising gains momentum, the community remains hopeful that the centre will once again inspire awe and wonder in future generations.