| The annual northward
migration of Gray Whales through Pacific Rim National Park begins in late February
and continues until the end of May. The peak season is from mid March to mid April,
with some whales staying in the area to feed during the summer months. Every
March and April, the Pacific Rim National Park and the communities of Tofino and
Ucluelet celebrate the return of the Gray Whale during its annual spring migration.
The Pacific Rim Whale Festival is a series of public events and festivities
for the whole family. |
Annual Calendar of the Gray Whale: |  | January
and February: Gray Whales spend the winter in the warm waters off Baja California,
Mexico. | | March,
April, and May: They migrate north, hugging the west coast of North America. | | June
to October: In the Bering and Chukchi Seas, the whales spend the summer feeding.
To the delight of Vancouver Island whale watchers, some grays stop to eat at this
latitude instead of continuing north with the rest of the population. | | November
and December: Grays swim back down to Baja California, usually faster and further
offshore than during the northward leg of their migration. | | In
total, the 16,000 to 22,500-km round trip - depending on how far north they go
- is one of the longest migrations of any mammal on earth. |
More information on the Pacific
Rim Whale Festival and Current Events.
Pacific
Rim Whale Festival Society
Box 476
Tofino, BC
VOR 2ZO
Telephone
(250) 725-3414 | Pacific
Rim Whale Festival Society
Box 428
Ucluelet, BC
VOR 3AO
Telephone
(250) 726-4641 | In the Long Beach Unit, the park offers
audio-visual programs at the Wickaninnish Centre and Green Point Theatre.
Killer Whales may also be seen, but not as predictably as Grays. A number of local
commercial boat charters are available should you wish to arrange a whale-watching
tour. If you are bringing your own boat, please ensure that you are familiar
with the ocean and weather conditions on this exposed west coast of Vancouver
Island. If you are operating a boat near whales, please remember that it is illegal
to harass or disturb marine animals. Stay at least 100 metres away from the whales
and adhere to the Federal Guidelines for Whale Watching.
| |
|
|
| Nearby Services |
| |
Archipelago Wildlife Cruises, Ucluelet |
|
|
For an unforgettable west coast experience, step aboard our luxurious 53 foot motor yacht to view whales, bears, sea lions and other wildlife in comfort. More than just wildlife viewing, our interpretive and very personal tours include a scenic cruise of the Broken Group Islands and an optional gourmet meal while at anchor. Romantic Sunset Cruises and Private Charters also available. |
| Listing Details |
| |
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort & Spa, Tofino |
|
|
Clayoquot Wilderness Resort offers an ultra-luxurious resort in the remote wilds of Vancouver Island, near Tofino. The Outpost in Bedwell Sound provides 21st-century-safari style lodging in opulently outfitted prospector tents, and a massage and therapeutic treatment centre with the soul of an outpost spa. Activities include whale watching, bear watching, horseback riding, canoeing and kayaking, hiking, mountain biking, hot springs, fishing, and a canopy viewing platform and zip line. |
| Listing Details |
| |
Island West Fishing Resort, Ucluelet |
|
|
With decades of experience fishing the pristine waters of Barkley Sound and Clayoquot Sound, our team of locally experienced, professional guides provide the highest quality fishing excursion. Packages include lodging and an eight-hour fishing trip each morning. Also Flightseeing Tours, Canoe and Kayak trips, Whale Watching, Winter Storm Watching, and Hiking. Waterfront or water view camping sites. Moorage for short or long term visits. |
| Listing Details |
| |
Majestic Ocean Kayaking, Ucluelet |
|
|
Kayak the Majestic West Coast waters of British Columbia. Our ecotourism adventures will take you to Barkley Sound, the Broken Group Islands, Pacific Rim National Park, Clayoquot Sound and the Deer Group Islands. We provide Part-day, Full-day, and Multi-day trips. Camp on pristine beaches, eat gourmet food, hike through dense rain forests, and learn about the rich variety of Pacific Coast seashore life. Rental kayaks available. |
| Listing Details |
| |
Ocean Outfitters Ltd, Tofino |
|
|
Ocean Outfitters is the perfect place to kick off all of your Tofino activities! Join us for Whale Watching and Bear Watching aboard our luxury covered vessels, or for a real thrill, jump aboard a Zodiac and go 'Wildside'! Cruise through our west coast Eden, enjoying miles of spectacular scenery. Watch gray whales and black bears, plus opportunities to see humpbacks, transient orca, sea otters, sea lions, eagles, and seabirds. Hot Springs Cove offers all the wildlife, plus a rainforest hike and soak in these remote natural pools. |
| Listing Details |
| |
Remote Passages Marine Excursions, Tofino |
|
|
Whether watching whales, dipping into Hot Springs Cove, or kayaking to a rainforest trail, people of all ages have enjoyed our excursions since 1986. We launch out of Tofino in Clayoquot Sound on the west coast of Vancouver Island, just minutes from Long Beach and Pacific Rim National Park. We look forward to welcoming you aboard for a Clayoquot Sound adventure by Remote Passages. |
| Listing Details |
| |
The Whale Centre, Tofino |
|
|
Experience the thrill of seeing whales up close - Killer whales (Orcas), Humpback whales, and Gray Whales - or watch otters, black bears, and birds in their natural habitat in beautiful Clayoquot Sound, on the west coast of Vancouver Island. For a true west coast safari, combine whale watching with a soak in the natural hot spring at Hot Springs Cove. |
| Listing Details |
|
| More
Information |
|
Parks Canada
- British Columbia
Box 129, 23433 Mavis Avenue
Fort Langley, BC, V1M 2R5
Phone: (604) 513-4777
Gulf Islands National Park Reserve
2220 Harbour Road
Sidney, BC, V8L 2P6
Phone: (250) 654-4000
|
|
|
Web
Design by Sage
Internet Solutions.
