Pacific Rim Whale Festival and Pre-Festival Events

Pacific Rim Whale Festival Events by Category

Calendar Version of Events

Event Venues and Locations

Martini Margration Pays It Forward…

The Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society is partnering with 5 local researchers and organizations by donating $5 from each $40 ticket sold for the 4th Annual Martini Migration Fundraiser. This is a new initiative brought forth by the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, and a step in the right direction toward what could be a significant contribution in future years. Learn more here.

Daily Pacific Rim Whale Festival Events

* means it's a Button Event.
2009 PRWF Buttons are bordered with a dark blue ring to distinguish them from other years’, and are designed by local kids. They come in 12 special designs for you to choose from and cost a minimum donation of $2 each.  Buttons are available for purchase at most events, and can also be bought at local Visitor Info Centres or select merchants.  Wear them proudly in support of the Pacific Rim Whale Festival, and show your 2009 button for Free Admission to the majority of our calendar events! Made possible, in part, by the contributions of our local whale watching companies, talented young artists, and the printing expertise of Pina Studio in Ucluelet.

Note that if you enter and use Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (PRNPR) you may be required to show your park pass.  Passes can be obtained at Info Centres, the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre & some parking lots.

THURSDAY March 5

6pm
13th Annual Gala Dinner & Silent Auction Fundraiser
Wickaninnish Inn, Tofino
Tickets $105 Limited capacity! Reserve by phoning Rachelle 1-800-333-4604

SATURDAY March 14

10am-11:45am *
Sandcastle & Sandsculpture Create-A-Thon & Kite-flying
Wickaninnish Beach/Interpretive Centre, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (PRNPR)

10am-4pm DAILY *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Opening of Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

12pm-12:45 *
Tug-O-Whale: A Competition Tradition
Wickaninnish Beach/Interpretive Centre, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve (PRNPR)

1pm *
Opening Ceremonies & Official Welcome
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

7-9pm
Common Loaf Bakeshop presents Crepe Night!
Common Loaf Bakeshop, Tofino

7pm
Ian Tamblyn – Live At Long Beach: Strumming, Stories & Slides
Green Point Campground Theatre, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Tickets: $10 adults/$5 ages 12 & under/$25 family of 4

SUNDAY March 15

9am *
Ucluelet Aquarium Season Opening: Up Close & Personal!
Ucluelet Mini Aquarium, Ucluelet

10am – 11am
Mudflat Interpretive Walk
with marine biologist Josie Osborne
Meet at Garden Café - Tofino Botanical Gardens, Tofino
Participation fee: $5 (includes 3-day Tofino Botanical Gardens Pass)

10am *
Fire-fighter SpoutBall Challenge
Behind Ucluelet Secondary School – at the tennis court, Ucluelet

10am-4pm DAILY *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am – 2pm
13th Annual Chowder Chowdown – a traditional favourite!
Seaplane Base Rec Hall, Ucluelet
Tickets at the door: $10 Adult/$5 Child/$25 family up to 4 kids

2pm *
Vancouver Island Whales & Whale Researchers – Part 1
“Island of Whales” (1989) documentary film screening
Remote Passages Marine Excursions boathouse, Tofino

2:30-4:30pm b
Whale Watching Station & Interpretive Loop
Amphitrite Point Lighthouse & Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

4pm *
Clam Gardens: Aboriginal Mariculture on Canada’s West Coast
with author Judith Williams presenting
Clayoquot Community Theatre, Tofino

7pm *
Vancouver Island Whales & Whale Researchers – Part 2
“Realm of the Killer Whales” (2001) film screening
Clayoquot Community Theatre, Tofino

MONDAY March 16

8:30am-9:30am DAILY *
Daily B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

9:30am *
Blessing of The Boats
1st St Government Dock, Tofino

10am *
Intertidal Walk
with Carl Sieber, Parks Canada Interpreter
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre (meet at flagpole), PRNPR

10am-4pm DAILY *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am OR 1pm OR 3pm
Meares Island Big Tree Trail: Guided Interpretive Hikes
with naturalist Devorah Reeves
Depart (by boat) from Ocean Outfitters, Tofino
(10 spaces/trip) $49 - For reservations call 250-725-2866

11am-4pm *
Tonquin Maritime Discovery Centre
566c Campbell St – down beside The Fish Store, Tofino

11am *
Thunderbird and Whale: The Enduring Importance of Whaling in Nuu-Chah-Nulth Culture
with Dr. Alan McMillan
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

1pm *
Whale Quest Tofino Part 1: Grey Whale ID
Get to know your local whales in print and paint!
Remote Passages Marine Excursions boathouse, Tofino
Maximum 15 participants.  Please call 250-725-3330 to pre-register.

1pm *
Wild Whales:  Have you seen any lately?  We want to know!
with Caitlin Birdsall, Research Assistant, Vancouver Aquarium
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

3pm *
Killer Whales: Recent Research On A Coastal Icon
with Meghan McKillop, Vancouver Aquarium
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

4pm *
Clam Gardens: Aboriginal Mariculture on Canada’s West Coast
with author Judith Williams presenting
Wild Heather Books, Ucluelet

7-9pm
Sweet Indulgence: Annual All-You-Can-Eat Extravaganza Dessert Reception
with musical guests ‘The Anatomy Of Sound’
UAC Hall, Ucluelet
Tickets at the door: $8 adults/$5 ages 12 & under

8pm
Tofino Movie Night:
Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home (1986, US, 119 min, Rated G)
Clayoquot Community Theatre, Tofino
Tickets at the door: $5

TUESDAY March 17

8:30am-9:30am DAILY *
Daily B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

10am *
Signs of Spring Walk
with Silva Johansson, Parks Canada Outreach Officer
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre (meet at front deck), PRNPR

10am-4pm DAILY *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am *
Storytelling
with Artist Roy Henry Vickers
Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino

11am *
Thunderbird and Whale: The Enduring Importance of Whaling in Nuu-Chah-Nulth Culture
with Dr. Alan McMillan
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

1pm *
Traditional Nuu-Chah-Nulth Foods
with Dr. Simon Lucas
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

1pm *
Wet & Wild: Marine Mammal Research in Barkley & Clayoquot Sounds
with local marine mammal biologist Wendy Szaniszlo
Remote Passages Marine Excursions boathouse, Tofino

2:15pm  
Assist a Researcher Boat Tour
Remote Passages Marine Excursions boathouse, Tofino
(12 spaces) $84/65 For reservations: 250-725-3330

3pm *
The Positively Wild & Edible Seafood Show
with Wildside Grill Chef Jessie Blake & Biologist Josie Osborne
Clayoquot Community Theatre, Tofino

3pm *
Sand Dunes: How To Restore Rare Plant Communities
with Danielle Bellefleur, Parks Canada biologist
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

7pm *
Killer Whale Adoption Program & Cetacean Sightings Network
with Caitlin Birdsall & Meghan McKillop of Vancouver Aquarium
Clayoquot Field Station, Tofino

7:30 door - 8pm start *
Annual WhaleFest Literary Spout-Off: Fur, Fins & Feathers and open mic
Garden Café, Tofino Botanical Gardens, Tofino

WEDNESDAY March 18

8:30am-9:30am DAILY *
Daily B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

10am-11am *
Recipe for a Rainforest – Family Rainforest Program
with the Raincoast Education Society
Wild Pacific Trail (meet at Amphitrite Lighthouse), Ucluelet

10am-1pm       
Marine Mammal Research Day – Naturalist Tour by boat!
Depart (by boat) from Subtidal Adventures, Ucluelet
 (12 spaces), $79 - For reservations call 250-726-7336.

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am-12pm *
From Zero to 3,000 in 35 years! Sea Otters on the West Coast of Vancouver Island
with marine biologist Josie Osborne
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am *
Storytelling
with Artist Roy Henry Vickers
Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino

1pm-2pm *
Intertidal Investigators: Kids’ Beach Program
with the Raincoast Education Society
Meet at MacKenzie Beach (look for the Canadian flag!), Tofino

1pm *
So You Think You Can Be A Marine Biologist?
with Jenn Yakimishyn, Parks Canada biologist
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

2-4pm *
Sea Creature Cookie Creators
Common Loaf Bakeshop, Tofino

3pm *
Fantastic Flippers! Sea Lions of the Pacific Northwest – with local marine mammal biologist Wendy Szaniszlo
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

3pm *
Beach Seining Interactive Specimen Collecting - with Ucluelet Aquarium interpreters & biologist friends 
Meet at Ucluelet Aquarium, Ucluelet

7-11pm
Martini Migration Dress For the Fest! Fundraising Event
- 4th Annual Skyy Vodka & Hendrick’s Gin Competition
Tofino Community Hall, Tofino
Advance Tickets Only: $40
8pm
Paddling in the Great Bear Rainforest – slideshow & talk
with Dan Lewis & Bonny Glambeck of Rainforest Kayak Adventures
Clayoquot Community Theatre, Tofino
Admission $5 or $10/family.

THURSDAY March 19

8:30am-9:30am DAILY *
Daily B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

10am-4pm DAILY *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort – Front Lobby, Ucluelet

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am *
Rainforest Walk
with Carl Sieber, Parks Canada Interpreter
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre (meet at flagpole), PRNPR

11am *
Storytelling
with Artist Roy Henry Vickers
Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino

1pm-1:45 *
Whale Quest Tofino - Part 2: Songs From Across The Sea
Remote Passages Marine Excursions boathouse, Tofino

1pm-2pm *
What is the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve?
with local marine biologist Josie Osborne
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

1-4pm *
Ucluelet Maritime Kids Day
Seaplane Base Rec Hall, Ucluelet

2pm  *
Traditional Cedar Weaving: Hands-on Workshop
with First Nations Weavers & Artists
UAC Hall, Ucluelet

3-4pm *
The Kerplunks – FREE Live Concert
with Award Winning Children’s performers at Ucluelet Maritime Kids Day
Seaplane Base Rec Hall, Ucluelet

3pm *
Wet & Wild: Marine Mammal Research in Barkley & Clayoquot Sounds
with local marine mammal biologist Wendy Szaniszlo
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

4:30pm *
Annual Rubber Fish Race
Thornton Creek Hatchery, Port Albion
$3 each or $5 for 2 racing fish!

6:30pm
Barnacle Blues: Jim Byrnes Live in Concert
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort - Ballroom, Ucluelet
Advance tickets $40 or $45 at the door if available.

7pm-9pm *
Philosopher’s Café: “Whales & The Human Imagination”
with author & philosopher Jeff Warren featured on CBC’s Ideas.
Garden Café at the Tofino Botanical Gardens, Tofino

FRIDAY March 20

8:30am-9:30am DAILY *
Daily B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

10am OR 1pm
Whale Tales & Hot Springs Guided Boat Tour
with biologist Ron Weeks
Ocean Outfitters, Tofino
(12 spaces/boat) $99 – For reservations call 250-725-2866.

Artists In Action - DAILY
10am-4pm *
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino
10am-4pm, 6pm-9pm *
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort – Front Lobby, Ucluelet

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am-12:30pm *
Gumboot Dancing Interactive All-ages Workshop
with Marimba Muzuva
UAC Hall, Ucluelet

11am *
Killer Whales: Top Predators At Risk
with Andrea Buckman, Institute of Ocean Sciences - Fisheries and Oceans Canada
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am *
Storytelling
with Artist Roy Henry Vickers
Eagle Aerie Gallery, Tofino

1pm *
Marine Mammal 911
with marine mammal biologist and response coordinator Lisa Spaven, DFO
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

1-4pm *
Tofino Maritime Kids Day
Tofino Community Hall, Tofino

3-4pm *
The Kerplunks – FREE Live Concert
with Award Winning Children’s performers at Tofino Maritime Kids Day
Tofino Community Hall, Tofino

3pm *
The Grey Gourmet: The Enduring Grey Whale
with Ramona deGraaf, Bamfield Marine Science Centre
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

7pm
SurfRider Movie Night & Opening Session with ‘Cedar Surf’ author Grant Shilling
Clayoquot Community Theatre, Tofino
Admission $5.

7pm
Marimba Muzuva
Feature Musical Percussion & Gumboot Dancing Performance - for all ages!
Seaplane Base Rec Hall, Ucluelet
Tickets at the door or in advance $10 adults/$5 kids 12 & under/Family of 4 pass $25

SATURDAY March 21

8:30am-9:30am DAILY *
Daily B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

10am *
Parade of Whales & Wonders and the annual Pet & Doll Parade
Begins at Wickaninnish School and will move around town, Tofino.

10am-4pm DAILY *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort – Front Lobby, Ucluelet

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

11am-12:30pm *
Gumboot Dancing Interactive All-ages Workshop
with Marimba Muzuva
The Legion, Tofino

11am-2pm
WhaleFest Community BBQ
Second St & Campbell St at the Fire Hall, Tofino
Tickets: $5 at the BBQ.

2pm  *
Traditional Cedar Weaving: Hands-on Workshop
with First Nations Weavers & Artists
Weigh West Marine Resort – Coho Room, Tofino

3-5pm *
Shannon McWhinney:  Whale Festival 2009 Poster Artist signing and meet & greet!
At the ArtSplash! Art Show, Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

4pm *
Explorations of Whale Consciousness
with author Jeff Warren, featured on CBC Radio’s Ideas
Wild Heather Books, Ucluelet

7pm
The Devilfish Feast & Film
Floathouse Restaurant wild salmon, seaweed & sushi menu! Inner Rhythm surf video screening, and open mic entertainment
The Floathouse Restaurant, Barkley Adventure Station–Small Craft Harbour, Ucluelet

9:30pm+
Ghost Brothers
Live Band! WhaleFest Volunteer Thank you Shake-down!
The Legion, Tofino
Admission $10 at the door/Volunteers in their PRWF shirts get in FREE!

SUNDAY March 22

9:30-11:30am *
SurfRider Clean Ocean Conservation Beach Clean-Up
Meet at MacKenzie Beach in front of Best Western Tin Wis Resort, Tofino

10am-4pm  DAILY *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

12pm *
Closing Ceremonies
Best Western Tin Wis Resort – MacKenzie Beach, Tofino

1pm
Volunteer Appreciation & Traditional Salmon & Bannock BBQ 
Best Western Tin Wis Resort, Tofino
Tickets $TBA/Volunteers dine for FREE

ONGOING/DAILY EVENTS

8:30am-9:30am DAILY *
Daily B-Bop Fitness and Wild Pacific Trail Discovery Walk with OJ
Wild Pacific Trail, Ucluelet

10am-6pm DAILY *
ArtSplash! Pacific Rim Arts Society’s Annual Spring Art Show
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

10am-4pm DAILY (some exceptions to date/location/times – see schedule) *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino

10am-6pm DAILY (except March 14)
Ucluelet Aquarium: Up Close & Personal!
Ucluelet Mini Aquarium, Ucluelet
Admission fee: $5/adult, less for kids. No admission on Opening Day March 15!

12pm DAILY (Mar 14-22) *
'Incredible Journeys: A Whale's Voyage' (1997) documentary
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

2pm DAILY *     
Marine Documentary Film Screenings
Remote Passages Marine Excursions – boathouse, Tofino

2pm DAILY (Mar 14-22) *
'Life At The Edge Of The Sea' (1994) documentary
Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre, PRNPR

Jamie’s Whaling Station’s West Coast Passport To Adventure Contest *
Passports available at any info centre or either Jamie’s Whaling Station & Adventure Centre.

ARTISTS IN ACTION
They are listed here separately, but are also imbedded in the calendar listings above. Thank you to organizing artist Marla Thirsk, the Wickaninnish Inn, Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Black Rock Oceanfront Resort, and all of the participating talented artists!

SATURDAY March 14
10am-4pm *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
View the works of varying West Coast talents, many for sale, and witness the artists…in action! Line-up changes throughout the week.
Marla Thirsk – art dolls and paintings
Alex Cutler – stonework
Walter Collins - carvings
Christine Johnstone - weaver

SUNDAY March 15
10am-4pm *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
View the works of varying West Coast talents, many for sale, and witness the artists…in action! Line-up changes throughout the week.
Marla Thirsk – art dolls and paintings
Alex Cutler – stonework
Walter Collins - carvings
Christine Johnstone - weaver

MONDAY March 16
10am-4pm *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
View the works of varying West Coast talents, many for sale, and witness the artists…in action! Line-up changes throughout the week.
Marla Thirsk – art dolls and paintings
Alex Cutler – stonework
Walter Collins - carvings
Natacha Radojevic – jewellery sculpture

TUESDAY March 17
10am-4pm *
Artists In Action
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
View the works of varying West Coast talents, many for sale, and witness the artists…in action! Line-up changes throughout the week.
Marla Thirsk – art dolls and paintings
Alex Cutler – stonework
Walter Collins - carvings
Natacha Radojevic – jewellery sculpture

WEDNESDAY March 18
N/A

THURSDAY March 19
10am-4pm *
Artists In Action
View the works of varying West Coast talents, many for sale, and witness the artists…in action! Line-up changes throughout the week.
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
Carol Shulz - watercolours
Mary Christmas - photographer
Rita Petri - pottery
Lori Foster – kelp work
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort – Front Lobby, Ucluelet
Marla Thirsk – art dolls and original paintings
Walter Collins – original carvings
Ann Lemorande - photography

FRIDAY March 20
Artists In Action
View the works of varying West Coast talents, many for sale, and witness the artists…in action! Line-up changes throughout the week.
10am-4pm *
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
Carol Shulz - watercolours
Mary Christmas - photographer
Rita Petri - pottery
Lori Foster – kelp work
Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino
Alex Cutler - stonework
10am-5pm, 6pm-9pm *
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort – Front Lobby, Ucluelet
Marla Thirsk – art dolls and original paintings
Walter Collins – original carvings
Ann Lemorande – photography

SATURDAY March 21
Artists In Action
View the works of varying West Coast talents, many for sale, and witness the artists…in action! Line-up changes throughout the week.
10am-4pm *
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
Carol Shulz - watercolours
Mary Christmas - photographer
Rita Petri - pottery
Lori Foster – kelp work
Pacific Sands Beach Resort
Alex Cutler – stonework
Black Rock Oceanfront Resort – Front Lobby, Ucluelet
Marla Thirsk – art dolls and original paintings
Walter Collins – original carvings
Ann Lemorande – photography

SUNDAY March 22
10am-4pm *
Artists In Action
View the works of varying West Coast talents, many for sale, and witness the artists…in action! Line-up changes throughout the week.
Wickaninnish Inn - Salal Room, Tofino
Carol Shulz - watercolours
Mary Christmas - photographer
Rita Petri - pottery
Lori Foster – kelp work
Pacific Sands Beach Resort, Tofino