tofino whale festival 2011 - pacific rim whale festival calendar of events

Tofino Whale festival calendar of events 2011

March 19-27, 2011

With a significant focus on marine ecosystems and coastal life education, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival celebrates the continued protection and annual return of migrating Pacific grey whales to the coastal waters of the communities of Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park. An estimated 20,000 grey whales make the journey each year from the Baja Peninsula's breeding and calving lagoons in Mexico toward their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas near the Arctic. The migrating grey whales join resident grey whales, orcas, humpbacks and the occasional minke that can be seen in the Pacific Northwest waters any time of year.

Marking the official opening of the area's prime whale watching season, The Pacific Rim Whale Festival includes a variety of cultural, culinary, musical, family-friendly and educational events.

Pacific Rim Whale Festival 2011 Calendar of Events

There are very few events that require pre-purchased tickets for admission, but for those that do, tickets are available at the following fine establishments:

Tofino: Mermaid Tales Bookshop, Tofino Sea Kayaking and Groovy Movie

Ucluelet: Wild Heather Books and Image West Gallery & Gifts

This symbol signifies a Button Event. 2011 Pacific Rim Whale Festival Buttons are bordered by the colour green to distinguish them from previous years’ and are designed by local kids. They come in 12 special designs for you to choose from; we suggest a minimum donation of $2 each. Buttons are available at most events, or can also be found at local Visitor Info Centres and most whale watching tour operators around our towns. Wear them proudly in support of the Whale Festival, and show your 2011 button for FREE ADMISSION to the majority of our calendar events. Collect all 12 to make a complete set! Made possible by the talented young artists and the printing expertise of Pina Studio & Boutique in Ucluelet.

Note that if you enter and use Pacific Rim National Park (PRNPR) you may be required to show your park pass. Passes can be obtained at Info Centres, the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre and some parking lots. If you are attending educational programs at Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre there is no fee in place, just let the kiosk staff know that you are going to the Theatre.

Pacific Rim Whale Festival Event Calendar

ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show

Mezzanine Level
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet
10am-6pm daily

The Pacific Rim Arts Society’s annual community art show is back! Local artists working in mediums from painting to fibre works, photography to clay and wood to silver are set to exhibit their wares. Come and view original artworks and purchase a favorite piece to take with you. Thanks to the Pacific Rim Arts Society.

Daily Marine Documentary Film Screenings

Remote Passages Marine Excursions
at the boathouse, Tofino
Daily, 10:15am & 2pm

Marine-based, educational and documentary films suitable for all ages. Daily screenings schedule at remotepassages.com. Thank you Remote Passages for years of dedicated support.

Jamie’s Whaling Station’s
Westcoast Passport To Adventure Contest

Passports available at any Info Centre,
Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centre
and select Whale Festival Events
Daily

On your own time all throughout Whale Festival, visit participating locations to answer quirky & educational interpretive questions and collect PRWFS Stamps to enter the draw for GREAT prizes. Complete your Answer Sheet and enter the draw to win a grand prize at Closing Day Celebrations! Thank you Jamie’s for organizing this annual educational & interactive Festival activity!

Ucluelet Harbour Tours

Meet at the Ucluelet Aquarium.
Harbour tours for free - Need Confirmation!!!! 75% going to happen.
Daily

The Sensory Experience

The Raft, 250 Main Street, Ucluelet
10am-4pm SUN - FRI

Time to press the rewind, pause or play buttons at this year’s Sensory Experience. Back for its second appearance, this is the space where you can listen to whales, watch Canadiana shortfilms, indulge your senses in the works of world-class artists, or just put up your feet and catch a breath from the festival fury. So grab a hot drink at Wild Heather’s across the street, and stop by theRAFT to take in the playlist.

Ucluelet Aquarium: Up Close & Personal!

Ucluelet Mini Aquarium
Waterfront Promenade, Ucluelet
Daily 10am-6pm
$5 adults/$3 kids (4-16 yrs)/$FREE under 4 yrs

Get your hands wet in the touch tanks with hungry seastars, sideways sand dollars, bright sea anemones, cool crabs, incredible fish and more! Guest interpreters and special activities! Visit the undersea critters of Clayoquot Sound & Barkley Sound (including a giant pacific octopus!), which are exhibited - and then later released - back into the wild; all from our own backyard! Curiosity welcome & questions encouraged, for all ages! Open daily 10am-6pm from now on for the season!

No admission for Opening Day Saturday, March 19th only.

15th Annual Gala Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser

Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
Wednesday, March 17, 2011: 6pm

Presenting outstanding multiple course cuisine, wine pairings and West Coast treasures for auction. 100% of the funds raised go directly to the Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society. Thank you Wickaninnish Inn & The Pointe Restaurant for your outstanding annual support of the Whale Festival. This event sold out before tickets went on sale! Thank you so much to all the local support!

Tofino Community Breakfast

Tofino Community Hall
Saturday, March 19, 2011: 8-10 am
Tickets at the event: $10

Come down and grab a bite to eat before heading off and watching the Parade! Details to be announced!

Parade of Whales and Wonders

Tofino Downtown
Saturday, March 19, 2011: 10am

The Whale Festival and The District of Tofino are putting on a parade! Come watch the floats as they make their way through the beautiful streets of Tofino!

If you are interested in participating in the parade, please contact Aaron Rodgers at the District of Tofino.

Sand Castle Building Contest

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Saturday, March 19, 2011: 11am - 1pm

Join other families and create sandcastles to marvel and wonder at! More activities to be announced for this beach activity!

Ucluelet Aquarium Season Opening

Ucluelet Aquarium, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 19, 2011: 12 - 5pm

Get your hands wet in the touch tanks with hungry seastars, sideways sand dollars, bright sea anemones, cool crabs, incredible fish and more! Guest interpreters and special activities! Visit with the undersea critters of Clayoquot Sound & Barkley Sound (including a giant pacific octopus!), which are exhibited - and then later released - back into the wild; all from our own backyard! Curiosity welcome & questions encouraged, for ages 1-101! No admission for Opening Day!

Whale Festival Craft Fair

Tofino Community Hall, Tofino
Saturday, March 19, 2011: noon - 5pm

Join us as local artists and artisans delight and amaze you! Exhibitors will present crafts, gourmet food, fine art, photography, clothing, glass art, jewelry and so much more! Migrate through the room and find that special keepsake that says Whale Festival to you!

Whale’s Eye View: Interactive Scuba Diving Introduction

West Coast Motel , Ucluelet
Saturday, March 19, 2011: 1 - 4pm

The diving here in Barkley and Clayoquot Sound is world class! Let dive master Andy from Ocean Planet Adventures, show you the introductory ropesof Scuba diving with full gear provided and a safe indoor pool environment to immerse yourself into the underwater world - from a whale’s eye view!

Bring your underwater camera’s and be ready for 3 hours of fun! Limited capacity for gear. Suitable for most ages.

Ocean Gybe - Protecting the World’s Oceans

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 19, 2011: 7 - 7:30 pm

In the summer of 2007, brothers Ryan and Bryson Robertson and good friend Hugh Patterson began their dream and departed La Paz, Mexico embarking on a three-year circumnavigation of the globe. They are surfers, sailors, and explorers and their adventure is a voyage of exploration, research, and education. Their dream to circumnavigate the globe to document the state of the oceans and beaches they visit, search out the best waves and meet new people become a reality. Come meet and listen to Hugh Patterson talk about their adventure and experiences and the state of our oceans! Then grab a cocktail and enjoy the Photo Showdown!

Winter Wave Photo Showdown

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 19, 2011: 7pm - 12am

Winter storms on the Pacific Ocean have been pounding our coastline for ages! If you’re lucky enough to have witnessed one of these massive surf storms you know how hard it is to capture an image that does it justice. That’s why we’ve invited anyone with a photographic eye to submit their finest winter storm photos to showcase their talent and celebrate one of our favourite winter activities – Stormwatching. This is an informal opportunity to come out and view some of the best winter stormwatching photography on the West Coast. All of the photos that will appear in the Showdown have been taken right here along our coastline between Ucluelet and Tofino. The winning photos will be chosen by YOU, in a People’s Choice style vote by ballot.

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail
Discovery Walk with OJ

He-Tin-Kis Park , Ucluelet
Sunday, March 20, 2011: 8:30 - 9:30 am

Meet ‘Oyster Jim’ Martin who will take you on a guided walk on and off the Wild Pacific Trail. An opportunity to start your day in a beautiful setting with the energy and infectious positivity of the visionary behind the Trail’s creation. And did I mention fun? So much fun!

Fire-fighter SpoutBall Challenge

Ucluelet Secondary School - Tennis Courts
Sunday, March 20, 2011: 11am

Local Ucluelet & Tofino Volunteer Fire Brigades go head to head in a costumed challenge. If you haven’t seen this before, it’s a must-see in the quirky department, and high on adrenaline. Catch this fun event before heading over to the Ucluelet Community Centre where the losers treat the winners to the Chowder Chowdown! The tradition continues…

15th Annual Chowder Chowdown

Ucluelet Community Centre, Ucluelet
Sunday, March 20, 2011: 11am - 2pm
Tickets at the door: $10 adults
$5 kid/$25 family up to 4 kids

Sample the best of the Pacific Northwest from local Tofino and Ucluelet chefs! Gourmet secrets, mom & pop specials, traditional family recipes. Have a taste of numerous samples and favour your flavour. Which chowder will win your vote this year?! Featuring live maritime tunes and collector’s T-shirts for sale. Bring a spoon! Presented in partnership with District of Ucluelet Rec Commission and Department. Thanks to all for keeping the tradition alive and well!

Whale’s Eye View: Interactive Scuba Diving Introduction

West Coast Motel , Ucluelet
Sunday, March 20, 2011: 1- 4pm

Whale Watching Station & Interpretive Loop

Sunday, March 20, 2011: 2:30 - 4:30 pm
Amphitrite Light House & Wild Pacific Trail
Ucluelet

Join naturalists from the local area for interactive land-based viewing through spotting scopes & the eyes of history from this traditional whale-spotting point on the peninsula. Enjoy the trail & come armed with binoculars & questions! Special scopes for kids too! Did we mention rain or shine? Thanks to all of the participating facilitating organizations and the Wild Pacific Trail Society. Sponsored by: Remote Passages Marine Excursions

Surfrider’s present “Bag it”

Clayoquot Theatre, Tofino
Sunday, March 20, 2011: 7 - 9pm
Suggested donation of $5

BagIt Screening: Bag It follows “everyman” Jeb Berrier as he navigates our plastic world. Jeb is not a radical environmentalist, but an average American who decides to take a closer look at our cultural love affair with plastics. Jeb’s journey in this documentary film starts with simple questions: Are plastic bags really necessary? What are plastic bags made from? What happens to plastic bags after they are discarded? What he learns quickly grows far beyond plastic bags.

Recipe for a Rainforest, Family Rainforest Program

He-Tin-Kis Park , Ucluelet
Monday, March 21 2011: 10 - 11am

Our backyard is a lush coastal temperate rainforest, complete with rain, large coniferous trees with moss-laden branches, nurse logs and much, much more! Discover some of the ‘ingredients’ that make this ecosystem so unique. Meet two of our Raincoast Education Society naturalists at the Amphitrite Point parking lot for a 60 minute walk. Please bring appropriate outdoor gear; sturdy shoes recommended gumboots not necessary. Thank you Raincoast Education Society!

Feathers & Flukes Boat Tour with guest guide & local birder Artie Ahier

Remote Passages Marine Excursions, Tofino
Monday, March 21am - 1:30pm
(12 spaces) $84/person / To reserve 725-3330

It’s the perfect time of year for an exciting adventure where our guides take you touring into stretching inlet waters and along the outer coast of Clayoquot Sound seeking coastal and inlet birds and migrating grey whales all in one experience! An inspiring daytrip for most ages with informative and engaging guides! Thanks to Remote Passages Marine Excursions for continued Festival support!

Storytime at Sea - The Whales’ Secret “By Rosemary Phillips, Illustrations by Julie Draper”

Jamies Whaling Station Tofino
Monday, March 21 2011: 10 – 11am

Bring the little one’s down to Jamie’s Whaling Station and hop aboard the Leviathan II! Although we won’t be leaving the shore what would be better then being read a story by the author herself while sitting on a big boat and being served hot chocolate!

Education Talk - How to Eat like a Whale

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Monday, March 21 2011: 11:30am - 12:30pm

Fin whales eat by lunge-feeding, a process which has been termed “the greatest biomechanical event in the world”. A fin whale will drop his lower jaw and engulf up to 70m3 of prey-laden water, which can then be filtered through baleen leaving only 10kg of krill to be consumed. The elusive mystique of the whale really does extend into the scientific world as researchers such as Sheldon only start to analyse the basic filtration process and kinematics of these wondrous beasts.

Education Talk
Recovering marine species at risk

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Monday, March 21 2011: 1:30 - 2:30pm

Canada’s Species at Risk Act (SARA) identifies how governments, organizations and individuals can work together to protect flora and fauna species at risk. There are currently 48 SARA-listed aquatic species within British Columbia and Pacific waters. Focusing on the marine species at risk along the west coast of Vancouver Island, this presentation will provide an interactive discussion on the role we all play in recovering species at risk and the importance of a collaborative approach to recovery. It will highlight scientific research on large whales and pinnipeds, sharks, rockfish, and Northern Abalone. Participants will gain knowledge of what they can do, regardless of their role on the water, to participate in the recovery process, including: how to identify and report cetacean, sea turtle, and shark sightings; who to call if they sea a dead or distressed marine mammal; providing aboriginal traditional knowledge; and how to help fill DFO’s knowledge gaps.

Education Talk - Pacific white-sided dolphins
in British Columbia:

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Monday, March 21 2011: 3:30 - 4:30 pm

Pacific white-sided dolphins are a gregarious species and an icon on the west coast of BC. Their abundance in near-shore waters has increased since the 1980s although little is known about what drives this species’ distribution and diet. I am working with UBC, the Vancouver Aquarium, and DFO to determine the energetic needs of Pacific white-sided dolphins and estimate how many fish they eat. I am also mapping where they go during different seasons and what they might be eating at different times of the year. Come learn about the history of dolphins on our coast, and what research we are currently involved in, to better understand this population.

Sweet Indulgence - All you can eat dessert

Ucluelet Community Centre
Monday, March 21 2011: 7 - 9pm

Advance tickets only: $10 adults/$5 kids 12 & under
An evening of decadence; featuring favourites from the recipe archives from up and down the coast. All-you-can-eat desserts & people’s choice awards, and more. Live musical guests, Smalltown Empire! Limited capacity, so advanced tickets only!

Movie Night - At the Edge of The World

Clayoquot Theatre, Tofino
Monday, March 21 2011: 7 - 9pm

Some call them pirates. Others call them heroes. What are you willing to risk your life for? For 46 volunteers on two ships determined to shut down an illegal whaling fleet in Antarctic waters, the consequences are very real. At the Edge of the World puts you in the middle of the action as the international crew unleashes an arsenal of bizarre & brilliant tactics in this uniquely beautiful & deadly corner of the world. With one ship too slow to chase down the whaling fleet, with their second ship unsuited for Antarctic ice conditions and with no country supporting their efforts to enforce international law, the situation becomes increasingly desperate. Against all odds, however, a real-life pirate tale unfolds - a modern-day “David vs. Goliath” adventure.

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail
Discovery Walk with OJ

He-Tin-Kis Park , Ucluelet
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 8:30 - 9:30 am

Sea Shore Walk

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 10 - 11am

Come explore the mysterious world between the high tide and the low tide, where land and sea meet. Small and wonderful creatures live amongst crashing waves and hungry predators, yet survive in one of the toughest environments on the west coast! From ochre sea stars to giant green anemones, the abundance of sea life and variety of colours will surely not disappoint a curious intertidal visitor. The crashing waves and long, sandy beaches serve as a spectacular setting to learn about the life along Pacific Rim National Park’s shoreline and everything that makes this place so special. You never know what you might discover!

Mudflat Interpretive Walk
with Kimberly Johnston

Darwin’s Café
Tofino Botanical Gardens, Tofino
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 10 - 11am

Participation fee: $10 adult/$6 students/$FREE kids 12 & under (includes 3-day Tofino Botanical Gardens Pass)
The Tofino Mudflats are more than just mud; they’re one of the little-known jewels of Clayoquot Sound. Thousands of migrating shorebirds depend on these mudflats, and migrating grey whales use them too! Come down to the Tofino Botanical Gardens and join marine biologist Josie Osborne for a 60 minute exploration of the Tofino Mudflats. Great for families, kids and mud-enthusiasts of all ages. Sturdy shoes are recommended; gumboots are not necessary as we will walk NEXT to the mud but not ON the mud. Thanks to the Tofino Botanical Gardens Foundation.

Storytime at Sea - The Whales’ Secret - By Rosemary Phillips, Illustrations by Julie Draper

Jamie’s Whaling Station, Ucluelet
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 10 - 11am

Bring the little one’s down to Jamie’s Whaling Station and hop aboard the Lady Selkirk! Although we won’t be leaving the shore what would be better then being read a story by the author herself while sitting on a big boat and being served hot chocolate!

Meares Island Big Tree Trail: Guided Hikes

Ocean Outfitters, Tofino
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 11am - 12:30pm
$49/adults & $20.11/children.

Hug some of the largest and oldest life forms on the planet! The legendary trail begins as a boardwalk leading you past many features of special interest to the Hanging Garden Tree, which has a circumference of 18.3 meters and a height of 42.7 meters! The boardwalk is 620 meters in length and takes approximately 1.5 hours return to enjoy. Special Whale Festival rates! Call to reserve 250-725-2866

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 11am - 12pm

Renowned First Nation artist Roy Henry Vickers intimately shares personal stories of coastal life and inspirations, in his own longhouse gallery. Roy will be available for signing following the storytelling. Everyone welcome! Thanks to Eagle Aerie Gallery for years of Whale Festival support.

Education Talk,
Harbour porpoise foraging behaviour

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 11:30 - 12:30 am

Anna investigated whether harbour porpoise use specific areas in Juan de Fuca Strait as temporary but predictable foraging arenas. Behavioural data were collected over 12 months (2007 – 2008) in a systematic survey, and were augmented with 13 years (1995 – 1996, 1998 – 2008) of supplementary data collected from whale watching boats. She examined porpoise behaviour relative to tidal phase, tidal variation, relative density, lunar phase, lunar position, solar position, diurnality and seasonality. Overall, harbour porpoise preferentially chose the ebb and spring tides, and a three-fold increase in density occurred during the putative breeding season. These findings suggest that harbour porpoise behaviour is more complex than previously thought, and that these animals selectively choose temporally specific habitats for foraging. Furthermore, the increase in density may indicate these foraging arenas are central to the selection of reproductive habitat by harbour porpoise.

Sea Creature Cookie Creators:
a creative activity for kids

Common Loaf Bakery, Tofino
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 1- 3pm

Come down to the bakeshop and decorate your own sea creature cookies to take home and show off…or gobble up! Professional icing tips from bakeshop staff! Thanks again to Common Loaf!
All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Education Talk -
Calamari and the Meaning of Life

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 1:30 - 2:30pm

On the evening of September 13, 2008, a single Humboldt squid washed ashore at dusk on Chesterman Beach, Tofino. Overnight, the tides washed away the carcass of this four foot long squid with human-like eyes the size of golf balls. Over the next year, rumours began to surface amongst the sports fishing fleet that three to five feet long squid were being caught in offshore waters, mangling fishing lures, and ravenously consuming any fish they could find. Then, in August 2009, over 500 Humboldt squid washed ashore on Tofino beaches – some still gasping, eventually dying and becoming part of the marine food chain as they were eaten by birds, sand fleas, bacteria, and thirty local residents at a Thanksgiving dinner. What on earth were these Central American cephalopods doing in Canadian waters, and why have they not been back? Come listen to this fascinating story of how one local marine biologist delved deep into the squid carcasses to learn more about these incredible creatures and why they washed ashore in Tofino.

Meet the Past:
Early history of Clayoquot Sound

Wild Heather Bookstore, Ucluelet
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 3 - 4pm

Basing her talk on original letters and diaries, and illustrating it with extraordinary contemporary photographs, Margaret’s talk reveals the commercial and social developments on the coast: the demise of the fur seal trade, the beginning of commercial whaling and other industries, the devastating changes in First Nations communities. She will speak of the growth of settlement, the changing transportation scene on the coast, and most of all, about the West Coast people of the time.

Wildlife and Landscape Photographic Walk

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 3 - 4pm

Bring your camera and take a walk around Wickaninnish Beach with a professional photographer who can get the best out of your camera and help you have amazing photographs of the beautiful Pacific Rim.
Matthew Maran has been photographing the wildlife and landscapes of the west coast of Vancouver Island since 2005. Having spent more than 1,000 hours at sea, persevering in some of the area’s most extreme weather conditions, he has gathered a unique body of work covering the breadth of Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds.
Maran is an award winning wildlife photographer whose images have appeared in National Geographic and BBC Wildlife magazines as wellas films, books, and conservation journals. His work has won highly commended awards in both the European Wildlife Photographer of the Year and the Travel Photographer of the Year and his images are currently represented by Nature Picture Library.

6th Annual Whalefest Literary Spout-Off

Grey Whale Deli, Ucluelet
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 7 - 9pm

The 6th annual Whalefest Litery Spout-Off features stories, poems, rumination and rants as West Coast authors expound on this year’s theme. Open Mic time for locals and guests to join in and share their creativity!
Complimentry tea and drip coffee and snacks!

“Vancouver Island, Barkley To Clayoquot” Tofino Book Launch with Matt Maran

Jamie’s Whaling Station - Tofino, Tofino
Tuesday, March 22, 2011: 7 - 9pm

It is Matt’s mission to promote the beauty and diversity of the west coast while continuing to raise awareness by addressing issues such as responsible wildlife watching and the importance of protected areas and in-tact ecosystems. Join Matt as he presents his special edition book “Vancouver Island, Barkley To Clayoquot”! Not only can you get a signed copy of the book but come experience the behind the scenes details on how Matt captured many of his photographs.

Beach Seining Interactive Specimen Collecting

Terrace Beach, Ucluelet
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 10 - 11am

What is seining, you ask? Join Ucluelet Aquarium curator Dave Hurwitz ‘in his shoes’ for an actual Aquarium-bound specimen collection from Terrace Beach. Oh! The life in our own backyard! A net, chest waders, some biologist friends, and you! Dave will be joined by Ucluelet Aquarium staff for some seining fun. All ages welcome!

MEET THE PAST: Early 20th century characters and history of Clayoquot Sound

Salal Room, Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 11am - 12pm

What was happening in Clayoquot Sound a hundred years ago? Come to Margaret Horsfield’s lively and entertaining talk and find out. You’ll hear of vivid characters who inhabited this area: you’ll learn about the sealers, settlers and storekeepers, the prospectors, priests and schoolchildren. You’ll hear stories of the cantankerous eccentrics and the hopeful dreamers of this area, as well as tales of loss and despair.
Basing her talk on original letters and diaries, and illustrating it with extraordinary contemporary photographs, Margaret’s talk reveals the commercial and social developments on the coast: the demise of the fur seal trade, the beginning of commercial whaling and other industries, the devastating changes in First Nations communities. She will speak of the growth of settlement, the changing transportation scene on the coast, and most of all, about the West Coast people of the time.

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 11am - 12pm

Education Talk - Frogs and Salamanders of B.C.’s Coastal Rainforest

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 11:30 - 12:30am

If you’ve wondered about the frogs you hear singing in the spring or the salamanders you uncover in your woodpile, come listen to a talk about B.C.’s coastal amphibians. Starting with examples from the early fossil record, this slideshow will explore how amphibians make the best of both worlds where they live – on land and in water. Learn about the fascinating characteristics such as slimy skin, sticky toes, poison glands and projectile tongues that make every 10-year-old want to carry a frog around in his/her pocket. WhaleFest is the time of year when our local species begin breeding and you’ll hear all about how frogs and salamanders mate and lay eggs, and what happens when the tadpoles grow up. You’ll also learn about some of the trials and tribulations faced by amphibians, and what is being done to rescue them from the immediate threats to their survival. Hear about some easy ways that you can help too.

Straight from the Sea - Boat Cruise & Talk

Ocean Outfitters, Tofino
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 1 - 3pm
$90/adults & $60/children

Enjoy an exciting talk aboard a family vessel out in the Barkley Sound! There we will talk about our reliance on the ocean, ocean foods, interesting facts, stewardship and enjoy some very cool snacks! Special Whale Festival rates! Call to reserve 250-725-2866

Wanted Dead or Alive - All Marine Mammals have an Important Story to Tell

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Whether it’s a sick Steller sea lion, a dead harbour porpoise or an entangled grey whale, all marine mammals have an important story to tell about their long and mysterious lives at sea. Did you know that almost half of British Columbia’s marine mammal and sea turtle populations are listed on the Species At Risk Act? Yet, we know relatively little about the threats they face. The BC Marine Mammal Response Network works collaboratively to assist animals in distress and monitor threats like vessel strikes, entanglements, disturbance and disease throughout BC’s vast 27,000 km coastline. Come learn how you too can help these research and conservation efforts in your own community.

NAME Education Workshop

Ucluelet Community Centre
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 2 - 5pm

In 2007, the BC Ministry of Education published the “Environmental Learning and Experience: An Interdisciplinary Guide,” a guide designed to assist teachers of all subjects and grades to integrate environmental concepts into teaching and learning. Hundreds of teachers, educators and even parents are using this document to help them encourage children and youth to make decisions based on an understanding of the issues, as well as their personal values, and the sometimes conflicting values of other community members.
This three hour workshop will help you to discover and explore (1) outdoor teaching and learning strategies , (2) tools to engage students with the environment, (3) unique learning destinations in your region, (4) best practices and success stories, and (5) teaching and learning resources. Free - pre-registration is required.

Live Dive: An Interactive Discovery Dive

Tofino and Ucluelet Community Centres
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 3:30 - 4:30pm

Streamed simultaneously to Tofino Community Centre and Ucluelet Community Centre! From the subsea direct via internet to the theater audience with the team and expertise of the Bamfield Marine Science Centre!
The Live Dive is an innovative way to explore the subsea by streaming the video to land locations. Two divers and a videographer dive into the waters of Barkley Sound and with the help of their support team and Naturalist helping guide you through this adventure! Feel like you are the one diving!

Family Dinner Night

Ucluelet Community Centre, Ucluelet
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 5:30 - 7pm

While others are migrating with martinis you can enjoy a fabulous home-cooked meal with the comfort of someone else doing the cooking!
Join Shamie of 4 Spice Restaurant for a meal with flavours that will leave your taste buds tingling! After the meal head to the other end of the Community Centre and enjoy a movie night!
Adult $12 Kids $8

Kid’s Whalefest Movie Night

Ucluelet Community Centre, Ucluelet
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 6:30 - 9pm

After the family dinner, bring the young one’s out for an evening dedicated to them! Start the night off with some of Pixar’s famous shorts and then after an intermission with snacks provided by Ucluelet’s PAC settle down to watch the always wonderful classic “Finding Nemo”!

Martini Migration

Tofino Community Hall, Tofino
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 7pm - 12am
Advance tickets only: $45

6th Annual Cocktail Competition. Local mixologists will compete for the coveted title of the best Whale Festival Martini & decorated booth. Come shake, stir and vote for your version of the best coastal martini, and the most festivalized costumes in attendance! Dress for the theme - Feathers, Fur & Fins - Get Primal! Bring out the animal in you!
Live show with Quoia {Kwoi - a} is a collective of musicians currently residing on Southern Vancouver Island. Known for their high-energy live show and uplifting grooves, this genre-hopping group is swiftly attracting new fans of all ages!
Partial proceeds to local research projects.

The Friends of Clayoquot Sound present “Secrets of Clayoquot”

Clayoquot Theatre, Tofino
Wednesday, March 23, 2011: 7:30 - 9:30 pm
Suggested donation $5-10

Join sea kayakers Dan Lewis and Bonny Glambeck of Tofino for an unforgettable journey through the natural beauty and splendor of the Clayoquot Sound. Learn about the ecology of the region’s globally significant ancient rainforests, and how industrial activity threatens this UNESCO Biosphere reserve.

The couple are seasoned naturalists and expedition sea kayakers who have paddled most of the BC coast. They will share stories about their many adventures at home in Clayoquot Sound, and show images from some of BC’s leading outdoor photographers. For more info call The Friends of Clayoquot Sound 250.725.4218.

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail
Discovery Walk with OJ

He-Tin-Kis Park , Ucluelet
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 8:30 - 9:30 am

Stream Restoration Walk

Walk in the Forest Trail
Pacific Rim National Park
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 10 - 11am

Drive out to the Walk in the Forest Trail in the Pacific Rim National Park and learn about the importance of salmon stream and forest restoration.

Past forest practices have left parts of BC’s coastal rainforest in need of a helping hand. This is where the Central Westcoast Forest Society and its many partners come in. They work through all the steps of watershed restoration, giving Mother Nature a boost and accelerating the natural healing process.

Join Bob Redhead, Special Environmental Projects Biologist for Parks Canada and Jessica Hutchinson of Central West Coast Forest Society.

Meares Island Big Tree Trail: Guided Hikes

Ocean Outfitters, Tofino
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 11am - 12:30pm
$49/adults & $20.11/children.

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 11am - 12pm

Education Talk - “So You Want to be a Biologist” with Jenn Yakimishyn & Katie Beach

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 11:30am - 12:30pm

Have you ever dreamt about one day being a Marine Biologist? Want to learn more about what marine biologists do on our west coast?
Join two of our local marine biologists as they tell you about day in their life, about their work and the many adventures in marine biology.

Jamie’s Whaling Station Maritime Kids Day

Ucluelet Community Centre, Ucluelet
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 1 - 4pm

Activities for all ages! We are excited to welcome back the Vancouver Aquarium Aquavan, cookie decorating, face-painting, a photobooth, Ucluelet Aquarium, and activities and crafts! Raincoast Education Society and Bamfield Marine Science Centre are just two of the groups providing hands on and interactive fun! A free concert by Bob’s and Lolo will wrap up the exciting afternoon!

Education Talk - Sea Otters, a natural history! - Jane Watson

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 1:30 - 2:30 pm

Sea otters which were prized for their thick fur were hunted to extinction in British Columbia in a commercial fur trade that lasted from the late 1700s until 1911. Otters were reintroduced to BC from 1969 to 1972 when 89 Alaskan sea otters were released off the northwest coast of Vancouver Island. Since their “repatriation”, the Canadian sea otter population has grown and spread so that today nearly 5000 sea otters occur along the outer coast and north end of Vancouver Island, and off BC’s central coast. The return of sea otters, which has resulted in dramatic changes to coastal ecosystems, has not been without controversy. Sea otters depend on a thick fur and a prodigious appetite to stay warm in their chilly ocean environment and it is these two features - their luxurious fur coats and enormous appetites - that have made sea otters both loved and hated. In this talk the biology and ecology of this important and charismatic species will be discussed – in what is truly a very natural history.

Jamie’s Whaling Station present - Bob’s & Lolo

Ucluelet Community Centre
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 3 - 4pm

Bobs & LoLo are dedicated to connecting kids to the natural world with music, movement and make-believe. Sharing musical stories that engage, inspire and educate, they teach kids to care about themselves, their neighbours and the planet.
From up in the trees to down in the seas, get on your feet to the beat of Bobs & LoLo’s award-winning songs! Listen to the samples by going to the link below and hear music from the Action Packed, Musical Adventures and Sea Notes CD series. Experience a musical world filled with bikes, bugs, recycling and more today!
http://www.bobsandlolo.com/music.html

Wildlife and Landscape Photographic Walk

Amphitrite Light House & Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 3 - 4pm

Bring your camera and take a walk along the Wild Pacific Trail with a professional photographer who can get the best out of your camera and help you have amazing photographs of the beautiful Pacific Rim.
Matthew Maran has been photographing the wildlife and landscapes of the west coast of Vancouver Island since 2005. Having spent more than 1,000 hours at sea, persevering in some of the area’s most extreme weather conditions, he has gathered a unique body of work covering the breadth of Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds.

Education Talk - Seabirds, Climate Change, and Marine Conservation

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 3:30 - 4:30pm

The northern coastal waters of British Columbia are home to spectacular congregations of marine life. One such example is the Scott Islands, off the north-west tip of Vancouver Island. Anne Valée, who conducted seabird research on these islands in the early 1980’s, was one of the first biologists to observe the impact of climate change on animal populations. Today, changing sea surface temperatures pose a grave threat to over two million seabirds which nest on the islands and many more that forage in the surrounding waters. The Living Oceans Society is working with the Canadian Wildlife Service to designate these waters as a marine National Wildlife Area in order to protect the food sources for these birds. Using images, we will tell the story of these globally important breeding grounds, which support over two million nesting seabirds (including more than half the world population of Cassin’s Auklet).

Barnacle Blues

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet
Thursday, March 24, 2011: 7pm - 12:00 am
Tickets: $40 advance or $45 at the door

A fun and fund-raising evening of music! Join acclaimed musician Jim Byrne and opening act Headwater! Raffle-style auction with lots of amazing prizes; includes gourmet savouries & 2 drink tickets. Thank you to Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.
Some music simply can’t be played in the background. The first note catches you as the rest of the world melts away and you’ve got no choice but to stop what you were doing and listen. Really listen. Jim Byrnes’ new album, Everywhere West catches you that way. Everywhere West is nominated for a Juno Award for Blues Album of the year. Byrnes has twice won the Juno Award for Blues Album of the Year, for That River in 1996 and House of Refuge on Black Hen Music in 2007.

The last plant alive:
Dishing the Dirt on Dune Restoration

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Friday, March 25, 2011: 10 - 11am

Come see B.C.’s largest dune complex only steps away from the Wickaninnish parking lot! Learn about this rare and interesting ecosystem, the park’s restoration efforts and the endangered plant we are saving from the brink of extinction. Come and get your hands dirty by trying to pull an invasive dune grass with roots that reach meters deep and create habitat for our many rare species. The one that gets the deepest root may win a prize!

Marine Wildlife Photography

Friday, March 25, 2011: 10am - 1pm
$79.00/Adults, $75/Students & $65/Youth

Join Jamie’s Whaling Station and Matt Maran on a zodiac and learn some photography tips while taking in the beauty of the Barkley Sound. No one will believe that you took those pictures after Matt’s wildlife photography tips! Some of the many items covered will be tips on dealing with exposure on the water, anticipation, positioning, angles, getting the animal eye view and so much more!
Matthew Maran has been photographing the wildlife and landscapes of the west coast of Vancouver Island since 2005. Having spent more than 1,000 hours at sea, persevering in some of the area’s most extreme weather conditions, he has gathered a unique body of work covering the breadth of Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds.

A Walk in Time

Starts corner of Main St and 2nd St. Tofino
Friday, March 25, 2011: 10am - 12pm

A historical walking tour of downtown Tofino with Adrienne Mason!

Marine Mammal Research Day
Naturalist Tour By Boat!

Subtidal Adventures, Ucluelet
Friday, March 25, 2011: 10am - 1pm
$79/To reserve 250-726-7336

Join local naturalist and marine mammal researcher Wendy Szaniszlo for a fun-filled research trip in Barkley Sound. We will be travelling by zodiac with Brian Congdon, a former Park Warden of Pacific Rim National Park who has been conducting local tours for over 30 years. Brian is very knowledgeable about the natural and cultural history of Barkley Sound and has supported Wendy with her sea lion research and whale surveys for over 10 years. Together they will introduce you to local marine mammals and involve you in identifying individual whales, discovering what they eat, and investigating sea lion movements. We’ll enjoy the beauty of Barkley Sound and watch for seals, eagles and sea birds along the way. Thanks to Subtidal Adventures and Wendy Szaniszlo.

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Friday, March 25, 2011: 11am - 12pm

Education Talk, Basking Sharks in British Columbia

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Friday, March 25, 2011: 11:30 - 12:30 am

The Basking Shark is the second largest fish in the world, and one of the most imperiled. Historically, large groupings of this gentle, plankton feeding giant were observed along the coast of British Columbia during summer months. However, historical fisheries (1941-1947) and a directed eradication program (1955-1969) brought about a dramatic decline in abundance of this species. Today, the entire northeast Pacific Ocean population numbers less than approximately 500 individuals. In February 2010, the Basking Shark was listed as endangered under Canada’s Species at Risk Act.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada is now faced with the challenge of bringing a large, little-known shark back from the potential brink of extinction. Only through a greater understanding of this species, and with the cooperation of marine users up and down the coast from Canada to Mexico, will this fascinating creature once again be spotted regularly cruising our coastal waters.

Traditional Cedar Weaving Workshop

Ucluelet Community Centre
Friday, March 25, 2011: 12 - 2:00 pm

With First Nations weavers Rose Wilson, Molly Haipee & friends – make a take-home cedar creation using traditional techniques and learn about the history, preparation and uses of this coastal art form. Take part in making a community hat!

West Coast Aquatic Safaris Maritime Kid’s Day

Tofino Community Centre
Friday, March 25, 2011: 1 - 4pm

Education Talk, Gwaii Haanas

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Friday, March 25, 2011: 1:30 - 2:30 pm

What’s happening in the world of marine conservation? Come discovers what’s going on in Canada and learn about the newly established Gwaii Haanas National Marine Conservation Area Reserve. Last summer marked a significant achievement for marine conservation in Canada when Parks Canada, the Haida Nation and Fisheries and Oceans Canada agreed to protect the rich and spectacular marine waters around Gwaii Haanas. Come and be visually transported to this magical place and learn about the efforts that led to the protection of Gwaii Haanas from mountain top to sea floor.

Kids Concert with Bob’s & Lolo

Tofino Community Hall, Tofino
Friday, March 25, 2011: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm

From up in the trees to down in the seas, get on your feet to the beat of Bobs & LoLo’s award-winning songs! Listen to the samples by going to the link below and hear music from the Action Packed, Musical Adventures and Sea Notes CD series. Experience a musical world filled with bikes, bugs, recycling and more today!

Education Talk - Sea Lions

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre
Pacific Rim National Park
Friday, March 25, 2011: 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm

Wendy Szaniszlo is a marine mammal biologist who started her career volunteering for local marine mammal projects in 1995. She went on to study grey whales and sea lions and completed a graduate degree studying sea lions in Barkley Sound. Wendy has been involved in various grey whale, humbpack whale and sea lion research projects with various government organizations, universities and research groups. Her on-going work involves photo identification of grey and humpback whales in Barkley Sound to monitor their abundance, distribution and habitat use, and conducting sea lion surveys on southwest Vancouver Island. Currently her work focuses on the seasonal abundance and distribution of sea lions in BC’s coastal national parks, and assessing the type and frequency of sea lion entanglement in marine debris.

Double Date Night - Music & Whales

Location TBA, Tofino
Friday, March 25, 2011: 6:30 - 9:00 pm

Join Serge Dedina and Jim Nollman for an evening of entertainment in a comfortable, relaxed environment.
Jim Nollman plays music with animals! He tried it with ravens, dolphins, bellbirds, frogs, orcas, humpback whales, elk. He’s worked for the Smithsonian Institute blowing harmonica among howler monkeys on an island in the middle of the Panama Canal. He’s recorded flute music with wolves, produced Thanksgiving day radio shows singing Froggy Went a Courtin’ with gobbling turkeys, appeared on 60 Minutes strumming an Indian raga with whales off Vancouver Island. Today he specialize in such musical communication with whales, several times inviting Tibetan lamas onto a boat to sing their prayers with orcas, playing reggae with pilot whales off Tenerife.
Serge’s Wild Sea contains just the right mix of humor and surf lingo, highlighting Dedina’s belief that popular culture makes the environment relevant. Throughout the book, he writes about the first surfers in Baja, the Great Baja Land Rush of the 1990s, Tijuana’s punk music scene, and pop-culture wrestling phenomenon lucha libre, the reasons why ocean pollution must be stopped, and the way HBO took over his hometown. As Dick Russell, author of Eye of the Whale, writes, “Dedina’s account of his ongoing battle to preserve the Baja Peninsula should inspire environmentalists everywhere. With a surfer’s passion and ingenuity, he takes on the corporate powers - and, along the way, gives us a fascinating history of others who ride the waves.”

“Vancouver Island, Barkley To Clayoquot” Ucluelet Book Launch with Matt Maran

Wild Heather Bookstore, Ucluelet
Friday, March 25, 2011: 7 - 9pm

It is Matt’s mission to promote the beauty and diversity of the west coast while continuing to raise awareness by addressing issues such as responsible wildlife watching and the importance of protected areas and in-tact ecosystems.
Join Matt as he presents his book “Vancouver Island, Barkley To Clayoquot”! Not only can you get a signed copy of the book but come experience the behind the scenes details on how Matt captured many of his photographs.

Headwater @ Float Lounge -
Live Acoustic Music

Friday, March 25, 2011: 9 - 11pm
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet

Hearing Headwater is like listening to the West Coast of Canada in song. Freewheeling, fierce, sentimental and sexy, the Vancouver, B.C., quartet has earned its reputation as one of the finest acoustic roots groups around the old-fashioned way. They worked hard!
Since forming in 2001, the group has logged in thousands of kilometres criss-crossing Western Canada and playing to anyone and everyone willing to give it some love. With hooks, driving rhythms, adventurous steel guitar and mandolin solos, and beautiful three-part vocal harmonies all featured in tight, concise under four-minute songs, they found fans fast. You will be one after tonight if you aren’t already!

Ucluelet Community Breakfast

Ucluelet Community Centre
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 8 - 10am
Tickets at the event: $10

Come down and grab a bite to eat before heading off for the many adventures scheduled throughout the day!
Details to be announced soon!

Seaward Kayak’s Demo Day

Majestic Ocean Kayak’s, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 9am - 1pm

Majestic Ocean Kayaking and Seaward Kayaks are hosting a Kayak Demo Day. Come and test the speed, edging, maneuverability comfort and fit of a wide array of kayaks. To get a real sense of how a kayak performs you can’t just looking at it on a show room floor. At our Kayak Demo Day you can test one kayak against another. We will have kayaks from Seaward, Nimbus, and Current design!
And make sure to purchase your raffle tickets to win two, not one but two, Seaward kayaks throughout events at the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Only 1900 tickets being sold!
Sponsored by: Seaward Kayaks

Marine Mammal Research Day – Naturalist Tour By Boat!

Subtidal Adventures, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 10am - 1pm
$79/To reserve 250-726-7336

Education Talk - 25 years - Humpback Whales - Caitlin Birdsall

Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre,
Pacific Rim National Park
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 11am - 12pm

Humpback whale populations were significantly reduced by commercial whaling throughout the 20th century, but their bumbers have been steadly increasing since. This multi-media presentation will allow audiences to listen to their songs, be awed by their acrobatics and discover how Bristish Columbia residents and visitors can help!

Annual Rubber Fish Race - The tradition of fundraising fun continues!

Thorton Creek Hatchery, Port Albion
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 11am - 1pm

$3 each or 2 for $5! Purchase your fish at the Ucluelet Aquarium throughout the week of Whale Fest!

Sponsor racing rubber fish and watch them race down the falls! Come join the folks at the Hatchery for refreshments, a tour and watch the race! Place bets on your Community Fish, Corporate Fish or Personal Racing Fish!
Proceeds go to the Thorton Creek Hatchery, the Ucluelet Aquarium and the Pacific Rim Whale Festival.

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 11am - 12pm

Artists in Action - An introspective on Painting and Photography

Salal Room, Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 11am - 5pm

There are many talented artists and artisans on the Wild West Coast. This Artists In Action allows the chance for everyone to meet two of these creative spirits, and observe their working processes. This also provides a unique opportunity for serious art buyers and collectors to experience and purchase directly from the Artists and to learn, from the source, the stories associated with their incredible, unique works.

Carol Schulz – Watercolour paintings and prints
Mary Christmas – Photography

Traditional Cedar Weaving: Hands-on Workshop with First Nations Weavers and Artists Rose Wilson & Molly Haipee

Tofino Community Hall
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 12pm - 2pm

Wild Sea: Eco-Wars and Surf Stories
from the Coast of the Californias

TBA, Tofino
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 1 - 3pm,

If you missed Serge on Friday night, catch him today as he discusses his book “Wild Sea: Eco-Wars and Surf Stories from the Coast of the Californias”.

This book contains just the right mix of humor and surf lingo, highlighting Dedina’s belief that popular culture makes the environment relevant. Throughout the book, he writes about the first surfers in Baja, the Great Baja Land Rush of the 1990s, Tijuana’s punk music scene, and pop-culture wrestling phenomenon lucha libre, the reasons why ocean pollution must be stopped, and the way HBO took over his hometown. As Dick Russell, author of Eye of the Whale, writes, “Dedina’s account of his ongoing battle to preserve the Baja Peninsula should inspire environmentalists everywhere. With a surfer’s passion and ingenuity, he takes on the corporate powers - and, along the way, gives us a fascinating history of others who ride the waves.”

Harbour Kayak Tour

Majestic Ocean Kayak’s, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 1 - 3pm
$67 per person

Following the Seaward Kayak’s Demo day, weather permitting, Majestic Ocean Kayaking are hosting a kayak tour around the Ucluelet harbour. Reservations for the Harbour Tour can be made by call Majestic Ocean Kayaking toll free 1-800-889-7644 or 250-726-2868

Panel Discussion - 25 years of Sea Change

Ucluelet Community Centre
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 2 - 4pm

We are combining experts, local west coasters and colourful characters to discuss “25 years of Sea Change”. This panel discussion will touch on many of the issues concerning area residents, talk about success stories in conservation and allow attendees to ask questions and share their thoughts.
Participants in the discussion include Dalhousie University professor Dr. Ron O’dor and local experts such as Dave Hurwitz, of the Ucluelet Aquarium, Adrienne Mason, author of “Tales from the West Coast Smugglers, Sea Monsters, and Other Stories”, Brian Congdon, Subtidal Adventures and the man who was the driving force behind starting the Pacific Rim Whale Festival!
One more guest to be announced shortly!

A Whale of a Wine - Wine Reception

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 3 - 5pm
Only $20 per person!

Bob Furguson of Okanagan’s Kettle Valley Winery & Roger Dossman of Cowichan Valley’s Alderlea Vineyards for a Wine and Cheese Reception in Float lounge! Meet Roger and Bob and dare to compare!
Vancouver Island to Okanagan Varietals

A Whale of a Wine - Wine Maker’s Dinner

Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 6:30 - 10pm

Tickets are $120 (taxes and grats not included) Only 25 spots! Call Black Rock now to reserve your seat!
Dine with Bob and Roger in Black Rock’s extraordinary Wine Cellar! Explore the Best of BC wines paired with Chef Andrew Springett’s Artistic Culinary Creations!

Oceans - Movie and talk with Ron O’dor

Clayoquot Theatre, Tofino
Saturday, March 26, 2011: 7 - 10pm

Oceans cover more than 70 percent of the Earth’s surface and, at an average depth of nearly four kilometres, contain almost 1.4 billion cubic kilometres of mostly unexplored waters. Cataloguing and understanding the vast array of life in this mysterious expanse has been a passion of biologist Ron O’Dor since he first set eyes on the ocean at age seven. O’Dor, a biology professor at Dalhousie University in Halifax, is the chief science officer of the Census of Marine Life (CoML), a 10-year, 82-nation project to gauge and record the diversity, distribution and abundance of life in the world’s oceans.
After an amazing introduction by Ron, settle in and watch the movie Oceans!

SurfRider Foundation Ocean Conservation Beach Clean-Up

Beach TBA
Sunday, March 27, 2011: 9:30 - 11 am

A great way to start the closing day; walk the beach and give her some love! Hosted by SurfRider Foundation Pacific Rim Chapter. Everyone welcome!
Beach to be announced shortly!

Artists in Action - An introspective
on Painting and Photography

Salal Room, Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
Sunday, March 27, 2011: 10am - 5pm

Carol Schulz – Watercolour paintings and prints
Mary Christmas – Photography

Tug-O-Whale: A Competition Tradition

Big Beach, Ucluelet
Sunday, March 27, 2011: 10:30 am - 12pm

Who will win the coveted Bone of Contention this year? Witness challenges between community District office teams & other groups like visitors vs locals; you can even contact the Festival to enter your own team challenge! Encouraged for all ages!

Chu-yaa-ma-uuk, Festival Closing Day Celebration

Ucluelet Community Centre
Sunday, March 27, 2011: 12 - 3:30 pm
Event Tickets $5 / Volunteers dine for $FREE

12pm-1pm
Traditionally Inspired Lunch - meal prepared by Local BBQers and Chefs. Sponsored in part by Creative Salmon.
1pm-3:30pm
Everyone welcome to a community gathering to share local First Nations culture through story, dance, song, local art & history. Don’t miss the unveiling of the 2012 Poster artwork, the draw for the two Seaward Kayaks, Jamie’s Whaling Station’s Passport to Adventure prize draw & much more. Join us in closing off the 25th annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival…until next year!

Tofino festivals

Tofino Film Festival: February 17-20, 2016
Pacific Rim Whale Festival: March 12-27, 2016
Artsplash PRAS Art Show: March 12-20, 2016
Tofino Shorebird Festival: April 29 - May 1, 2016
Feast! Tofino-Ucluelet: May 6-22, 2016
Clayoquot Island Open House: May 21-22, 2016
Tofino Public Market: May - September, 2016
Tofino Food & Wine Festival: June 3-5, 2016
Pacific Rim Summer Festival: June 30 - July 9, 2016
Ukee Days: July 22-24, 2016
Tofino Lantern Festival: August 14, 2016
Tofino Beer Festival: September 26, 2015
Queen of the Peak: September 30 - October 2, 2016
Tofino Oyster Festival: November 17-19, 2016
Tofino Winter Celebration Artisan Festival: Dec. ?, 2016
West Coast Winter Music: Nov. 2, 2015 - April 2, 2016

Tofino Artist Studio Tour: March 17-19, 2009
Tofino Art in the Garden: September 8 & 9, 2009
Westcoast Maritime Festival: September 22-28, 2009

Tofino Time March 2011

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Pacific Rim Whale festival 2011 in Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park presents events, entertainment and educational activities.

Tofino Whale festival calendar of events 2011

March 19-27, 2011

Pacific Rim Whale Festival 2011 Calendar of Events

Pacific Rim Whale Festival Event Calendar

ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show

Daily Marine Documentary Film Screenings

Jamie’s Whaling Station’s Westcoast Passport To Adventure Contest

Ucluelet Harbour Tours

The Sensory Experience

Ucluelet Aquarium: Up Close & Personal!

15th Annual Gala Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser

Tofino Community Breakfast

Parade of Whales and Wonders

Sand Castle Building Contest

Ucluelet Aquarium Season Opening

Whale Festival Craft Fair

Whale’s Eye View: Interactive Scuba Diving Introduction

Ocean Gybe - Protecting the World’s Oceans

Winter Wave Photo Showdown

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ

Fire-fighter SpoutBall Challenge

15th Annual Chowder Chowdown

Whale’s Eye View: Interactive Scuba Diving Introduction

Whale Watching Station & Interpretive Loop

Surfrider’s present “Bag it”

Recipe for a Rainforest, Family Rainforest Program

Feathers & Flukes Boat Tour with guest guide & local birder Artie Ahier

Storytime at Sea - The Whales’ Secret “By Rosemary Phillips, Illustrations by Julie Draper”

Education Talk - How to Eat like a Whale

Education Talk Recovering marine species at risk

Education Talk - Pacific white-sided dolphins in British Columbia:

Sweet Indulgence - All you can eat dessert

Movie Night - At the Edge of The World

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ

Sea Shore Walk

Mudflat Interpretive Walk with Kimberly Johnston

Storytime at Sea - The Whales’ Secret - By Rosemary Phillips, Illustrations by Julie Draper

Meares Island Big Tree Trail: Guided Hikes

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Education Talk, Harbour porpoise foraging behaviour

Sea Creature Cookie Creators: a creative activity for kids

Education Talk - Calamari and the Meaning of Life

Meet the Past: Early history of Clayoquot Sound

Wildlife and Landscape Photographic Walk

6th Annual Whalefest Literary Spout-Off

“Vancouver Island, Barkley To Clayoquot” Tofino Book Launch with Matt Maran

Beach Seining Interactive Specimen Collecting

MEET THE PAST: Early 20th century characters and history of Clayoquot Sound

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Education Talk - Frogs and Salamanders of B.C.’s Coastal Rainforest

Straight from the Sea - Boat Cruise & Talk

Wanted Dead or Alive - All Marine Mammals have an Important Story to Tell

NAME Education Workshop

Live Dive: An Interactive Discovery Dive

Family Dinner Night

Kid’s Whalefest Movie Night

Martini Migration

The Friends of Clayoquot Sound present “Secrets of Clayoquot”

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ

Stream Restoration Walk

Meares Island Big Tree Trail: Guided Hikes

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Education Talk - “So You Want to be a Biologist” with Jenn Yakimishyn & Katie Beach

Jamie’s Whaling Station Maritime Kids Day

Education Talk - Sea Otters, a natural history! - Jane Watson

Jamie’s Whaling Station present - Bob’s & Lolo

Wildlife and Landscape Photographic Walk

Education Talk - Seabirds, Climate Change, and Marine Conservation

Barnacle Blues

The last plant alive: Dishing the Dirt on Dune Restoration

Marine Wildlife Photography

A Walk in Time

Marine Mammal Research Day Naturalist Tour By Boat!

Storytelling with artist Roy Henry Vickers

Education Talk, Basking Sharks in British Columbia

Traditional Cedar Weaving Workshop

West Coast Aquatic Safaris Maritime Kid’s Day

Education Talk, Gwaii Haanas

Kids Concert with Bob’s & Lolo

Education Talk - Sea Lions

Jamie’s Whaling Station’s
Westcoast Passport To Adventure Contest

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail
Discovery Walk with OJ

Education Talk
Recovering marine species at risk

Education Talk - Pacific white-sided dolphins
in British Columbia:

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail
Discovery Walk with OJ

Mudflat Interpretive Walk
with Kimberly Johnston

Education Talk,
Harbour porpoise foraging behaviour

Sea Creature Cookie Creators:
a creative activity for kids

Education Talk -
Calamari and the Meaning of Life

Meet the Past:
Early history of Clayoquot Sound

B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail
Discovery Walk with OJ

The last plant alive:
Dishing the Dirt on Dune Restoration

Marine Mammal Research Day
Naturalist Tour By Boat!

Headwater @ Float Lounge -
Live Acoustic Music

Wild Sea: Eco-Wars and Surf Stories
from the Coast of the Californias

Artists in Action - An introspective
on Painting and Photography

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