Ucluelet, Vancouver Island, British Columbia

© AWL Images/DanitaDelimont.co

Big splashes, bigger journeys. Pacific Rim Whale Festival

Imagine a 15-metre giant gliding through the ocean, its mottled grey skin rough with barnacles—this is the grey whale. Every spring, over 14,500 grey whales swim along the Pacific Coast on their annual migration from Mexico's Baja Peninsula to the Arctic, covering 13,000 kilometres. The Pacific Rim Whale Festival marks this natural event with a week-long celebration in Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. Started in the 1980s, the festival was brought to life to raise awareness about marine conservation and to celebrate the coastal environment.

Visitors can participate in whale-watching tours, guided nature walks and hands-on science activities. Indigenous-led storytelling sessions provide insight into the deep connections between First Nations communities and the ocean. Beyond education, there's a baleen bash for music lovers, art exhibits and family-friendly fun. It is also a great time to learn about ocean protection, with experts discussing topics like plastic pollution and climate change. While attending, remember to wear your best ocean theme costume and witness the Parade of Whales and Wonder take place in the heart of Tofino.