Its mission is to promote the stewardship of wild whales in the Salish Sea ecosystem through education and research programs.

The Whale Museum's exhibits include life-sized whale models, articulated skeletons, information on the family groups (pods) of the endangered Southern Resident killer whales, and current scientific research on local species.

Other exhibits feature pinnipeds, porpoises and other marine mammals of the Salish Sea; wildlife videos, and Northwest Native American culture and artifacts relating to marine mammals.

The whale museum is actively involved in stewardship efforts, and was involved in the orca Springer's story, as well as the investigation of Sooke (L-112), a 3-year old orca who washed up near Long Beach, Washington in 2012.

[1] The Whale Museum conducts several research and education programs: The Whale Museum is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization governed by a board of directors.