Please note: The events listed & linked here are from the 2010 Festival, and remain posted as an example of the kind of program that can be anticipated. Please check back often for updates on our exciting line-up for 2011 as it all comes together...
Pacific Rim Whale Festival: Events - March 19-27, 2011
Fortunately for us, as west-coasters we are on the doorstep of many migratory corridors that offer the opportunity to witness the presence of an array of whales, dolphins and porpoises, as well as sea lions, seabirds and other wonders among them. On Mother Nature’s annual agenda, we get to play witness to the migration of the world’s largest population of California grey whales along our most-west coastal waters. We’re talking upwards of 20,000 strong making their way from the warm calving and breeding lagoon waters off of the Baja headed toward the cold, nutrient-rich waters of the Arctic north - often within viewing distance of shore.
Keeping in mind that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea to take up a sea-faring adventure and be confronted with the enormity and charm of a grey whale, the Whale Festival offers up a varied platter of over seventy-five events - many free of charge - that aim to educate, inspire, and raise the spirits of the young & young-at-heart. Expect live music, culinary competitions, children's fun-fairs, art and hands-on education. Interpretive walks and informative talks take you exploring the coastal temperate rainforest, hunting in tidepools on stretches of sandy beach, up to your armpits with jellyfish and eye-to-eye with octopi in the Ucluelet Aquarium. Find yourself rubbing elbows with renowned authors in local cafes. Weave a cedar basket with Nuu-Chah-Nulth elders, join a researcher for a day-trip at sea with migrating grey whales, tour to Hot Springs Cove with a local biologist, or sink into a seat for the screening of a film with your family. Admire local artists in action, fill your ears with the stories of Roy Henry Vickers, or count spouts while walking local trails. It’s an opportunity to experience a unique & culturally powerful coastal tradition.
Calendar of Events
We try our mighty best to collaborate with a wide community reach to produce a Calendar of Events (this is an example from 2010) that offers something for everyone in celebration of our coastal lives!
If that summarized version of the daily events leaves you longing for more, check out the Detailed Calendar of Events (also an example from 2010) for more of what's in store!
Artists in Action
Celebrate the thriving local arts that are present in our communities! There are many talented artists and artisans on the Wild West Coast. Some were born here, others have been drawn by the raw, natural beauty. All find powerful inspiration in the seascapes, landscapes, beaches, wildlife, architecture, and atmosphere. Artists In Action allows the chance for everyone to meet some of these creative spirits, and observe their working processes in a variety of media, including wood, paint, clay, fibre, stone, glass, metal, and photography. Artists In Action 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.
As an example, here's the line-up of who was where, and when they were there throughout the Fest in 2010: Artists In Action Schedule 2010
Venues
To help you find your way around our towns locating the Artists In Action and all other events, download these maps (courtesy of Schramm Design) of venues in Tofino or venues in Ucluelet. This list was from 2010 and will change a little from year to year...we recommend checking back closer to the Festival for updates.
