Vancouver 
Vancouver Island’s Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is known for many features. Whether it’s the incredible surfing opportunities, coastal scenery, wildlife and nature, Indigenous and cultural experiences, or access to the 75km West Coast Trail, this National Park has a lot to offer.
The wildlife viewing and nature photography opportunities increase each spring. While bird migration is underway in the skies, a significant natural event is unfolding off the coast and in the Pacific waters.
Aside from wildlife viewing and birding, the scenery in this area is unique in Canada. As Canada’s only rainforest climate zone, Vancouver Island features lush shorelines and hiking trails with spring blooms.
Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Around the middle of every March, the Pacific Grey Whale migration begins off the coast of Vancouver Island. During this time, the grey whales undertake an incredible journey through the Pacific Ocean, totalling 15,000-30,000km (round-trip). As the grey whales make their way north from Mexico to the Arctic, the pods pass Vancouver Island along the way.
This makes March the kick-off month for whale-watching season on the Island, with the Pacific Rim Whale Festival offering some of the best viewing and celebration opportunities.
The Pacific Rim Whale Festival is a week-long event held at locations across Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, Tofino, and Ucluelet. Throughout the week, there are free and ticketed events for all ages. In addition to the migration event, the festival celebrates local art, history, nature, and education.
There are two types of events for the festival: Button Events at $10 per person, or special ticketed events at varying prices per person. Along with admission, the Button charge includes a button featuring a picture by a local youth artist.
Parade of Whales & Wonder
The first day of the festival kicks off with activities and festivities in Tofino. This starts with the Parade of Whale & Wonder, along with an Eco-Community Market at the Tofino Community Hall. The parade starts at the Wickaninnish Community School in Tofino with a bright, colourful display featuring whales, marine life, and ocean themes. Guests and attendees are encouraged to bring their own themed props or costumes, too!
Whale Spotting, Education, & More
Whale watching is at the heart of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival. And there are opportunities throughout the week at all three event locations for whale spotting, education, and more hands-on learning.
- The whale-watching events start on March 16th, beginning at the Wickaninnish Beach. These sessions are hosted by Parks Canada and take place throughout the festival.
- There will be panel talks and discussions by marine and whale experts and scientists throughout the week of the festival.
- Plenty of tour companies also offer whale-spotting boat tours.
- Celebrate the best of coastal food with the festival’s Chowder Chow Down on March 15th at the Ucluelet Community Centre. Restaurants from Ucluelet and Tofino compete with signature chowders, with judges and attendees voting. The family-friendly event also highlights wild salmon awareness in partnership with TUCG and Get Wild.
- The Baleen Bash marks the grand finale of the 38th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival on March 21 at the Tofino Community Hall. This popular spring celebration features live music, dancing, and refreshments.
Tofino, Long Beach, & Ucluelet
The driving distance between these two West Coast towns is about 30km. Both are on the west-central coast of Vancouver Island, with Pacific Rim National Park Reserve separating them. This area is more commonly known as the National Park’s Long Beach, where you’ll find the Kwisitis Visitor Centre and the Pacific Rim Visitor Centre. There are several places along the beach for sightseeing, picnics, and trail access.
- Tofino, on the far northwest side of the park, has a ton to offer for coastal and waterfront accommodations, whether you’re after hotels, lodges, or cottages and cabins. There are also many great places to stay in Ucluelet, south of the park. Choose from the options above, plus a few glamping options.
- Front country and backcountry camping are available from Pacific Rim National Park, and even more backcountry camping along the West Coast Trail south of Ucluelet.
- Both towns offer a wide variety of local dining options, from cozy cafes for drinks to waterfront pubs for a brew to fresh seafood restaurants.
Planning your Trip – Pacific Rim Whale Festival
What: The Pacific Rim Whale Festival celebrates the annual spring migration of the grey whale. The grey whales, which can reach up to 30m in length, migrate north along the west coast of Vancouver Island, with large pods that make the area an exceptional spot for spring whale watching.
The festival is a weeklong and is held every March around the start of the migration season. Throughout the week, there are activities and events for all ages, with some focused on kids, and others are adult-only events. The festivities take place in venues around Tofino, Long Beach (Pacific Rim National Park Reserve), and Ucluelet.
Location and how to get there: Tofino, Ucluelet, and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, on the west coast of Vancouver Island
Cost: most events $10 per person; varying prices for ticketed events
Best time to go: March 14-21, 2026
For more information:
