tofino whale festival - pacific rim whale festival calendar of events

Tofino Whale festival calendar of events 2016

March 12-27, 2016

The letter 'W'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 2016 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

pacific rim whale festival button event This symbol signifies a Button Event. 2016 Pacific Rim Whale Festival Buttons 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 2016 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


March 6-14, 2010ArtSplash! 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.

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March 6-14, 2010Daily 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.

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March 6-14, 2010Jamie’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

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March 5, 2016Great Gatsby Casino

Canadian Princess, Ukee
Saturday, March 5, 2016 • 7:30pm
$25 advance $30 door

Dress up in your best flapper or gangster outfit and enjoy a night of casino games with a roaring 20’s theme. Once the gaming has stopped use your “winnings” or pool them together to bid on fantastic prizes, then dance the night away. What better location than the old steamship, Canadian Princess Resort. A final fitting farewell to a Ucluelet icon, as she is being removed from the boat basin later this year. Tickets available at: Murray’s Grocery, Canadian Princess, Jamie’s Rainforest Inn.

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March 10, 2016PRWF Gala Dinner & Silent Auction

Wickaninnish Inn
Thursday, March 10, 2016 • 6pm
$110

The Pacific Rim Whale Festival Gala and Silent Auction starts with Chef Warren Barr and the kitchen brigade cooking up some magic. Wine pairings and tempting silent auction items complement the evening for this 20th annual fundraising (and fun-raising) event. 100% of the ticket cost and silent auction proceeds go to support the volunteer-fueled Whale Festival and its marketing efforts.

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March 11, 2016Vancouver Opera presents Stickboy

Ucluelet Community Centre
Friday, March 11, 2016 • 7:30pm
By donation

The Ucluelet and Area Historical Society are pleased to once again present to the local schools and the communities-at-large, performances by Vancouver Opera in Schools. The much anticipated productions this year will be of Stickboy, which has been has been described as “bravely autobiographical, poetic and visually innovative”. This made-in-Canada opera is a powerful and insightful drama exploring the ramifications of incessant bullying, an issue facing many of our youth of today.


March 12-20, 2016ArtSplash

Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet
Daily March 12-20, 2016
10am-10pm
By Donation

ArtSplash is an Art Show featuring the work of talented local artists. Visitors from near and far will have the chance to view and purchase pieces of art during an 8-day show at the Black Rock Oceanfront Resort. The art show coincides with the first week of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival and is a fantastic opportunity to see the creative work of established and emerging artists.


March 12, 2016Parade of Whales & Wonders

Downtown Tofino
Saturday, March 12, 2016 • 10:15am
Free

This event kicks off the Whale Festival, with businesses and organizations working hard to decorate floats that capture the spirit of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Locals & visitors alike line Campbell Street to watch as the excitement moves through Tofino, finishing in the downtown area.


March 12, 201630th Anniversary Celebration

Tofino Village Green
Saturday, March 12, 2016 • 11am
By Donation or Button

Join us for cake on the Village Green as we celebrate our 30th birthday!

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March 12, 2016Guest Speaker Dr. Barrett-Lennard

Jamie’s Rainforest Inn
Saturday, March 12, 2016 • 2pm
By Donation or Button

Over 30 years ago, pioneering marine mammal researcher Michael Bigg determined that British Columbia coastal waters are home to distinct fish-eating and mammal-eating killer whale types. Referred to as resident and Bigg’s killer whales, we now know that these types do not interbreed, rarely interact, and have distinctly different cultures (learned traditions, call-types, and behaviors).

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March 13, 2016Sea Change Panel Discussion

Ucluelet Community Centre
Sunday, March 13, 2016 • 2-4 pm
By Donation or Button

Join guest speakers, Dr. Lance Barrett and others for and engaging panel discussion of the effects that noise pollution and sonar have on marine life.

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March 13, 2016Guest Speaker Dr. Barrett-Lennard

Ucluelet Community Centre
Sunday, March 13, 2016 • 5pm
By Donation or Button

Resident killer whales have a strong dietary preference for Chinook salmon, and are known to experience higher-than normal mortality during poor salmon years. John Durban, Holly Fearnbach and Dr. Barrett-Lennard have been examining the relationship between Chinook and killer whales in more detail, by assessing how body condition (fat thickness) of killer whales varies with fluctuations in salmon abundance. For the past two years, they have used a small unmanned hexacopter to obtain high quality aerial photos of resident killer whales, which we use to determine the length and shape of the whales very accurately. The talk will describe the method and present photos and videos of killer whales from the air.

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March 14, 201610th Annual Blessing of the Boats

1st Street Dock St, Tofino
Monday, March 14, 2016 • 9am
Free

Brought to you by the Tofino Clayoquot Heritage Society. Watch crews and spectators participate in a traditional maritime blessing for those working on the sea – reminding us of the deep maritime roots in coastal communities and also that marine activity is an important component of modern day life. Conducted by Father Roger and facilitated by Steve Bernard.


March 14, 2016Tla-o-qui-aht Whale Hunting

Jamie’s Whaling Station
Monday, March 14, 2016 • 9am
$129/person + gst

A one of a kind First Nations Cultural experience. Join Tsimka Martin and paddle a real traditional dugout canoe to Echachis Island. Echachis is a whale hunting village site of the Tla-o-qui-aht people located on the outer coast. Tsimka will lead a hike across the island and share about the way of life of the Tla-o-qui-aht first people; their relationship with the ocean including the whale hunt. Bonus Option: Paddle to Echachis on a stand up paddleboard! For paddlers with some experience. Details online. Restrictions: Ages 10 and up. Please note this tour involves hiking on rugged ground and slippery rocks. Ph 250 266 3787, arrive 15 minutes ahead please.


March 14, 2016Rainforest Walk

North Chesterman Beach
Monday, March 14, 2016 • 10am
By Donation or Button

Please join Ariane Batic from Raincoast Education Society for a guided walk along the rocky shoreline and through the intertidal zone. Discover the biodiversity in tide pools, and learn about marine invertebrates, seaweeds and coastal birds that live in this dynamic marine ecosystem. Meet at North Chesterman’s Beach parking lot.

Ariane is a Marine Biologist and the Field School Coordinator at Raincoast Education Society.

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March 14, 2016Guest Speaker Dr Jim Darling

Remote Passages, Tofino
Monday, March 14, 2016 • 1pm
By Donation or Button

The haunting songs of Humpback Whales echo through local waters each autumn, and fill Hawaiian bays during the northern winter. Now, research is underway to determine if populations of humbacks can be defined by song composition. Jim Darling, a long-time Tofino resident who has led independent whale research projects for over 30 years, presents on recent work from the field.

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March 14, 2016Guest Speaker Kylee Pawluk

Remote Passages, Tofino
Monday, March 14, 2016 • 3pm
By Donation or Button

Our world is constantly undergoing change due to human impacts. Carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere from burning fossil fuels eventually finds its way into the oceans. Carbon dioxide combines with water to release hydrogen atoms, which are reducing the pH in the oceans. These acidic molecules then affect how many marine organisms grow their skeletons. These changes to animal growth will have effects throughout marine food chains.

During this presentation we will go over the chemistry behind ocean acidification, how this change in chemistry will directly affect marine animals, and how this will reverberate up the food chain to impact whales. We will also discuss some of the cutting edge research happening in British Columbia about the change in pH in our oceans.

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March 15, 2016Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 • 11am
By Donation or Button

Renowned First Nation artist Roy Henry Vickers intimately shares personal stories of coastal life and inspirations, in his own longhouse gallery. He will be releasing Limited Edition prints and will be available for signing following the storytelling.

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March 15, 2016Guest Speaker Kylee Pawluk

Wine Cellar Room
Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 • 10:30am
By Donation or Button

Invasive species are thought to be one of the leading causes of loss of native species around the world. However, not all introduced species are bad, we just don’t hear about the ones that can have positive impacts on the habitats they invade. Much of our understanding of how invasive species affects native communities comes from work on terrestrial habitats but invasive species are just as important in our marine habitats.

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March 15, 2016Cedar Weaving with Rose Wilson & Family

Ucluelet Community Centre
Tuesday, March 15, 2016 • 4pm
$15 incl. cedar & supplies

Come and learn the traditional art of weaving by local First Nations artisan Rose Wilson and family. Tickets available at the door, limited student capacity of 40 seats.


March 16, 2016Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 • 11am
By Donation or Button

Renowned First Nation artist Roy Henry Vickers intimately shares personal stories of coastal life and inspirations, in his own longhouse gallery. He will be releasing Limited Edition prints and will be available for signing following the storytelling.

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 16, 2016Tla-o-qui-aht Whale Hunting

Jamie’s Whaling Station
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 • 10:30am
$129/person +gst

A one of a kind First Nations Cultural experience. Join Tsimka Martin and paddle a real traditional dugout canoe to Echachis Island. Includes guided canoe tour, hike on Echachis. Bring drinking water, camera and dress for the weather Ph 250 266 3787. Arrive 15 minutes ahead please.


March 16, 2016Rainforest Walk

Schooner Cove parking lot
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 • 2pm
By Donation or Button

Please join Dan Harrison from the Raincoast Education Society for a guided walk through the Coastal Temperate Rainforests of the West Coast. The program will provide a unique understanding of this globally significant ecosystem; from the impressive diversity of flora and fauna to the interconnections of the marine environment.

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March 16, 2016Cedar Weaving with Rose Wilson & Family

Ucluelet Community Centre
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 • 4pm
$15 incl. cedar & supplies

Come and learn the traditional art of weaving by local First Nations artisan Rose Wilson and family. Tickets available at the door, limited student capacity of 40 seats.


March 16, 2016Art Migration Mexico & BC

Tofino Sea Kayaking
Wednesday, March 16, 2016 • 7pm

Opening reception with Refreshments. Show continues until March 28 Open 10-5, Monday- Sunday. The Grey Whales go to Mexico every winter. So do some artists from British Columbia. Come out and enjoy works created this year in Mexico by Norma Dryden, Maureen Fraser, Kim Hoag and Peggy Jameson, Alison Watt and others.


March 17, 2016Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Thursday, March 17, 2016 • 11am
By Donation or Button

Renowned First Nation artist Roy Henry Vickers intimately shares personal stories of coastal life and inspirations, in his own longhouse gallery. He will be releasing Limited Edition prints and will be available for signing following the storytelling.

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March 17, 2016Beach Seine Specimen Collecting

Terrace Beach, Ucluelet
Thursday, March 17, 2016 • 3:30 pm
By Donation or Button

Join Ucluelet Aquarium curator Laura Griffin-Cochrane for an in-her-shoes actual Aquarium-bound specimen collection from Terrace Beach. Oh! The life in our own backyard! A net, chest waders, some biologist friends, and you. Laura will be joined by Ucluelet Aquarium staff for some seining fun. All ages welcome and boots recommended. Brought to you by the Ucluelet Aquarium Society.

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March 18, 2016Flukes & Feathers w. Pete Clarkson

Remote Passages, Tofino
Friday, March 18, 2016 • 9:30am
$89 per person

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! Call 250 725 3330 to reserve.


March 18, 2016Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Friday, March 18, 2016 • 11am
By Donation or Button

Renowned First Nation artist Roy Henry Vickers intimately shares personal stories of coastal life and inspirations, in his own longhouse gallery. He will be releasing Limited Edition prints and will be available for signing following the storytelling.

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 18, 2016Whales & Whaling Traditions

Long Beach North PRNPR
Friday, March 18, 2016 • 1- 4pm
By Donation or Button

Learn about grey whales and historical first nation’s whaling, and witness traditional whale processing methods. Guest speakers and exhibition.
Admission: By donation/Button b ** Please note, due to Park infrastructure upgrades, no parking/user fee is in effect at this time.

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March 18, 2016Guest Speaker Jen Yakimishyn

Remote Passages, Tofino
Friday, March 18, 2016 • 5pm
By Donation or Button

Join Parks Canada biologist, Jennifer Yakimishyn, as she takes you on an underwater journey into the kelp forests of Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Learn about the marine animals that call these kelp forests home and how the park monitors these marine communities.

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March 19, 2016Storytelling with Roy Henry Vickers

Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino
Saturday, March 19, 2016 • 11am
By Donation or Button

Renowned First Nation artist Roy Henry Vickers intimately shares personal stories of coastal life and inspirations, in his own longhouse gallery. He will be releasing Limited Edition prints and will be available for signing following the storytelling.

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 19, 2016Annual Rubber Fish Race

Thornton Creek Hatchery
Port Albion
Saturday, March 19, 2016 • 12:00pm
By Donation or Button

Sponsor racing rubber fish & prepare them for their race down the falls! Come join the folks at the hatchery for some refreshments, tour the hatchery and the watch the race. Win prizes! It’s far more than just winning! Place bets on your Community Fish, Corporate Fish or Personal Racing Fish! See if you can stump the resident fish experts or spot other wildlife. Join in the fun! Presented in cooperation with Thornton Creek Enhancement Society.

Buy your rubber fishes for $5 each - with prizes to be won.

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March 19, 2016Bluegrass Workshop

Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 19, 2016 • 11am
$20

Calling all fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bass, dobro players! Come out to Black Rock’s Float Lounge for a hands-on instrument workshop with Viper Central! Here is the chance to try out these instruments for yourself and get some insider tips for better performance.


March 19, 2016Whale Viewing Station

Amphitrite Point, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 19, 2016 • 2:30-4:30pm
By Donation or Button

Join guest naturalist Bill McIntyre sighting our amazing guests of honour from Amphitrite Point in Ucluelet. Using high-powered spotting scopes and even the naked eye, this scenic spot lends itself to fantastic views of the open ocean, the grey whale migration and more of nature’s best offerings. New Interpretive signage will be unveiled from the Wild Pacific Trail Society. Avoid the queue; bring your own binoculars if you have them.

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March 19, 2016Barnacle Bluegrass

Black Rock Resort, Ucluelet
Saturday, March 19, 2016 • 7:30pm
$25 adv⁄$30 door 19+ only

Join us for this fundraising evening of live Canadian music brought to you by Black Rock Resort! Special guests Viper Central can rip it up bluegrass style with sweet n’ crunchy harmonies and tight melodic breaks that’ll make your heart soar, your feet shuffle and your blood curdle! Warm up to the sweet sounds of our own local bluegrass specialists “Little Saturday”

This is another of our “Can’t Miss Events” and is always well attended by over 130 guests. Event includes gourmet appetizers, cash bar and silent auction.

Buy Tickets: Advanced tickets can be purchased at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort; Murray’s Grocery & Blackberry Cove or contact the festival at info@pacificrimwhalefestival.com.


March 20, 2016Firefighter Spout Ball Challenge

Ucluelet Community Centre
Sunday, March 20, 2016 • 10:30am
By Donation or Button

Local Ucluelet & Tofino Volunteer Fire Brigades go head to head in a true west coast challenge. If you haven’t seen this before, it’s a must-see. Cheer for your favourite firefighters!

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March 20, 2016Tug-o-Whale

Big Beach, Ucluelet
Sunday, March 20, 2016 • 11am
By Donation or Button

Come test your strength against some tough opponents and work up a healthy appetite for the Chowder Chow Down! Channel the strength of a Grey Whale to help pull your end of the rope to victory! Local dignitaries from Ucluelet and Tofino get involved vying for the Bone of Contention in this friendly competition.

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March 20, 2016Chowder Chow Down

Ucluelet Community Centre
Sunday, March 20, 2016 • 11:30am-2pm
$10 Adt, $5 Kid, $25 Fam

Sample some of the best chowder on the West Coast from our local Tofino and Ucluelet and Port Alberni chefs! Gourmet secrets, mom & pop specials and traditional family recipes tempt your pallet. You have a chance to vote on your favourite. Which chowder will win your vote this year? This is a sustainable event, BRING YOUR OWN CHOWDER BOWL and spoon.

This year the chow-down is a fundraiser for the Food Bank on the Edge, which supports the communities on the West Coast. Feel free to bring a non-perishable item as well.


March 20, 2016Whale Viewing Station

Amphitrite Point, Ucluelet
Sunday, March 20, 2016 • 2-4pm
By Donation or Button

Join guest naturalist Bill McIntyre sighting our amazing guests of honour from Amphitrite Point in Ucluelet. Using high-powered spotting scopes and even the naked eye, this scenic spot lends itself to fantastic views of the open ocean, the grey whale migration and more of nature’s best offerings. Work off the chowder with a walk on the world-renowned Wild Pacific Trail. Avoid the queue; bring your own binoculars if you have them.

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March 21, 2016Scenic Flat-water Paddleboarding

Tofino Botanical Gardens
Monday, March 21, 2016 • 11:30am-2pm
$50

Join Tofino Paddle Surf instructor and guest naturalist Dan Harrison for a two hour introductory paddle boarding tour of Tofino’s protected mudflats. On this tour you will experience wildlife, stunning scenery and the excitement of paddle boarding this unique and inspiring ecosystem. Beginners to Advanced paddlers are welcome. Boards are limited so book early to ensure your spot! No experience necessary, contact info@tofinopaddlesurf.com or 250.266.1997.


March 21, 2016Guest Speaker Wendy Szaniszlo

Remote Passages, Tofino
Monday, March 21, 2016 • 1pm
By Donation or Button

What kinds of sea lions do we see? And what kinds of trouble can they can get into? Local independent marine mammal researcher Wendy Szaniszlo shares her challenges and adventures around pioneering sea lion disentanglement on the west coast. Experience gained from a pilot project in Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds is being used to train rescue teams in Canada & the US. Learn how we can all help protect sea lions in the wild!

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March 21, 2016Sea Creature Cookie Decorating

Common Loaf Bakery, Tofino
Monday, March 21, 2016 • 4pm
By Donation or Button

Fun for all ages! Come and decorate delicious cookies, with icing, sprinkles and candy at Tofino’s local bakery, The Common Loaf. This is a free event! Children under 8 yrs of age must be supervised.

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March 21, 2016Movie TideLines

Clayoquot Theater, Tofino
Monday, March 21, 2016 • 8pm
$8 Doors at 7:15pm

A global outreach voyage in search of adventure, awareness and… garbage. Special guest films director Andrew Naysmith. Refreshments and snacks. Presented by the Surfrider Foundation

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March 22, 2016Marine Mammal Research Day

Subtidal Adventures, Ukee
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 • 10am-12:30pm
Adt $89 Kids 4-12 yrs $69

Join local marine mammal researcher Wendy Szaniszlo for a fun-filled research trip by zodiac boat in Barkley Sound. Long-time whale watching company Subtidal Adventures joins Wendy to introduce you to local marine mammals and involve you in identifying individual whales and their habits. 2.5 – 3 hour tour length. Advanced booking required for this very popular event.

Contact Subtidal Adventures directly for reservations. 25% of the proceeds goes back to support the Whale Festival. Phone 1-877-444-1134 or email info@subtidaladventures.com


March 22, 2016Guest Speaker Natasha Ewing

Ucluelet Community Centre
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 • 3pm
By Donation or Button

Explore the Pacific Ocean with Ocean Networks Canada, which operates an innovative underwater observatory that enables transformative ocean research and technology. Discover a new world beneath the waves with real-time data, hydrophone clips, amazing technology and stunning images. Through the presentation learn about exciting opportunities for educators, students and the general public to learn about the ocean and become citizen scientists!

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March 22, 2016Guest Speaker Leah Thorpe

Whiskey Landing, Ucluelet
Tuesday, March 22, 2016 • 7pm
By Donation or Button

Come and join Leah Thorpe from the Shaw Ocean Discovery Centre for a look at the diversity of marine mammals in British Columbia. You will learn about how each species makes a living in our waters, tips and tricks for telling them apart and what local marine conservation groups are doing to give these animals the best chance to thrive on our coast.

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 23, 2016Maritime Kids’ Days

Tin Wis Resort, Tofino
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 • 1pm-4pm
By Donation or Button

Join us for an all-out afternoon of fun, art, science, and music. Activities for all ages! Featuring Norman Foote, a celebrated performer from Vancouver who has created a special niche in the music world and amassed a cross-generational following. His musicality is like no other, mixing clever hooks, witty wordplay and comedy all to great effect.

There are also games, arts & crafts, touch tank with sea stars, face painting and so much to do, we have to host this event in each town! Parks Canada, The Rainforest Education Society, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ocean Networks and the Four Frames photo booth are some of the participants.

This year we are extremely pleased to welcome back Strawberry Isle Research – Build a Whale!

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 23, 2016Guest Speaker Kristin Kanes

Long Beach Lodge, Tofino
Wednesday, March 23, 2016 • 7pm
By Donation or Button

Explore the Pacific Ocean with Ocean Networks Canada, which operates an innovative underwater observatory that enables transformative ocean research and technology. Discover a new world beneath the waves with real-time data, hydrophone clips, amazing technology and stunning images. Learn about exciting opportunities for educators, students and the general public to learn about the ocean and become citizen scientists!

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 24, 2016Marine Mammal Research Day

Subtidal Adventures, Ukee
Thursday, March 24, 2016 • 10am-12:30pm
Adt $89, Kids 4-12 yrs $69

Join local marine mammal researcher Wendy Szaniszlo for a fun-filled research trip by zodiac boat in Barkley Sound. Long-time whale watching company Subtidal Adventures joins Wendy to introduce you to local marine mammals and involve you in identifying individual whales and their habits. 2.5 – 3 hour tour length. Advanced booking required for this very popular event.

Contact Subtidal Adventures directly for reservations. 25% of the proceeds goes back to support the Whale Festival. Phone 1-877-444-1134 or email info@subtidaladventures.com


March 24, 2016Guest Speaker Karla Robison

Ucluelet Community Centre
Thursday, March 24, 2016 • 10am
By Donation or Button

Since 2012, Karla Robinson, Emergency services, District of Ucluelet, has been a contributory figure for the Japan Tsunami Debris file by establishment of Ucluelet’s Marine Debris Program and as a local government subcommittee representative for the Provincial-Federal Japan Tsunami Debris Coordinating Committee Planning and Scientific Monitoring teams. Ucluelet’s program has gained respect and recognition from neighbouring communities and jurisdictions, all levels of governments, international scientists and organizations, local to international media companies, and the people of Japan.

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 24, 2016Maritime Kids’ Days

Ucluelet Community Centre
Thursday, March 24, 2016 • 1-4pm
By Donation or Button

Join us for an all-out afternoon of fun, art, science, and music. Activities for all ages! Featuring Norman Foote, a celebrated performer from Vancouver who has created a special niche in the music world and amassed a cross-generational following. His musicality is like no other, mixing clever hooks, witty wordplay and comedy all to great effect.

There are also games, arts & crafts, touch tank with sea stars, face painting and so much to do, we have to host this event in each town! Parks Canada, The Rainforest Education Society, Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Ocean Networks and the Four Frames photo booth are some of the participants.

This year we are extremely pleased to welcome back Strawberry Isle Research – Build a Whale!

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 25, 2016Guest Speakers Margaret Horsfield & Ian Kennedy

Remote Passages Marine Excursions, Tofino
Friday, March 2, 2016 • 5 10:30am
By Donation or Button

A lively and fast-paced presentation about the history of Tofino and Clayoquot Sound, based on the book. This is the only comprehensive history of the area, filled with many entertaining stories.

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 25, 2016The Story of the Pass of Melfort

Ucluelet Community Centre
Friday, March 25, 2016 • 1pm
By Donation or Button

Amphitrite lighthouse, which celebrated its 100th birthday last year, was built because of this wreck. Hear local interpreter and naturalist Silva Johansson tells this intriguing but tragic story. Presented courtesy of the Wild Pacific Trail Society.

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 26, 2016Guest Speaker & Book Signing w/ author Caroline Woodward

Remote Passages Marine Excursions, Tofino
Saturday, March 26, 2016 • 11am
By Donation or Button

Caroline Woodward left a busy and rewarding life in publishing to join her husband, lightkeeper and photographer, Jeff George when he was offered a position at Lennard Island Lightstation near Tofino. She has now, as a relief lightkeeper herself, worked on a dozen different lightstations on the BC coast. She has resumed her former life as an author and she’s been happily writing books, making slow good food and gardening in all four seasons in salt spray, high winds and fog since 2008. Caroline will present an entertaining thirty minute slide show and talk, suitable for all ages, with lots of wildlife, lighthouse and whale photos by Jeff George, and sign copies of her bestselling book, Light Years: Memoir of a Modern Lighthouse Keeper.

pacific rim whale festival button event


March 26, 2016Thin Blue Line with Paul Nicklen

The Shore Building, Tofino
Saturday, March 26, 2016 • 7pm
$15, 12 and under free

A talk by world-renowned photographers Paul Nicklen (National Geographic) and Christina Mittermeier. Ocean Outfitters is proud to present an unforgettable evening of spectacular photography, enlightening stories and a hopeful perspective on the worlds oceans. SeaLegacy is an organization dedicated to protecting the oceans of the world. Paul and Christina, two of the directors and founders of SeaLegacy have always used their passion for photography and storytelling to share the wonders of the natural world. They are sharing their passion and talent to shine a light under the Thin Blue Line where the mysteries of our oceans hide. Tickets available at Ocean Outfitters or oceanoutfitters.tickit.ca 1-250-725-2866


March 27, 2016Black Rock Easter Egg Hunt at Big Beach

Big Beach Gazebo, Ucluelet
Sunday, March 27, 2016 • 12:30
Free

Our Annual Big Beach Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Sunday, March 27th! Thousands of colourful eggs filled with chocolate, candy and prizes will be scattered over the beach for kids of all ages. Special sectioned off area for ages 5 and under. Hot chocolate & cookies available under the Big Beach gazebo. This family event is open to the public, all ages welcome.

Hosted by Black Rock Oceanfront Resort & Ocean Pet Supplies.


Tofino festivals


Tofino Time March 2016


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

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