A Whale of a Ski Trip – From The Pacific Rim Whale Festival to Mount Washington

Fact:  The year-round population of Tofino is approximately 2,000 people, around 1/10th of the approximate 20,000 Gray whales swimming past our shores on their annual migration from the Baja Peninsula to the Bering Strait by Alaska!

Part 3:  The Pacific Rim Whale Festival, March 14-22

This beloved festival always has some new events on offer, but there are some constants for this classic celebration of coastal life, including:

• The opening parade, rain or shine!   Cancel an event due to rain?  “NEVER!” says 2015 festival poster artist Claire Watson, one of the hardy and well-dressed Tofitians happy to take in this Tofino tradition in the pouring… liquid sunshine!  Rest assured that there are some covered areas from which to enjoy this display of small-town pageantry.
• A diversity of speakers, naturally.  From the local and visiting experts on the Sea Change Panel to biologist talks at Remote Passages and walks in Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, there’s much to do.  Tofino volunteer and event decorator Cindy Hutchison particularly appreciates learning about the history between the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations and whales.
• Live music!  This year, repeat JUNO nominees The Kerplunks return to entertain at the Maritime Kid’s Days in Tofino and Ucluelet, while the Barnacle Blues evening welcomes critically-acclaimed power trio, Tiller’s Folly on Thursday, March 19th.

All this plus the complete festival events calendar right here.

Next up on the itinerary is (drum roll please) Mount Washington!

While our blue skies and mild weather have created more springlike than winterlike conditions throughout Vancouver Island, the team is confident that snow will fall this season.  Until then, dream of swooshing down some runs and add the Alpenglow Food and Wine Festival to your Mount Washington plans.  This one-night event, taking place during your time at the resort the night of March 21st, features select distilleries, wineries and breweries along with tapas and live music at the Alpine Lodge.

Hmm, now who is the lucky winner of the Whale of a Ski Trip?  The contest just closed today, but get inspired with the trip itinerary here!

Curious about Mount Washington?  Get more info with Tourism Mount Washington.

Learn about the Comox Valley Airport here.

*Following some great conditions over the holidays,  the warm, wet weather experienced since the latter part of January and early February throughout the West Coast has forced Mount Washington to put their winter operations on hold until the colder weather and our legendary west coast snow returns.  We are all optimistic that the lifts will be spinning again soon!

** In the unlikely event that spring conditions persist on Mount Washington, the winner of the 4 night getaway will have the choice to opt for an alternative Alpine/North Central Island experience *or* can opt to redeem the 4-night Vancouver Island vacation in March 2016.