3rd Annual Westcoast Maritime Festival

The West Coast Maritime Festival takes place in Tofino and on the water of Clayoquot Sound.
by David W. Griffiths, Tofino
The Tonquin Foundation's 3rd Annual Westcoast Maritime Festival kicks off at 6pm on Friday September 21st with the ever-popular "Magical History Tour" and Dinner Cruise out into Clayoquot Sound.
Join local historians and First Nations storytellers for a fully interpreted voyage into the region's rich history and enjoy a sumptuous feast provided by some of the finest local eateries.
Tickets are $75each and include the tour, dinner, beer, wine and soft drinks and are available from Storm Light Outfitters, 390 Main Street: 725 3342.
On Saturday the 22nd push out the boat with Ron Burchett and crew's Traveling Miniature Boat Show, featuring state-of-the-art radio-controlled models of almost every watercraft imaginable. Try your hand at setting a seine or towing a boom at the model boat pond on the Village Green from 10am to 4pm.
Listen for the thunder of a 442 Squadron Search & Rescue Cormorant Helicopter as it circles the town and lands on the Wickaninnish School ball-field for static tours between 11am and noon and witness an amazing display of precision flight and rescue techniques, along with Tofino Coastguard's lifeboat Cape Ann, off the First Street Dock between noon and 1pm.
Dust off your sabre and pull on your dancing shoes for a Pirate-Themed Dance at the Tofino Legion featuring the Bottomfeeders. Pirate costumes encouraged, with prizes and a good time guaranteed for all. Doors open at 8pm. Tickets are $15 apiece and available at the Legion door or in advance from Storm Light Outfitters, 390 Main Street: 725 3342.
At 9am on Sunday the 23rd kids between 9 and 13 get a chance to journey out into the Sound aboard Traditional
Tla-o-qui-aht Canoes. Paddle back in time with Tlaook Cultural Adventures and the Nisma Project's knowledgeable guides. Individuals and businesses are invited to sponsor children for this exciting adventure.
For sponsorship information and registration contact
the Tonquin Foundation at
tonquin@seaviewcable.net
Ever wondered what goes on down at the Tofino Coastguard base? Well, between noon and 3pm is your chance to find out with an Open House at the Lifeboat Station, Tours of Coastguard Vessels and Aircraft and Free Hot Dogs and Drinks for all.
A number of other events are in the works including a Working Boat Parade, free introduction to Scuba Diving and Kayaking and a couple of surprises are still in store.
Magical History Tour & Dinner Cruise
Friday, September 21 • 6 - 9:30 pm
Tickets $75 at Storm Light Outfitters
380 Main Street, Tofino • (250) 725-3342
Join local historians & First Nation storytellers for a fully interpreted, historical cruise into Clayoquot Sound and enjoy a sumptuous feast provided by some of the region's finest eateries. Tickets are $75 each and include the cruise, dinner, beer, wine and soft drinks. Tickets available from Storm Light Outfitters, 380 Main Street, Tofino. Phone (250) 725-3342.
Island Modelers Traveling Miniature Boat Show
Saturday, September 22 • 10 am - 3 pm
at the Village Green in Tofino
Join Ron Burchett and crew's ever-popular display of radio-controlled, scale-model vessels at the display tank on the Village Green. Try your hand at setting a seine or picking up a tow.
Static display of a 442 Squadron Cormorant Helicopter
Saturday, September 22 • 11 am - noon
at the Wickaninnish Community School field
Take a tour of this vital search & rescue aircraft and meet the SarTech crew.
Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration
Saturday, September 22 • 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
at the Wickaninnish Community School field
Witness some precision flying and search and rescue techniques with a 442 Squadron Cormorant and the Canadian Coast Guard's Cape Ann off the First Street Dock.
Introduction to Scuba Diving
Saturday, September 22 • 3:00 - 5:00 pm
Free!
Details to be announced.
Pirate Themed Dance
Saturday, September 22 • 9:00 pm
Tofino Legion • Tickets $15
"Pirate-themed" Dance at Tofino Royal Canadian Legion, featuring the Bottomfeeders.
Dust off your parrot and your peg-leg. Costumes encouraged. Prizes Awarded.
Tickets are $15 and are available at the Legion door or in advance from Storm Light Outfitters.
Childrens Tla-o-qui-aht Canoe Journey
Sunday, September 23 • 9:00 - 10:30 am
with Tlaook Cultural Adventures
Children, age nine-12 years old, have an opportunity to paddle out into the sound aboard the traditional Tla-o-qui-aht canoes of Tlaook Cultural Adventures and the NISMA Project.
Businesses and individuals are invited to sponsor children for this popular event at $20 a head. For registration and sponsorship information contact the Tonquin Foundation at tonquin@seaviewcable.net
Coastguard Open House & Picnic
Sunday, September 23 • noon - 3 pm
Tofino Lifesaving Station
Join the crew of the Canadian Coastguard's Cape Ann for an open house at the Tofino Lifesaving Station. Tour the facility, Coastguard vessels and aircraft and the RCMP Catamaran Lindsay.
Free hot dogs and refreshments provided.
For updated scheduling information check out the Tonquin Foundation's website at www.tonquinfoundation.org and keep your weather eye out for updates and announcements.
The Tonquin Foundation is a non-profit, British Columbia-based organization dedicated to the exploration, preservation and interpretation of the rich and diverse maritime heritage of North America’s Westcoast.
Headquartered in the Vancouver Island village of Tofino the Foundation was incorporated in November of 2003 by a group of individuals with a passion for things nautical and a shared goal to promote public awareness, interest and understanding.
Tonquin Foundation
P.O. Box 609
Tofino, British Columbia,
V0R 2Z0, Canada,
Tel: (250) 382 6613
Fax: (250) 479 0501
tonquin@seaviewcable.net