Getting Here
Location
Located on the West Coast of Vancouver Island, the Pacific Rim Whale Festival takes place within the hosting communities of Tofino, Ucluelet and the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve. To assist you in learning more about the area, we've provided some links below to more informative websites on the individual communities.
Land Acknowledgement
As you enjoy the various events of the festival while visiting Tofino (Načiks) & Ucluelet (Yuułuʔiłʔatḥ) we encourage you to also reflect on those who have cared for these lands for many millennia prior to European contact.
The Pacific Rim Whale Fest operates on the traditional territories of Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations including:
Tofino & Clayoquot Sound: Tla-o-qui-aht, Ahousaht, Hesquiaht
Ucluelet & Barkley Sound: Yuu-cluth-aht, Toquaht, Huu-ay-aht, Tse-shaht, Uchucklesaht
Support indigenous-owned businesses: Ahousaht Adventures, Wya Point, Keltsmaht_adventures, Tin Wis Resort, Tsawaak Campground
Tofino
Tofino is a village of 2500+ residents on the west coast of Vancouver Island in British Columbia, located on the tip of the Esowista Peninsula at the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound.
Due to its rugged beauty and access to the expansive ocean and rainforest, Tofino attracts surfers, nature lovers, campers, whale watchers, fishermen, or anyone just looking to enjoy the outdoors.
Ucluelet
Often known as Tofino’s quiet neighbour, Ucluelet is a growing village with a stunning coastline, scenery, and culture within Barkley Sound. From the sheltered inner harbour, enjoy watching seals, sea lions, eagles and more before venturing out to the open coast to spot whales or go fishing. From land, enjoy the many miles of picturesque trails winding through the rainforest along the Wild Pacific Trail. Ucluelet offers unlimited adventure waiting for you.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is nestled in the traditional territories of the Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations along the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Pacific Rim National Park Reserve is part of Canada’s system of national parks, historic sites and marine conservation areas. Parks Canada established Pacific Rim to represent, protect and present the coastal plains portion of the Pacific Coast Mountains and the near-shore waters of the west coast of Vancouver Island.
Ways to Travel
By Land
Tofino & Ucluelet are located on the west coast of Vancouver Island, approximately 4.5-5 hours from Victoria, 2.5-3 hours from Nanaimo, and 1.5-2 hours from the closest city of Port Alberni.
Note: All Season M/S Rating or Winter tires are required when driving Highway 4 to Ucluelet from October 1st to March 31st each year.
Helpful Tip: Visit Drive BC for real-time highway conditions and webcams at the Port Alberni Summit and Sutton Pass.
Looking for an alternative way to get to and travel around Tofino & Ucluelet? Check out the following:
By Air
While the drive across Vancouver Island to Tofino & Ucluelet is picturesque, if you’re looking to skip hours on the road you can fly directly to the West Coast into the Tofino-Long Beach Airport with:
You can also fly by seaplane to Tofino with:
If flying to Vancouver Island and driving, you can fly into the following airports across the island:
By Water
If driving to Tofino & Ucluelet via the mainland, you’ll have to travel by ferry to get to Vancouver Island before making your way to the coast.
BC Ferries has various routes from mainland BC to Vancouver Island with multiple daily departures.
If you’re travelling from Washington you can get to Vancouver Island with: