Things To Do Arts & Culture
Our small community has a rich art scene, with artists, carvers, musicians, painters, photographers, and ceramicists injecting soul into the everyday. Indigenous culture and art thrive and are at the heart of Načiks (Tofino).
A reverence for nature surrounding Tofino inspires artists and makers who call these far stretches of Vancouver Island home. A vibrant arts and culture scene thrives with open mic nights, markets, independent storefronts, concert series, and annual festivals. Here, the creative spirit is truly free.
Culture and public art
Self-expression is woven into the built environment of Tofino. From upcycled marine debris to Nuu-chah-nulth carvings and striking sculptures, the art installations here make a statement. Follow an Art or Culture Walk around town or along the ʔapsčiik t̓ašii Multi-Use Path, created by the Tofino Arts Council, to find the public art displays that speak to you.
Take a walk
Events and festivals
A vibrant music scene thrives with open mic nights, concert series, and annual festivals. Come March, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival announces the beginning of the spring season, while the Tofino Jazz Festival kicks off summer in late June. Queen of the Peak is the annual women's surf competition at the end of September in the warm early days of fall, while Tofino Oyster Fest is the perfect event for a reprieve from the November rains.
Mark your calendar
Museum and galleries
Gallery hop around town to find unique creations by painters, sculptures, photographers, carvers, textile artists and more. The arts flourish with the abundance of space and inspiration comes from living close to the ocean in this place of timeless beauty.
Embrace the arts
Ucluelet Aquarium
This aquarium started from humble beginnings in 2004 as the first collect-and-release facility in Canada. Wander through this picturesque harbourside oasis to see marine life gathered from local waters, tidepools, kelp forests, and eelgrass beds. Get up close to jellyfish, sea cucumbers, octopus, sea urchins, and more. Touch tanks allow visitors to get even more acquainted with these sea animals.
Open seasonally between March 1st and November 30th. Come winter, the sea life is released back into the waters where they were found.
Tofino Market
Shop for upcycled finds, ocean-inspired jewelry, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods, local artwork, and more. Adjacent to the local playground for kid-friendly fun, the market is a great place to mingle, shop, and feel the beat of everyday Tofino life. On Friday evenings in July and August, music lovers gather to listen to The Gust of Wind Concert Series on the Village Green and peruse the Friday Night Market.
Shop the market every Saturday from May until early October at the Village Green.
Shop local