Every March, the coastline of Vancouver Island becomes a front-row seat to one of the greatest wildlife journeys on Earth. The Pacific Rim Whale Festival returns once again with an annual celebration of marine life, coastal culture, and, most importantly, the arrival of Pacific Grey Whales on their northern migration.
For a full week, Tofino, Ucluelet, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve come alive with ocean-themed events, community gatherings, and hands-on learning that spotlights the incredible story of these gentle giants..
The Stars of the Festival: Grey Whales on the Move
The festival is timed around a breathtaking natural phenomenon: the northbound migration of an estimated 16,650 grey whales traveling from the warm breeding lagoons of Baja to the cold, food-rich waters of the Bering and Chukchi Seas.
This round-trip (up to 22,500 km!) is one of the longest migrations of any mammal.
During March, many of these whales travel close to shore, making the Pacific Rim one of the very best places in the world to see them from land or sea.
Festival Highlights You Won’t Want to Miss
The 2026 lineup blends education, celebration, and old-fashioned coastal fun. Whether you’re a wildlife lover, a family with kids, or simply someone who wants to soak up the West Coast spirit, there’s an event for you.
Parade of Whales & Wonder
A colourful, ocean-themed parade weaving through Tofino: floats, costumes, community groups, and plenty of coastal charm.
Maritime Kids Days
Hands-on marine activities, games, and learning stations that turn the ocean into a playground of discovery for young explorers.
The Baleen Bash (Closing Night)
A lively finale honouring the whales’ migration, community traditions, and the volunteers who keep the festival thriving. Expect music, storytelling, and a celebration of the coast’s deep connection to marine life.
Why This Migration Matters
Grey whales rely on two things:
Warm, sheltered waters to give birth and raise their calves in winter.
Cold, nutrient-rich waters in the northern Pacific to fuel their survival.
Calves are born with very little blubber, so they spend their first weeks in Baja’s calm lagoons before making the long journey north beside their mothers. They’ll gain up to 90 kg per day from their mother’s rich milk.
Once they reach the Arctic feeding grounds, the whales spend the summer scooping amphipods, mysids, and crab larvae from the ocean floor; filtering food through hundreds of baleen plates in their jaws.
Some greys stop and feed locally near the Pacific Rim instead of continuing further north, offering visitors a chance to see them lingering in Clayoquot and Barkley Sounds well into spring and summer.
A Coastal Tradition Rooted in Marine Conservation
While the festival is full of lively events, at its core it’s about education, stewardship, and long-term protection of marine ecosystems. Local organizations, presenters, and volunteers come together to share knowledge about whales, coastal habitats, and the importance of keeping the Pacific Rim wild and thriving.
Last year alone, the festival:
- Hosted 29 events
- Welcomed 3,000+ guests
- Provided youth learning opportunities through whale ID workshops and marine-mammal courses
It’s a celebration with purpose: keeping the spotlight on conservation while bringing communities together.
Stay & Whale Watch With Us
Make the most of whale season by staying right on the water at Tofino Resort + Marina, your front-row seat to the grey whale migration.
Wake up steps from the ocean, enjoy a cozy West Coast basecamp, and head out with our Adventure Centre for an unforgettable whale-watching tour through Clayoquot Sound.
Our crew knows these waters better than anyone, and March is one of the best times of year to meet the migrating greys up close.