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).

2010:

March 6-14 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.

May 7-9  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.

May 22 & 23 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 1^st St. dock in Tofino.

June 4-6 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.

June 13 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.

July dates TBA Pacific Rim Arts Society Summer Festival (pacificrimarts.ca). An art-ful event held in the summer.

July 23-25 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.

Aug. 29 - 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.

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.

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!

Late November - Jingle into Christmas, merchants' hold Christmas sales in Tofino.

Early December - Midnight Madness, merchants in Ucluelet host Christmas sales.  

See below for Jamie's Whale Watching video in Tofino and Ucluelet