Tofino & Ucluelet Annual Events
There is a full slate of events on the West Coast no matter what the season. The ones listed are recurring events that take place each year. Also look out for special events posted on numerous bulletin boards around our towns (at each Co-op and many other locations).
2011:
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March 2011-Ucluelet Aquarium Re-opens in time for Whale Festival `
Ucluelet Aquarium
March 19-27th 2011 Pacific Rim Whale Festival www.pacificrimwhalefestival.com This festival is celebrated each year, normally held to coincide with March Break. Many events take place all over the West Coast, watch for the Whale Festival guide published just prior to the festival.
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March 19-27th 2011 Art Splash
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April 24th 2011 5th Anual Earth Day Pancake and Breakfast!
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May 6-8th 2011 Tofino Shorebird Festival, visit raincoasteducation.org. This festival celebrates migrating shorebirds that visit area beaches and mudflats. Lots of events, including interpretive walks and presentations.
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May 2011 George Fraser Day `
George Fraser website Celebrate one of the original pioneers on the West Coast. View rhododendron gardens originally planted by Mr. Fraser, still in bloom today!
May 2011 TBA Visit Clayoquot/Stubbs Island.
Free boat shuttles to Clayoquot Island, a privately owned island that is generously opened up each year by the owner so all can enjoy the amazing gardens and windswept shores of this Tofino harbour island. Departures from 1st St. dock in Tofino.
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May-Sept 2011 Salmon Ladder Derby $40,000 ladder derby with monthly prizes (top prize is $7000/month) with a fishoff in September for the biggest prize!
Ucluelet Salmon Derby
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June 3-5th 2011 Tofino Food and Wine Festival www.tofinofoodandwinefestival.com. This yearly festival encompasses various food and wine related events, culminating in the main event, Grazing in the Gardens at the Tofino Botanical Gardens. In this verdant setting enjoy samples from BC wineries and local restaurants.
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Mid June TBA Edge-to-Edge Marathon www.edgetoedgemarathon.com. This full, half or relay marathon is run yearly between Ucluelet and Tofino. Part of the route is run on Chesterman Beach.
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June 2011-360 Cadillac Van Isle Yacht race ` June 2011-Aboriginal Days `
Yacht race that circumnavigates Vancouver Island every second year. Next race 2011. Stops in Ucluelet at the Small Boat Harbour where the West Coast Motel is located. www.vanisle360.com
Aboriginal Days at the Pacific Rim National Park - Wickinninnish Interpretive Centre
July 1st 2011-Canada Day `
Activities in the Pacific Rim National Park at Wickinninnish Beach and in Ucluelet. Includes sand castle building, childrens' crafts and activities, beach volley ball, family BBC and of course - a parade!
July dates TBA Pacific Rim Arts Society Summer Festival (pacificrimarts.ca). An art-full event held in the summer.
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July 22-24 2011 Ukee Days. This community celebration takes place mainly at Ucluelet's Seaplane Base Recreation Hall and grounds. A weekend of fun with everything from logger sports to pet shows, live music and a parade.
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Aug. 28 2011 - Tofino Lantern Festival - this yearly fundraiser for the Raincoast Education Society takes place at the Tofino Botanical Gardens. An enchanting evening of lanterns in a garden setting.
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September 2011-West Coast Maritime Festival `
The tall ships are coming to visit.
Tall Ships
October - Organizers have confirmed the O'Neill Cold Water Classic international surf contest will return to the coast, but haven't yet announced the dates.
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November-February-Storm Watching-Come witness the drama of a West Coast winter storm!! `
November the Clayoquot Sound Oyster Festival www.oystergala.com. This festival takes place in late November also. Local chefs prepare oyster creations in a series of events, oyster farm tours, presentations and more!
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Late November - Jingle into Christmas, merchants' hold Christmas sales in Tofino.
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December 2011-Harbour Lights Sail Past `
Sail past with Santa at Ucluelet Harbour
Early December - Midnight Madness, merchants in Ucluelet host Christmas sales.
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See below for Jamie's Whale Watching video in Tofino and Ucluelet
