Each spring, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival marks the return of migrating Pacific grey whales to the waters off the west coast of Vancouver Island. With a strong focus on marine ecosystems and coastal education, the festival offers a week of family-friendly events across Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

Featured events include:

• The Baleen Bash, a closing-night celebration marking the final evening of the festival
• Parade of Whales & Wonder, featuring ocean-themed floats through the town of Tofino
• Maritime Kids Days, offering hands-on marine activities and learning experiences for children

Thousands of grey whales travel north each year from breeding lagoons off Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to summer feeding grounds in the Arctic. As they pass by, they join the resident grey whales, orcas, humpbacks, and the occasional minke whale that inhabit these waters year-round. The festival provides an opportunity to learn more about these migrations and the ongoing efforts to protect the region’s marine environment.

For a full schedule of events and additional details, visit the Pacific Rim Whale Festival website.