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.

Tickets here

Take part in a creative workshop led by Tla-o-qui-aht artist Ivy Cargill-Martin in partnership with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. Participants will have the opportunity to design, carve, and print their own whale linocut, or create a design of their choice.

Linocut, also called lino printing, is a printmaking method where a design is carved into a linoleum block. The carved block is then rolled with ink using a brayer (a handheld ink roller) and pressed onto paper or fabric to create a print.

A suggested $25 donation is requested to participate, and all materials will be supplied. Only 10 spots available.

About Ivy:

Born on Vancouver Island and raised on an off-grid float house in her own Tla-o-qui-aht Territory, Ivy has grown up with two very artistic parents. Her mother Robin Cargill, a “jill of all trades” in the art world, and her father Carl Martin, a Tla-o-qui-aht master canoe carver. From a young age, she found inspiration in every direction and was drawn to art as a form of self-expression. She learnt different techniques and art forms from her parents, friends, and family. Her explorations of drawing and painting grew to include carving, crochet, embroidery, block printing, jewelry, sculpture, and even traditional hand poked tattoos. She is constantly looking for new inspiration through art and expanding her artistic portfolio.

Time: 1030 - 2:30

Location: Tofino Community Hall - Multi Purpose Room (next door to the Pop-up Market)

Tickets: Pay what you can, min donation $25

Grey Whales in Crisis? An update from the Baja breeding lagoons to the Arctic.
With Dr. Jim Darling

Join us for an important and timely update on the status of Eastern North Pacific grey whales following the recently concluded Unusual Mortality Event (UME). Beginning in 2019, the UME marked a significant decline in grey whale numbers, with hundreds of strandings recorded along the Pacific coast from Alaska to Mexico. Although the event was officially declared over in 2023, questions remain about the population’s recovery and long-term outlook.

In this presentation, Dr. Jim Darling will share the latest findings from scientists Dr. Steve Swartz, Dr. Jorge Urban and Dr. Sue Moore; researchers on the ground who have been closely monitoring calf production, body condition, and overall whale numbers. Recent observations point to continued challenges, including low reproductive rates and fewer mother-calf pairs than historically observed.

This talk was first presented live at Whale Tales, for Whale Trust.

About the Speaker

Dr. Jim Darling is a marine biologist with more than four decades of experience studying whales, particularly gray whales of the North Pacific. He is a co-founder of the research and education organization Whale Trust and has led long-term whale research programs throughout the Pacific. His work focuses on whale behavior, population monitoring, and conservation science, and he is widely recognized for his decades-long commitment to understanding and protecting grey whales.

Time: 3 - 4pm

Location: Remote Passages Marine Excursions - Wharf Street Location

Tickets: Button Event, $10 adults, $5 children. Buttons get you access to all events throughout the week.

Suitable for: Adults and students. Young children are welcome but the material presented goes beyond an introductory level and may be best suited for older students and adults.

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 Community Centre.

Tickets: $15 adults and $5 children. Available on door.

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!

About the instructor Bea Martin:

Bea is a science illustrator (CMI, certified medical illustrator), visual storyteller, and the recipient of the 2024 Richmond Arts Award in Arts Education. With a multidisciplinary background in art and science, Bea loves observing and sketching wildlife from direct observation. As an educator, she shares her passion for the natural world with her students, and supports their creativity, curiosity, and artistic development with genuine curiosity and endless enthusiasm.

This event is outdoors on the beach and rocks; suitable footwear is recommended.

• Family-friendly, children must be supervised by an adult.

• Art Supplies, you can bring your own OR a limited amount will be available for purchase from Bea onsite for $5 cash only.

• Suggested art supplies for activity: 2B graphite pencils, 8.5 x 5.5 in paper sketch book, Water soluble colour pencils (brand CRAYOLA works well), magnifying lenses, transparent ruler.

• Button event: Suggested donation of $10 Adults 19+, $5 Children + Concessions (By purchasing a button, it gives you access to all button events and raises funds for PRWF).

• Location: Big Beach, Ucluelet

Join us for Art Night - Ucluelet edition! You will watch the sun set on the ocean as you paint the iconic Amphitrite Lighthouse - Whale Migration scene, from the stunning Wine Cellar at Black Rock Oceanfront Resort.

This ticket includes one happy hour drink token, and food is available to purchase before or during your paint event.

Unleash your creativity at Art Night Live, a social and artistic event where you can enjoy a drink, share laughs, and create your marine acrylic art feature. This popular event, which sold out the last time it came to town, caters to all skill levels, making it the perfect opportunity to express yourself through art.

All materials are provided, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable painting experience. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, you'll have the chance to bring your artistic vision to life. Plus, you can take home your unique painting as a memento of this creative evening.

Art Night Live is an exclusive event for adults and youth (13+), providing a relaxed and vibrant atmosphere to socialize with friends, meet new people, and discover the artist within you.

Tickets: Find tickets here. $65 includes supplies and 1 drink ticket.

Time: 6 - 8:30 PM

Location: Black Rock Resort - Wine Cellar, Ucluelet

Comber's Beach Cleanup - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve

Winter swell and currents bring in marine debris to our shoreline every year. Help Surfrider Pacific Rim keep our beaches clean whilst also learning how to use the information we collect from the beach, to take action and prevent debris from entering the water in the first place.

Meet in the Comber's Beach parking lot at 9 am for a safety briefing before heading to the beach. 

Location: Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Ensure that you have a valid National Park entry pass
Time: 9 - 11am
Tickets: Free
Suitable for all ages. Make sure to dress for the weather conditions, and children must be supervised by adults.

Join us for an all-ages adventure to the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, situated on the traditional territory of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, where curiosity and science meet the wild beauty of the West Coast. This guided experience is perfect for families, students, and explorers of any age (children must be accompanied by an adult).

The day starts with a boat ride with Jamies Whaling Station, looking for grey whales and other animals along the way.

On land, participants will enjoy a behind-the-scenes introduction to the station led by knowledgeable Marine Educators, which includes access to the Whale Lab (interactive learning centre and animal touch tank) and learn about marine projects & local ecosystems.

The day also includes an educational rainforest walk to scenic Strawberry Point. Please note that sections of the trail can be rugged or muddy, so sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, and a backpack for personal items are strongly recommended.

Come ready to learn, explore, and experience the coast like never before! Only 12 spots available!

Location: Jamies Whaling Station Ucluelet, and Bamfield Marine Science Centre

Depart: 10:30am sharp @ Jamies Whaling Station dock, Ucluelet. (Please arrive 20 minutes early)

Arrive at BMSC: 11:30am for a 2.5 hour tour

Depart BMSC: 2:00pm

Tour ends: 3:30pm back at the JWS dock

Tickets: $185 inc. taxes book at Jamies Whaling Station or call 250-725-3919 for more details

Please note: Dress accordingly for the weather. Bring lunch (The Break Cafe is 200m from JWS Ukee)
This tour is subject to weather conditions to ensure the safety and comfort of all participants. In the event of severe weather, we may need to modify, cancel or reschedule the itinerary. Participants will be notified in advance if any changes are required.

Join Parks Canada naturalists at the Kʷisitis Visitor Centre Observation Deck for some whale spotting from shore. There will be scopes available to search for spouts as the whales make their migration up the coast. Bring your binoculars if you have them.

At 1 pm, we will start Nature Journaling for animal signs. See details on event posting.

Family Event.
Free.

Join Parks Canada Marine Biologist, Katrina Kushneryk and artist Bea Martin for Nature Journaling - Animal Signs. The beaches are home to many creatures, marine and terrestrial, and whilst we can’t always see them, there will be signs! You will learn about animal tracks and clues, and since it’s whale fest, we will highlight connections on the beach to the whales just offshore!

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!

About the instructor Bea Martin:

Bea is a science illustrator (CMI, certified medical illustrator), visual storyteller, and the recipient of the 2024 Richmond Arts Award in Arts Education. With a multidisciplinary background in art and science, Bea loves observing and sketching wildlife directly. As an educator, she shares her passion for the natural world with her students and supports their creativity, curiosity, and artistic development with genuine curiosity and endless enthusiasm.

This event is outdoors on the beach and rocks; suitable footwear is recommended.

• Family-friendly, children must be supervised by an adult.

• Art Supplies, you can bring your own or a limited amount will be available to borrow

• Suggested art supplies for activity: 2B graphite pencils, 8.5 x 5.5 in paper sketch book, Water soluble colour pencils (brand CRAYOLA works well), magnifying lenses, transparent ruler.

• Free

• Location: Wickaninnish Beach, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve - Park at Kʷisitis Visitor Centre

Join us for an evening with Monday Night Movies as we present Oceans with David Attenborough.

The world’s leading natural historian draws on a lifetime of knowledge to reveal how Earth’s vast, interconnected waterways can be restored.

Attenborough’s message is one of hope: the opportunity for marine life recovery on an unprecedented scale is within reach. After seven decades filming every aspect of the natural world, Attenborough delivers his greatest message of hope in a spectacular new film, Ocean with David Attenborough. Through spectacular sequences of coral reefs, kelp forests and the open ocean, Attenborough shares why a healthy ocean keeps the entire planet stable and flourishing.

Ocean with David Attenborough is a Silverback Films and Open Planet Studios co-production, in association with All3Media International, National Geographic, and Minderoo Pictures. The film is directed by Toby Nowlan, Keith Scholey and Colin Butfield and produced by Nowlan. It is co-produced by Arksen & 10% for the Ocean, Don Quixote Foundation, National Geographic Society and Pristine Seas, Revive Our Ocean, and The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.

Location: Clayoquot Sounds Theatre

Tickets: No pre-purchase. First come first seated. Donations to Monday Night Movies accepted.

Doors 6:45pm, screening starts at 7:30pm

Join us as interpreter Silva Johansson leads you along the Wild Pacific Trail past the "Pass of Melfort" shipwreck site to the lighthouse that was built as a result. History comes to life in the story of the sinking of the "Pass of Melfort" — the tragic event that inspired the building of the lighthouse. Learn about the wild storms and coastal geography that doomed so many ships and survivors in the “Graveyard of the Pacific”. Walk starts at the Whale lot trailhead on the Lighthouse Loop, in Ucluelet. 

Family Friendly

Button Event

Meet at Wild Pacific Trail - Whale Parking lot (Lighthouse Loop)

Embark on a day of maritime exploration at Maritime Kids Day, a special event proudly supported by Remote Passages Marine Excursions. 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.

This year, we are excited to host the SEA DOME with the Ocean Wise team. This 6-metre, portable inflatable planetarium is designed for immersive education about ocean conservation. It features 360-degree, 4K video, showing marine environments like kelp forests, alongside expert-led, hands-on learning with artifacts, aimed at empowering youth to protect the ocean

Plus 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 and concessions $5

Something Fishy is going on and we can’t wait for the return of this much loved event.

Thornton Creek Hatchery will have an open house from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm.

There's a free hot dog BBQ, Hatchery tour and Rubber Fish Race that starts at 1:00 pm. Visitors can "buy" a fish for $2 each or 3 for $5 and there will be prizes for the first 10 fish across the finish line.

In 1981 the Thornton Creek Enhancement Society was formed to operate the hatchery as a DFO Community Economic Development Project focused on enhancing Chinook, Coho and Chum salmon in Barkley and Clayoquot Sounds. In addition to raising salmon fry, our staff conduct snorkel surveys and stream walks, collect valuable enumeration data, genetic samples and other BIO-data for DFO. we work within the traditional territories of the toquaht, ucluthaht and tla-o-qui-aht nations.

Family Friendly event. Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted.

Free entry.

Rubber Fish Race - 1pm

With Mark Sawyer, Whales of Clayoquot & Barkley

A new research initiative is taking flight off the west coast of Vancouver Island. Join marine researcher Mark Sawyer for an introduction to Flights Over Greys, an innovative project using aerial drone technology to assess the health and body condition of grey whales feeding in the coastal waters of Clayoquot Sound and Barkley Sound.

While grey whales are widely known for their long migrations, a growing number spend extended periods feeding along Vancouver Island’s west coast. This new project aims to better understand how these whales are faring in a changing ocean environment. By collecting high-resolution aerial images, researchers can measure body condition, monitor scarring and entanglement, and track individual whales over time , all without disturbing them.

Mark will share how drone-based photogrammetry works, what early field seasons are revealing, and why monitoring local feeding whales is critical following recent population declines in the broader Eastern North Pacific grey whale population. The presentation will also explore how community collaboration, long-term observation, and emerging technologies are reshaping whale research on our coast.

About the Speaker
Mark Sawyer is a head guide at Jamie’s Whaling Station and founder of Whales of Clayoquot & Barkley, a research and education initiative focused on grey whales and other marine mammals along Vancouver Island’s west coast. His work combines field research, photo-identification, and community engagement to advance understanding and conservation of local whale populations.

Location: Upper Shelter Restaurant ( Food and drink are available downstairs but can not be ordered upstairs in event space)

Tickets: Button on the door. $10 Adults / $5 Children and Concessions

Suitable for: Adults and students. Young children are welcome but the material presented goes beyond an introductory level and may be best suited for older students and adults.

Whale, whale, whale, what do you know? Back by popular demand.

Join us for whale-themed trivia at Ucluelet Brewery with Parks Canada naturalists. This event was at full capacity last time so please arrive early if you wish to secure a spot.

Prizes to be won!

Time: 7:00 - 9:00 PM

Location: Ucluelet Brewery. 1601 Peninsula Road.

Cost: Button Event, $10 Adults 19+ , $5 children and concessions - Buttons get you access to all button events

Suitable for families with children

Embark on a day of maritime exploration at Maritime Kids Day, a special event proudly supported by Remote Passages Marine Excursions. 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.

This year, we are excited to host the SEA DOME with the Ocean Wise team. This 6-metre, portable inflatable planetarium is designed for immersive education about ocean conservation. It features 360-degree, 4K video, showing marine environments like kelp forests, alongside expert-led, hands-on learning with artifacts, aimed at empowering youth to protect the ocean

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.

Cooking decorating by Gray Whale Deli.

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 and concessions

The Raincoast Speaker Series is a long-running social and educational phenomenon! They invite you to join experts from around the world for in-depth discussions about locally, regionally, and globally relevant topics. All from the comfort of your home.

This years series covers Incredible Animal Journeys and Dr. Aimée Lang will be presenting insights into the status of eastern North Pacific gray whales, based on monitoring whales on their migratory route and also highlight the importance of understanding movement patterns and migratory connectivity for effective conservation and management.

About the Speaker:

Aimée first began studying gray whales in 2002, when she began her Ph.D. work through the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. She spent the next six summers collecting photographs and biopsies from the gray whales that feed off Sakhalin Island, Russia. After completing her PhD, she continued to work on gray whales at the Southwest Fisheries Science Center, where most of her research focuses on using genetic and genomic tools to better understand the behavior and population structure of marine mammals. She also leads the field component of SWFSC’s two shore-based surveys to monitor abundance and calf production in the eastern North Pacific gray whale population.

Location: Online Screening at Amphitrite Light Building

Time: Doors 6:45, starts 7pm.

Or view online: Event in online, access here.

The Raincoast Education Society’s mission is to shape an environmentally sustainable future for the Clayoquot and Barkley Sound region through education and community stewardship.

Nuu-chah-nulth Teachings in Modern Times – Embracing Ancestral Wisdom in Contemporary Society.

Cultural teachings followed by an exposition of whalebone tools by Nicki Love McCarthy of Hesquiaht First Nation and Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ. 

In partnership with Parks Canada - Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Location: Kʷisitis Visitor Center - Wickaninnish Beach

Suitable for all ages.

Please ensure you have a valid National Parks Entry Pass.

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.