Come in your best wonders of the ocean costume, and bring your friends, your pets, and your props as we celebrate the opening of the festival with music and creativity. Protect our coast, and make sure to borrow, upcycle and reuse materials for your costumes and floats!

Witness the streets come alive with color, imagination, and maritime magic as the Parade of Whales and Wonder winds through the heart of Tofino.

Following the parade, the celebration continues at the Tofino Community Hall with an indoor market with a diverse array of local products, arts, and crafts. The market promises to be a hub of post-parade energy and creativity, offering a perfect opportunity to connect with the local community.

SEE MAP FOR PARADE ROUTE

Starts: 10 am sharp at Wickaninnish Community School

This event is:
Family Friendly.
Button Event.
Outdoors - prepare for all weather.

Do you want to be part of our legendary parade? - Email us to register your interest.

The deadline for entries is Monday, March 9th.

Indulge your taste buds in a coastal culinary extravaganza at the highly anticipated Chowder Chowdown! Returning this year with even more flavor, this event brings together renowned restaurants from Ucluelet and Tofino to showcase their culinary prowess in crafting the perfect chowder.

Join us for a culinary adventure that goes beyond the ordinary. Each participating restaurant will present tastings of their signature chowder dishes, competing to win the hearts and palates of both judges and the public.

We are thrilled to collaborate with the TUCG to bring back this delectable event. As you savor each spoonful, you'll also have the opportunity to learn more about the importance of choosing wild salmon through our partnership with Get Wild.

The Chowder Chowdown is more than just a culinary competition; it's a family-friendly affair filled with a lively atmosphere and delicious discoveries. Bring your loved ones, enjoy the diverse array of chowders, and cast your vote for the People's Choice Award.

Time: Doors 11:00 am. Winner announced 2:00pm.

Location: Ucluelet

Tickets: TBA

Family Friendly Event.

Nature journaling consists of capturing our observations about the natural world from direct observation. It is a multidisciplinary activity that uses pictures, words, and numbers and that includes curricular tie-ins for science & the arts! You do not need to be an artist to keep a nature journal. All you need is a pencil and a sketchbook... and curiosity!

More details to follow.

Family-friendly.
Button event.
Location: TBA

Join us for an evening with Monday Night Movies as we present some of the best and most recent films about whales.

Location: Clayoquot Sounds Theatre

Tickets: On the door: Adults $12, Seniors & Students $10.

Doors 7:00pm, screening starts at 7:30pm

Embark on a day of maritime exploration at Maritime Kids Day, a special event presented in celebration of Whale Fest! This event offers a fantastic opportunity for children and families to engage with the wonders of the marine world.

Maritime Kids Day features a variety of hands-on educational activities designed for all ages. Join us for an immersive experience in interactive learning that fosters curiosity and wonder for our marine ecosystem.

Learn about our coastal ecosystem with Parks Canada, Ocean Networks Canada, DFO and Build-A-Whale with Redd Fish Restoration.

Free face painting with Ethereal Face Painting.

Join us for a family-friendly day of discovery, where children can explore, learn, and appreciate the marine wonders that surround us. Maritime Kids Day is more than an event; it's a celebration of the next generation's connection to the ocean. Be part of this exciting day of maritime education and fun!

Cost: Button Event. Adults $10, Children $5

Embark on a day of maritime exploration at Maritime Kids Day, a special event presented in celebration of Whale Fest! This event offers a fantastic opportunity for children and families to engage with the wonders of the marine world.

Maritime Kids Day features a variety of hands-on educational activities designed for all ages. Join us for an immersive experience in interactive learning that fosters curiosity and wonder for our marine ecosystem.

Learn about our coastal ecosystem with Parks Canada, Ocean Wise, Ocean Networks Canada, DFO and Build-A-Whale with Redd Fish Restoration.

Free face painting with Ethereal Face Painting.

Join us for a family-friendly day of discovery, where children can explore, learn, and appreciate the marine wonders that surround us. Maritime Kids Day is more than an event; it's a celebration of the next generation's connection to the ocean. Be part of this exciting day of maritime education and fun!

Time: 10:00AM - 2:00PM

Location: Ucluelet Community Centre, Ucluelet, BC

Cost: Button Event $10 adults / $5 children

Join us for a special celebration during Whale Fest as the Ucluelet Aquarium hosts a morning public beach seine at Terrace Beach. This engaging event is free for all attendees!

Ever wondered about beach seines? They offer a fantastic way to collect small, shallow-water animals like perch without causing hook-and-line-related injuries. Watch as the Ucluelet Aquarium staff don their wetsuits and skillfully pull in the seine net to the shore.

Visitors are invited to observe the fascinating array of marine specimens caught in the net and learn more about them from the knowledgeable Ucluelet Aquarium staff members and volunteers. It's a unique opportunity to connect with marine life and deepen your understanding of the delicate coastal ecosystem.

Don't miss this chance to experience the wonders of the ocean up close and gain valuable insights into the marine world. Bring your curiosity and join us for a memorable morning of discovery at Terrace Beach!

Family friendly. Suitable for all ages. Free.