Calendar of Events

Join Dr.Barb Beasley at the Kwisitis Visitors Centre, PRNPR  

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.

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!

Presented in partnership with District of Ucluelet Rec Commission and Department.

Prices are subject to change. 

Tickets available at the Ucluelet Community Centre    

The magnificent back drop to picturesque Tofino Village is pristine Meares Island. From Tofino you may take a 10 minute boat cruise aboard the “Re-Joyce” to the Big Tree trailhead.

Depending on the tide, you will begin your journey past many mud flats which are extremely important to migratory birds for rest and feeding on their west coast flying routes. You will then pass between a variety of small islands including Morpheus Island. For centuries, Morpheus was a tribal burial ground, and more recently from 1900 to 1950 used as Tofino’s cemetery. No one is buried on Morpheus today and the island is under the guardianship of Tofino. From this point, the edge of Meares Island lay before you.

In the early 80’s Meares Island was in immediate danger of clear cut logging. Concerned Tofino residents, environmentalists and Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations joined together to face off the big timber industry. This initial battle ground gave birth to BC’s “War of the Woods” which spread up to the Queen Charlottes and culminated into the largest act of peaceful disobedience in Canadian history!

These trees, aged between 800 and 1300 years, are something to marvel at. Take your time to explore the fern carpeted forest floor and to hug some of the hugest and oldest life forms on this precious planet.

The Big Tree trail has two parts. The 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 board walk is 620 meters in length and takes approximately 1.5 hours return to enjoy. If you prefer a longer hike you can continue on and do a loop trail (no board walk and often very muddy!) for a total distance of 3163 meters.

TYPICAL DEPARTURES:

11:00 am (12:45 pm pick up)

12:30 pm (2:15 pm pick up) and so on... we are flexible! If you would like an earlier or later departure we will try to accommodate you. Just let us know your preferred departure time.

Self-Guided:

ADULTS $30.00 per adult + $5 per ticket payable to the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nations. Seniors/students $25 

CHILDREN 2yrs. – 12yrs. $15.00

Dogs FREE!

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!

Eagle Aerie Gallery is a long time supporter of the Whale Festival, and is the 2012 contributing sponsor for our Festival Merchandise Artwork, entitled "Killer Whale". For more information about Roy Henry Vickers, go to: http://www.royhenryvickers.com 

Join our 2012 poster artist and printmaker Allison Tremain as she unveils the mystery of print making in this artist demonstration. Allison will have copies of her poster for sale, to sign aswell as original works on display.

For more information, please contact the artist Allison Tremain allison.tremain@gmail.com.

Salal Room, The Wickaninnish Inn

Join naturalist Oyster Jim in Ucluelet for a local interactive land-based viewing through of marine mammals and birds at Amphritrite Point Lighthouse. Historically a traditional whale-spotting point on the peninsula, there is lots to see. Enjoy the trail & come armed with binoculars & questions! Did we mention rain or shine?

Join Ellyn Davidson from Ocean Networks Canada as we explore all life aquatic. 

Join local female author Adrienne Mason for an introspective look into tales of the life on the edge of the Pacific Ocean, with readings from contemporaries. 

After completing a science degree in 1988, Adrienne knew that a life in the lab was not for her. While she loved science, she loved talking and writing about it more. Communications seemed a perfect fit and Adrienne began working with Parks Canada in Jasper National Park. For more than a decade, she worked as an interpreter or teacher for a variety of employers, including Parks Canada, the Bamfield Marine Station, Bluewater Adventures, and West Island College.

During these years Adrienne also began to hone her skills as a writer, a job that eventually became a full-time career. Her first book was published in 1991 and she has since published more than 30 titles. She writes for both adults and children, most often on topics of science, nature, and history.

Adrienne combines her experiences as an interpreter and writer to offer services to clients as a writer, editor, project manager and researcher. Her work is diverse, from creating a storyline and overall concept for a new interpretive centre to writing the management plan for a Wildlife Management Area to researching the history of Long Beach to writing and editing science textbooks and the children’s science magazine, KNOW.

“Build A Whale” Strawberry Island Marine Research  Society
Join the local research society for this interactive experience reconstructing the skeletal structure of a whale. With insight into biology, this workshop will unveil the mystery behind these great ocean giants. 

Join Eliot May for an open meditation, focusing and honoring our connection with the ocean, planet and all things living.

 Entrance by Donation

" A Call for Humanity " Family Friendly

Local performers and spoken word poets come to free-style and sing out loud for this all ages show.

Performers, please contact humanity.tofino@gmail.com to put your name down on the roster! A family friendly event.

Make your own Sundae on Sunday! Delicious and healthy alternatives.

Entrance by Donation at