Pacific Rim Whale Festival
A Celebration of Coastal Life
25th Annual Pacific Rim Whale Festival
March 19-27, 2011
Seasoned locals affectionately coin this time of year best as 'festival season', for there's a solid network within our community who take the opportunity (some for a couple of decades now!) to plan for the arrival of whales, travelling visitors, and springtime alike. It's Pacific Rim Whale Festival time - a tradition that the community of Ucluelet has helped shape since 1986 by partnering with Tofino and Pacific Rim National Park Reserve to jointly host more than seventy-five events.
The Whale Festival is an extraordinary opportunity to learn about coastal life & marine ecosystems, and a great example of west coast spirit, hospitality, sense of community and culture. Marking the official opening of the area's prime whale watching season, festivities - many free of charge - include culinary, musical, family-friendly and educational events. From March 19-27, 2010, some events on Ucluelet's hosting calendar include:
- 15th Annual Chowder Chowdown - Indulge in up to 12 chowders in competition from local chefs.
- Traditional Cedar Weaving: Workshops with First Nations Artists & Weavers - Learn weaving techniques & history and take home your own creation.
- Ucluelet Aquarium Season Opening: Up Close & Personal! - Ucluelet's own Aquarium opens its portal to the underwater wonders right from our own backyard.
- Whale Watching Station & Interpretive Loop: Amphitrite Point Lighthouse & Wild Pacific Trail - Join naturalists for interactive land-based viewing from this traditional whale-spotting point.
- Ucluelet Maritime Kids Day - Fun & educational activities for all ages!
In spite of all the fun, remember the real stars of the show are the whales themselves. Not long ago, eastern Pacific grey whales were listed as near extinct, but have since recovered to estimated pre-whaling numbers. At somewhere upwards of 20,000, it's the largest grey population that exists on the planet! We're lucky enough to see them en-route first-hand and be able to increase public awareness about their remarkable existence. With a significant focus on marine ecosystems and coastal life education, the Whale Festival celebrates the continued protection and annual return of migrating Pacific grey whales to our coastal waters each spring. Whale Festival fundraising efforts benefit local marine field-based research initiatives, which in turn support the whales!
Remarkably, the Whale Festival is generated almost entirely by volunteers. It really is! What results is a group synergy that is unlike any other event on the West Coast! Aiming to educate, inspire, and raise the spirits of the young & young at heart, the Festival Society welcomes volunteers from near and far, to take part.
Join in the creation of the celebration:
- Volunteer! The more the merrier! Contact us or fill out our online form.
- Present or Perform! Have a workshop, research project or talent to share? We've got a mighty captive audience.
- Support in any of many ways! By donation of cash, services, in-kind contribution or by purchasing a membership!
- Attend an event! Come and enjoy - after all, that's what it's all about; celebrating our coastal lives!
- Tell your friends, family & visitors! Spread the word on this Vancouver Island feature event!
For more information, including a growing calendar of events, visit www.pacificrimwhalefestival.com.
Contact the Pacific Rim Whale Festival Society:
Marla Barker
Festival Coordinator
info@pacificrimwhalefestival.com
250-726-7798
2009 Pacific Rim Whale Festival Highlights
The Whale Festival was a great success this year - a fun event for the whole family.
