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Victoria. (3/4 hr.)
Seattle (1 hr)

Vancouver (5 hrs including ferry)

Victoria. (4.5 hrs)

Seattle (8 hrs including ferry )

Nanaimo (2.5 hrs)

Port Alberni (1.5 hrs)

WEATHER

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Includes current radar image

Click here for regional weather www.weatheroffice.com

BC FERRIES

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Many West Coast attractions are accessible only by boat.
Let Subtidal bring you to the adventure!

C A L E N D A R

M A R C H

Pacific Rim Whale Festival March - April

Gray Whales have heralded the coming of spring along the west coast of Vancouver Island for thousands of years. Grays travel close to shore, pausing to feed in shallow waters, providing excellent viewing opportunities from strategic shore locations or get much closer aboard a whale watching tour with Subtidal Adventures.

As well as the unique opportunity to see these huge marine mammals, the festival offers educational programs in Pacific Rim National Park, and fun events in the communities of Ucluelet and Tofino designed to involve the whole family. Ocean scientists and whale researcher present educational programs about whale migration, biology and the conservation efforts that have brought the Gray whales back from the edge of extinction. There will be lots to see, do and learn, so come on over to the wild west coast to see the Gray Whales on Parade!

A P R I L

Whales are still in migration by the thousands, especially in the first weeks of the month.

The Month of the Flying Geese
& Shorebird Festival

In the Nuu-Chah-Nulth language, April is aptly known as the Month of the Flying Geese. In addition to the thousands of Gray Whales that migrate past our shores in April, tens of thousands of birds and wildfowl reach the West Coast in their annual migration. Ucluelet/Tofino is directly in the path of the Pacific Flyway, and is an ideal location for nature watchers. Overhead large flocks of birds fill the sky.

The estuaries along Barkley Sound and Clayoquot Sound are resting places for the flocks. Along the beaches, watch for migrating shore birds and in the newly emerging greenery, seek out the migrating songbirds. This is an excellent opportunity to take a bird watching excursion ON LAND OR SEA.

M A Y

Whales trailing behind the main group of migrating animals can be seen, some may stop to feed for extended periods of time. Sea lions are plentiful resting on rocky islands.

J U N E

Resident grey whales and humpback whales may be found along the coast. Seals & Sea Lions are visible in good numbers. Bears are more frequently seen.

Annual Golf Tournaments are also held this time of year.

J U L Y

This is peak season for visitors to the Pacific Rim. The weather is at its warmest (never hot however) and animals are also enjoying the best summer has to offer. Whales who choose not to migrate all the way to the Bering Sea are attracted to the rich, protected waters of Barkley Sound. Bears can be seen on beaches and sea lions follow fishing trollers looking for a free handout.

Canada Day July 1

The West Coast's annual celebration of Canada's Birthday. Festivities include Colour Guard Parade, children's crafts and activities, sandcastle competition, beach volleyball, free family BBQ and more! Sponsored by Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the Ucluelet Recreation Department, activities will take place on Wickaninnish Beach.

Ukee Days Late July

A weekend of fun for the whole family! The fun starts on Friday with a Salmon Barbecue on the Village Green followed by the Whiskey Dock Run. The light-hearted run required relay teams dressed in "Full Ukee" (rain gear and rubber boots) to run from the Government Dock uphill to Peninsula Road, pushing wheelbarrows loaded with "supplies". Saturday events include a parade, Lions Club pancake breakfast, Ukee Days Dance, kids games, face painting, live entertainment, exhibitors, contests, prizes and much more. The highlight of Sunday activities is the Logger Sports.

A U G U S T

Still peak season for visitors to the Pacific Rim, the weather remains warm and animals such as whales, sealions and bears can be seen enjoying the bounty of the summer. Whales who choose not to migrate feed on krill and small mudworms in the shallow, protected waters of Barkley Sound.

Pacific Rim Summer Festival
July - August

The Pacific Rim Summer Festival presents two weeks of chamber music and some multi-cultural concerts featuring national and international performers.Venues in Ucluelet, Tofino, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. There are nightly concerts throughout the festival. Tickets are moderately priced through local outlets. www.prcmf.org

S E P T E M B E R

The warm calm weather usually persists into September to the delight of the "second" season visitors (after the families with children return home). It is easier to book whale watching trips without reservations and some accommodations lower their prices. Seabirds begin to migrate in astonishing numbers using the Long Beach area as a resting and feeding ground. Whales also migrate south for the winter, but further off shore than in the spring months. Hungery whales will still visit Barkley Sound for a quite feed.

O C T O B E R

Sealions gather to intercept ever increasing numbers of salmon as they start their fall spawning in the creeks of Vancouver Island. Whales and bears can also be seen fattening up for the winter ahead. This is a time of cystal clear days and crisp nights, mixed with the start of winter storms bringing the rain the salmon need to fill the creeks. Expect dramatic shifts in weather, often very different from area to area.

October Fall Festival October

Ucluelet Gala Auction, Halloween Howl, Scarecrows, "Catch and Release" Pumpkins, Murder Mystery Dinner.

N O V E M B E R - F E B R U A R Y

The Perfect Storm Cruise

Although whales are less likely to be seen, sea lions, seals and bald eagles are plentiful. Subtidal Adventures boat cruises are still available to the Broken Group Islands, which are just as pretty in the winter. Storm watching from shore is a popular activity. Or, ask about our winter harbour tour we call The Perfect Storm Cruise.

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