Centre marks anniversary with whale of a year
October 21, 2025
The Whale Interpretive Centre in Pleasant Bay hasn’t only managed to survive for a quarter century, but if visitor numbers in June and early July are any indication, 2025 could be its best year ever.
Doris Fraser, who became president of the Friends of Whale Watch Cape Breton—the charitable organization that runs the centre—in 2010, said business is booming. She noted that the centre, which managed to stay open through the COVID years, is now enjoying record crowds.
Interviewed by The Participaper in mid-July, Fraser said about 35,000 people came through the doors of the centre each of the past two years, adding that the anticipated drop in American visitors has not materialized.
“I’m old, so I follow the news and that, and I hear that the Americans are not travelling,” she noted. “Well, maybe they’re missing the rest of Nova Scotia, but they’re certainly coming to Cape Breton. They’re coming in droves, and they’re coming earlier this year.”
Fraser said the three independent whale tour operators at the Pleasant Bay wharf, located a few steps from the centre, are experiencing one of their best years ever.
“One whale tour operator has 31 seats on her boat and last week she was full four days in a row, which is a lot for this time of year,” she said.
“Some of the American visitors are actually return customers,” she added. “Maybe they were here 10 years ago, and they wanted to come back and do the Cabot Trail and retrace their steps.
Fraser said they encourage visitors to the centre to check out the tour operators, as well as many other businesses in the community.
“We’re a small town and we work well together,” she added.
The centre opened in 2000 with support from the municipal, provincial and federal governments, and Fraser said the Municipality of Inverness County continues to be very supportive with grants. But she said it’s the enthusiasm and support from people in Pleasant Bay and surrounding communities that has made the centre such a huge success.
A special celebration was held at the centre in late July to celebrate the anniversary and to thank the many people who helped make the dream of its founder and first manager, George Fraser, a reality. He was among those honoured with a citation which read as follows:
“With deep appreciation for your unwavering commitment, leadership and hard work over the 25 years that you were a part of creating and maintaining the Whale Interpretive Centre. Your passion, guidance, and vision have shaped not only this museum but also the volunteers and employees who have both joined you over the years or followed after you. Thank you for your years of service, your mentorship, and your legacy of outstanding leadership. Your dedication will be cherished for many years to come.”
In a social media post following the celebration, the Friends of Whale Watch Cape Breton issued the following statement:
“It was truly an honor to gather today to celebrate this incredible milestone – the 25th anniversary of the Whale Interpretive Centre.
In the heart of our small, beautiful town, we’ve witnessed firsthand how much this building has become not only just a museum and place of learning and discovery, but a cornerstone of our community as a whole.
Thanks to the hard work, passion, and vision of those who have supported it – our staff, volunteers, local businesses, and our surrounding communities – we have built something truly special.
As we celebrate this 25-year journey, let us continue to thrive and evolve, carrying forward the legacy of those who have contributed to its success.”
The Whale Interpretive Centre, which remains open this season until October 15, is located on the Harbour Road in Pleasant Bay, 30 seconds from the Cabot Trail. It offers something for all ages, as visitors can learn about whales and porpoises, and even meet Hook, a 3D life-size replica of a local long finned pilot whale.
Staff lead guided tours of the centre, offering extensive knowledge of the area and ready to answer any questions visitors may have about whales, fishing, local trails and businesses.