Critical Distance
An immersive experience with Southern Resident killer whales.
June 6 – June 8
Under the waves with J-Pod. Step into the world of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales and explore their life beneath the surface of the Salish Sea. Critical Distance is a powerful immersive experience that brings you face-to-face with an orca pod, revealing the urgent challenges they face for survival.
Follow Kiki, an eight-year-old orca and vital member of the J-Pod, as she navigates a world filled with both wonder and danger. Through her eyes—and ears—you’ll discover how orcas use echolocation to communicate, hunt, and stay connected, even as threats like noise pollution and dwindling food supplies grow ever closer.
Join us in experiencing their story—and understanding why their future depends on ours.
• Created by Vision 3 in partnership with Microsoft. See a preview video here.
• Presented by the volunteer team of the Southern Gulf Island Whale Sighting Network (SGIWSN) and Saturna Island Marine Research & Education Society (SIMRES).
• Sponsored by Studio 531 Architects.
• This event is part of Oceans Week Victoria.
Visitors must be 10 years or older to experience the Critical Distance augmented reality presentation. It requires wearing a headset and it has flashing lights and loud noises.