2012 Holidays, Events & Festivals
January | February | March | April | May | June |July | August | September | October | November | December
January 2012
Sunday January 1: New Year's DayStorm Watching Season
Watch the breathtaking beauty and power of a winter storm. The wild west coast is green year-round and coastal breezes keep the temperatures mild. Mild west coast weather becomes punctuated with wildly powerful storms. Rainbows, surf pounded beaches, mists and storm clouds alternate in beauty.
February 2012
Tuesday February 14: Valentine's Day
Storm Watching Season
Watch the breathtaking beauty and power of a winter storm. The wild west coast is green year-round and coastal breezes keep the temperatures mild. Mild west coast weather becomes punctuated with wildly powerful storms. Rainbows, surf pounded beaches, mists and storm clouds alternate in beauty.
March 2012
Great Gray Whale Migration
Thousands of Gray whales pass the west coast of Vancouver Island during their annual spring migration in March and April. This is the best time of year to see groups of whales with young. Later in the year resident whales are typically seen. The best way to see whales is on a nature tour with one of our experienced local operators.
March 17-25, 2012: Pacific Rim Whale Festival
Each spring the entire North American population of Pacific Grey Whales migrate along the west coast of Vancouver Island, B.C. An estimated 22,000 Grey Whales make the 16,000 km round-trip journey between their mating and calving lagoons on the Mexican Baja Peninsula and their summer feeding grounds in the Bering and Chukchi Seas near the Arctic.Along the west coast of Vancouver Island whales travel close to the shoreline, providing excellent viewing opportunities from the rocky headlands along the outer coast of our waters. Get even closer to these animals when you venture out onto the open Pacific aboard local charter boats or floatplanes offering whale-watching excursions.
The hosting villages of Tofino and Ucluelet, along with Pacific Rim National Park Reserve offer a wide range of events providing entertaining and educational activities for all. www.pacificrimwhalefestival.org
Saturday March 17: St Patrick's Day
April 2012
Sunday April 1: April Fool's Day
Friday April 6: Good Friday
Sunday April 8: Easter
Monday April 9: Easter Monday
Great Gray Whale Migration
Thousands of Gray whales pass the west coast of Vancouver Island during their annual spring migration in March and April. This is the best time of year to see groups of whales with young. Later in the year resident whales are typically seen. The best way to see whales is on a nature tour with one of our experienced local operators.
The Month of the Flying Geese
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.
Tofino Shorebird Festival
Every year beginning in mid-to-late April flocks of sandpipers, plovers, whimbrels, and many other shorebirds pass through the Tofino area. Celebrate the annual migration of thousands of migratory shorebirds with slide shows, lectures, birding outings and other shorebird-related events. www.raincoasteducation.org
May 2012
Feast! Tofino-Ucluelet
A month long culinary celebration of the best food and wine that Tofino & Ucluelet has to offer!
Sunday May 6: Mother's Day
Monday May 21: Victoria Day (Canada)
June 2012
June 1 to 3: Tofino Food and Wine FestivalThe Annual Tofino Food and Wine Festival is a three-day weekend of great food and wine, showcasing BC's gastronomical food and wine products and Tofino's culinary talent. The festival is a fundraiser for the local trails as well as the location of the main event, the Tofino Botanical Gardens, a non profit foundation. www.tofinofoodandwinefestival.com
Sunday June 10: 12th Annual Edge To Edge Marathon
The Edge to Edge marathon is an annual event that brings runners from all over the world to the beautiful West Coast of Vancouver Island, Canada. It is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the tranquility and unique character that Tofino and Ucluelet share; surrounded by subtle yet rich cultural heritage and pristine natural beauty. www.edgetoedgemarathon.com
July 2012
Sunday July 1: Canada Day
Celebrate Canada's birthday with parades, live entertainment and BBQ picnics at Tofino's Village Green, Ucluelet's Village Square and the Wickaninnish Interpretive Centre in the Pacific Rim National Park.Summer Interpretive Program Schedule, Raincoast Education Society
The Raincoast Education Society is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to building awareness and appreciation for our local environment and building more sustainable communities. Interpretive walks and programs are held in Tofino & Ucluelet throughout the summer.
For an up-to-date schedule of events or more information about the Raincoast Education Society, visit www.raincoast education.org
Wednesday July 4: Independence Day (US)
TBA: Pacific Rim Summer Festival
The Pacific Rim Summer Festival presents two weeks of chamber music and multi-cultural concerts featuring national and international performers. Nightly concerts are performed at venues in Ucluelet, Tofino, and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.
Tickets are moderately priced through local outlets. For more information please contact Margaret Mazzoni at 250-726-7572.
For more information about the Pacific Rim Summer Festival, visit www.pacificrimarts.ca
TBA: Ukee Days
A weekend of fun for the whole family! The festivities of Ukee Days kicks off with a scrumptious Salmon BBQ. The next morning begins with a pancake breakfast and parade. Enjoy two event-filled days of Logger Sports, kids games, face painting, live entertainment, great selections of food and crafts, contests, prizes and much more! For more information, please call Abby Fortune at 250-726-4772.
Every Saturday: Saturday Market in Tofino
Come meet all the local vendors who "make it, bake it or grow it" at the Tofino Saturday Market each Saturday throughout the summer from 10am to 2pm at Tofino's Village Green.
Pacific Rim National Park: Public Summer Programs
From late June to early September, park interpreters offer daily programs including guided rainforest walks, tidepool walks, fish and plant T-shirt printing and evening theatre shows. Theatre shows are in an indoor heated theatre at Green Point Campground.
Thrill to shipwreck stories, unravel the mysteries of the rainforest and marvel at the secret life of sea stars and slugs. Discover the rich heritage of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations or create wearable West Coast art! Watch for advertising posted at park facilities and on bulletin boards.
Park interpreters are available to answer your natural and cultural history questions at the Wickaninnish Centre.
August 2012
Monday August 6: BC DayEvery Saturday: Saturday Market in Tofino
Come meet all the local vendors who "make it, bake it or grow it" at the Tofino Saturday Market each Saturday throughout the summer from 10am to 2pm at Tofino's Village Green.
Pacific Rim National Park: Public Summer Programs
From late June to early September, park interpreters offer daily programs including guided rainforest walks, tidepool walks, fish and plant T-shirt printing and evening theatre shows. Theatre shows are in an indoor heated theatre at Green Point Campground.
Thrill to shipwreck stories, unravel the mysteries of the rainforest and marvel at the secret life of sea stars and slugs. Discover the rich heritage of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations or create wearable West Coast art! Watch for advertising posted at park facilities and on bulletin boards.
Park interpreters are available to answer your natural and cultural history questions at the Wickaninnish Centre.
Summer Interpretive Program Schedule, Raincoast Education Society
The Raincoast Education Society is a non-profit charitable organization dedicated to building awareness and appreciation for our local environment and building more sustainable communities. Interpretive walks and programs are held in Tofino & Ucluelet throughout the summer.
For an up-to-date schedule of events or more information about the Raincoast Education Society, visit www.raincoast education.org
September 2012
Monday September 3: Labour DayOctober 2012
Monday October 8: Thanksgiving Day (Canada)Wednesday October 31: Halloween
TBA: Eight on the Edge, 8km Run/Walk
An event for all, the "Eight on the Edge" takes place on the famous Wild Pacific Trail. The Start/Finish is at Tugwell Park on Forbes Rd, so come out an experience the big cedars, the big waves and the big finish!
Looking for a running partner? Why not join the Ucluelet Running Yahoo Group. This online space allows local runners to share information regarding training tips, upcoming events, and to arrange group runs. Send an e-mail to ukeerunclub-subscribe@yahoogroups.ca to become part of the listserv.
Fabulous Fungi – Fall Mushroom Picking Season
In Clayoquot Sound during the fall (typically September, October and early November), the mushrooms emerge. Mushroom hunting can be an enjoyable pastime and greatly enhance your appreciation for the wonders of the rainforest. Remember the importance of fungi and be sure to walk softly of the earth.
Annual Return of the Salmon
Witness the impressive sight of hundreds of wild Pacific salmon swimming up small creeks to spawn. Near Long Beach, the Kootowis-Staghorn Interpretive Drive offers excellent interpretive signs and drive-to viewing areas ideal for observing this impressive migration. The presence of so may fish also draws bald eagles, bears seagulls very intent on feasting.
November 2012
Sunday November 11: Remembrance DayTBA: Clayoquot Oyster Festival
The Clayoquot Oyster Festival is a celebration of the abundance and beauty of the sea. In Clayoquot Sound, oysters give us lots to celebrate about. On most of the oyster farms in Clayoquot Sound, oysters hang on long lines in the deep, cold waters filtering water to eat and grow. Currently about 50,000 gallons of Pacific Oysters (Crassiostrea Gigas) are harvested annually in the area.
The 13th annual Clayoquot Oyster Festival celebrates oysters with oyster farm tours, educational seminars, the Mermaid's Ball, and of course the ever popular Oyster Gala.
Storm Watching Season Begins!
Watch the breathtaking beauty and power of a winter storm. The wild west coast is green year-round and coastal breezes keep the temperatures mild. Mild west coast weather becomes punctuated with wildly powerful storms. Rainbows, surf pounded beaches, mists and storm clouds alternate in beauty.
December 2012
Storm Watching SeasonWatch the breathtaking beauty and power of a winter storm. The wild west coast is green year-round and coastal breezes keep the temperatures mild. Mild west coast weather becomes punctuated with wildly powerful storms. Rainbows, surf pounded beaches, mists and storm clouds alternate in beauty.
Christmas (Tuesday Dec. 25) & New Year's Celebrations (Monday Dec. 31) at Long Beach Lodge Resort
Celebrate the Holiday Season on the beach at Long Beach Lodge Resort and leave the stresses of the season and the decorating to us! Santa's helpers will transform the Resort with lights and decorations. You will feel right at home settled into an overstuffed chair close to the Christmas Tree in the Great Room... all the while, soaking in the warmth of the massive wood-burning fireplace and enjoying the views and sounds of the crashing winter surf.
Chef and his team will take you on a culinary journey from sea to land with a spectacular celebratory dinner to ring in 2013! It is sure to be an evening to remember as your palate explores the bounty of the ocean, forest and farms and the entertainment will bring in the New Year with flair.
