26th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival March 17:25, 2012 Kicks Off West Coast Vancouver Island Whale Watching Season

Tofino, Ucluelet, B.C., February 7, 2012 – The Pacific Rim Whale Festival and Tourism Tofino todayannounced the extensive calendar of educational, culinary and cultural arts events —many of them free — planned for the 26thAnnual Whale Festival http://www.pacificrimwhalefestival.combeing held in Tofino, Ucluelet and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, on the west coast of Vancouver Island, from March 17N25, 2012. The Pacific Rim Whale Festival marks the opening of the region’s famed whale watching season and the annual migration of over 20,000 grey whales on their 13,000 km journey from the waters of Mexico’s Baja Peninsula to the Bering Sea.

The 2012 Pacific Rim Whale Festival welcomes wildlife enthusiasts, and lovers of the arts, food and music to come and be inspired by the world’s largest whale celebration.

Except where indicated, advanced tickets to all events are available online at: http://www.pacificrimwhalefestival.com/purchase-tickets.

Event highlights include:

New, Pre-festival Event — Tuesday, February 14, 2012
“SWEET, PLAY, LOVE” — UAC HALL 1510 Peninsula Rd, Ucluelet, B.C.

A celebration of love, food and music featuring melodic performances by Vancouver Island musicians Slim Pickin’ and Saskia & Darrel, with ‘aphrodisiac appetizers’ from Breakers Café.  Advance Tickets: $25/Single, $45/Couple

Thursday, March 15, 2012
The Wickaninnish Inn “Gala Dinner & Silent Auction” — Tofino B.C.

Chef Nick Nutting and the kitchen brigade cook up some magic, as wine pairings and tempting silent auction items complement the evening for this annual fundraising (and funNraising) event. Tickets: $110/ Person available at http://www.wickinn.com

Sunday, March 18, 2012
“Chowder Chowdown” — Ucluelet Community Centre, 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet, B.C.

Acclaimed area chefs compete for awards while attendees and local “celebrity judges” sample, compare and vote for their favorite chowder creations. Live music by the Jocelyn Pettit Band. Advance Tickets: $10/Adults, $5/Children, $25/Family Rate available at Ucluelet Community Centre

Monday, March 19, 2012
“Sweet Indulgence: All You Can Eat Dessert Affair” — Ucluelet Community Centre, 500 Matterson Drive, Ucluelet, B.C.

An evening of decadence, featuring favorite west coast family dessert recipes, door prizes and live local musical guests Small Town Empire.Advance Tickets: $10/Adults, $5/Children, $25/Family Rate

Thursday, March 22, 2012
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort presents the 10th Annual “Barnacle Blues”  — 596 Marine Drive, Ucluelet, B.C.

A fundraising evening of music with opening act ‘Headwater’ and feature performance by Juno award winner Jim Byrnes  This event includes drinks and gourmet appetizers prepared by Black Rock’s Chef, a raffle and live action. Advance Tickets: $40/Person

Whale Festival Button Events: For a suggested $5.00 donation, guests receive a colourful Whale Festival Button designed by our local elementary school artists. These buttons provide free access to over 40 educational and entertaining events.

General Festival & Events Contact

Wendy Hainstock | Festival Coordinator 
250-726-7798
info@pacificrimwhalefestival.com

Media Contact

Lynda Kaye | Kaye PR for Tourism Tofino
250-725-2035
lynda@kayepr.com