February 20, 2020

Four things to know about the Pacific Rim Whale Festival

human aerial art on MacKenzie Beach

Human aerial art, during the 2010 Festival.

Jeremy Koreski

The beloved Pacific Rim Whale Festival returns to Tofino yearly, and you’re in for a whale of a time.

Here’s what you need to know:

  1. When it was inaugurated in 1988, the festival’s goal was to create awareness of this unique coastal marine ecosystem and especially of the then-endangered Grey whale. Great news: the Grey whale population has recovered since approximately 2002 with increased birth rates, survival rates and other factors.
  2. Over 20 events take place throughout Tofino, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and Ucluelet.  Drive around – or ride a bicycle if you can!
  3. Ever attended a storytelling in a longhouse-style art gallery, or a beach seine?  These are just a couple of the happenings in store.
  4. It’s an opportunity to volunteer while on vacation, and dive into the heart of the festival and the small coastal communities in which it has thrived for years. Email the  for info.
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